The Hardinge Group Blog

 On a lathe with Y axis capability, the 3D coordinate conversion feature will allow the user to machine angled features though the ability to easily rotate the axis coordinate system to the angle required for machining. An adjustable angular live tool head is required (or a full B axis) for presenting the cutting tool in the proper aspect to the rotated plane to machine.

Programming would be as if the user were in the traditional X,Y and Z plane, then rotating to the desired angle. This would allow the same programming methodology to be utilized onto a rotated plane, greatly simplifying the programming of angled features. This feature is capable on milling or drilling, tapping, milling flats, pocketing, circular interpolation, helical interpolation and thread milling.

The NEW QUEST CHNC machines combine the best attributes of two enduring Hardinge legends: the CHNC turret lathe and the Hardinge Super-Precision Gang Tooler.

Those of you who were familiar with the CHNC of years past will recognize the 8 or 4 sided top plate that offered a wide variety (up to 24!) of small tools to be accommodated for all sorts of high precision small parts turning.

Because the top plates are quickly interchangeable, individual top plates can be dedicated to specific repeat jobs, enabling rapid changeover of complete tooling setups in literally minutes time.

The new Quest CHNC features a new servo motor high-speed indexing mechanism with a indexing repeatability of ten millionths of an inch – the finest indexing accuracy ever offered in a CNC turret lathe!  Combine that with Hardinge’s unique Super-Precision specification and you have simply: the most accurate turret lathe ever built!

We have combined this with the well-proven solid Harcrete base and Super-Precision Spindle of the Hardinge GT 27 SP machine to provide maximum accuracy and rigidity for highest precision applications in difficult-to-machine aerospace alloys and medical applications.

The Quest CHNC is not a machine for all applications.  However, if you have a need to hold the smallest tolerances possible for precision instruments, aerospace parts, medical parts, including hard turning and exotic stainless, then the Hardinge Quest CHNC may be just the machine for you.

When running a bar feed system connected to a lathe or in an application where supporting a long shaft in the main spindle is required, a spindle liner system should be employed. Hardinge offers spindle liner kits of various styles for all Hardinge cnc lathe products offered. Solid one piece and machinable bushing styles are available. Either style can be utilized to support the material and eliminate the typical bar vibration. It is recommended to machine the spindle liner bushings to a maximum of 1/32” over the bar diameter. By utilizing a spindle liner system bar vibration and whip will be held to a minimum thus allowing the user to operate the machine at maximum spindle speed. This also allows the user to obtain the best surface finish and tolerance holding capability possible in these applications.