October 28, 2009
Introducing the newest member of Bridgeport’s Five Axis VMCs – - the fully-integrated 5-axis XR 300 5AX High-Performance vertical machining center is built to suit all manufacturing requirements. This machine is positioned in the top of Bridgeport’s machining center portfolio. Our 5-Axis VMCs are ideally suited for a diverse range of applications within the aerospace, automotive, motor sport, medical, mold and tool and die sectors.
The 255mm (10″) diameter integrated dual-axis rotary table with 150-degree tilt and 5-arc second accuracy enhances the machine’s flexibility and high precision machining capability. The ability to machine complex shapes, undercuts and difficult angles in a single setup reduces tooling cost and labor time, resulting in lower cost per part in addition to maintaining parts conformity throughout production runs. The machining center is equipped with a 48-tool carousel-type automatic tool changer (ATC) features random access, bidirectional indexing and 4.6-second chip-to-chip change time.
Learn More – Bridgeport XR 300 5AX
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Posted by hardingegroup
September 30, 2009
As both the speed and precision of machine tools have increased, the control of heat becomes critical to the maintenance of extremely close work piece tolerances in production. Close coolant temperature control can minimize center line migration on high-speed spindles and heat distortion of machined parts. Lower temperature coolants can increase tool life while reducing oxidation and evaporation.
For further information please feel free to contact the Hardinge Applications Engineering or the Hardinge Custom Solutions Team’s. 800-843-8801 # 7175 or info@hardinge.com
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Posted by hardingegroup
August 5, 2009
Synchronization is required for spindle transfer of odd-shaped parts including hex and square stock and for round parts using live tooling on the main and sub-spindles. Without synchronized collets extra programming and cycle time are required to line up the workpiece to properly transfer the part from one spindle to the other.
In most cases (draw-in style collets) a keyway is used to align the collets when inserting it into the spindle. Synchronized collets orient the part to a specified point on the workpiece. Hex and square collets are synchronized to the center of the flat or the corner. Hardinge will provide a high tolerance of within 15′ or ¼°. Still greater tolerance can be achieved when required. Collets for specific machines such as Acme Gridley, Hydromat and other multi-spindle lathes that already have a keyway can be synchronized to the customer’s specifications.
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Posted by hardingegroup
July 14, 2009
ER collets are offered in many different types and offered in many different sizes. The problem is that if you’re not careful with your purchase, you may end up with a lot of machining issues. This is a classic example where you do get what you payed for….
To start, ER collets do offer a lot of range, most will offer a gripping range of a full 1 mm, but the TIR of your cutting tool may shock you. If you are using an ER collet to grip and drill a hole, then bore the hole, most likely you are ok. If you plan on running a spot, tap drill, and tap, the TIR issue can give you a lot of problems, and broke taps.
The problem is simple to solve with 2 suggestions.
- Always purchase ER collets to size, meaning run a 1/8 ER with a 1/8 shank or 4 mm ER with a 4 mm shank, and avoid using that “gripping range”. This is just good common sense.
- When you purchase the ER collets, ask for Precision or Super-Precision variety. They are available, and these offer TIR down as low as .0002 of an inch and that just may be what you need for that small hole, precision work…
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Posted by hardingegroup
June 26, 2009
Today’s mid and high performance cnc lathes are often times ordered with a second or sub spindle option to help increase productivity by eliminating secondary machining operations. In order to get the most productivity from this type of machine option there are a number of additional options that should be considered. These options will increase production uptime, while minimizing the potential for machine damage.
Key options to consider:
- Parts Ejection
- Part Present Detection
- Thru Sub Spindle Coolant
- Sub Spindle Air blast
Sub spindle options are becoming more prevalent in today’s marketplace for lathes. All the above features should be considered when investigating a sub spindle option for a particular project. Additionally whenever the thru spindle coolant or air blast features are used, it may be beneficial to rotate the spindle at a slow (50rpm) speed while activating the option, to help allow the chips to evacuate better.
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Posted by hardingegroup
