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Linear measuring system
Unveiled recently, Heidenham's Certo
comprises a CT60 digital length gauge,
granite base stand and VRZ 210
display. An accuracy of -+ 0.1 /~m over
the full travel of 60mm (at 19°-21 ° C)
~s claimed for the system. The incre-
mental measuring principle of the
length gauge incorporates a quartz
scale with a 'Diadur' grating which is
scanned photoelectrically. A marker
pulse on the scale allows simple
re-establishment of datum point after
power interruption, switch.ng off or
zeroing.
Heidenhain (GB) Ltd, 200
London Road, Burgess Hall, West
Sussex RH159RD, U K o r Dr Johannes
Heldenham GmbH, Postfach 1260,
D-8225 Traunreut, FRG
The Certo display counter has a digital
step of O. 1 #rn. The V24 data output
permits connection to a printer or
input to a computer for data proces-
sing of the measuring value.
Tool wear compensation
Special-purpose boring machines can
be fitted with an automatic tool wear
compensation system developed
jointly by Sandvik and Marposs. The
system allows the cutting edge of a
rotating tool to be repos~tioned to
compensate for wear in variable steps
from 0.001 rnm to 0.099 mm to a
presentable maximum deflection up to
0.200 mm.
Tool wear compensation may be
negative or positive, depending on the
d~mensional variation of the previously
machined part. Backlash elimination ~s
incorporated m the system and, in
addition, the Autocomp system allows
retraction of the cutting edge from the
60
machined surface during the return
stroke, where applicable, to prevent
scoring.
The system is designed to be
used in combinatfon with any post
process gauging system; the gauging
equipment feeds back signals to a
m=croprocessor-based control unit
which operates a stepping motor
attached to the compensator. Th~s, m
turn, adjusts the setting of the cutting
edge. Metric or imperial operation can
be chosen. Radial range of the compen-
sation movement is 0.001 mm to
0 199 mm while the range of retrac-
tlon is 0.01 mm to 0.39 ram. A Marposs automatic too/wear
Metalworking Products Division, compensation system to fit to special
Sandvik Limited, Manor Way, Hales- purpose boring machines is available
owen, West Midlands B62 8QZ, UK from Sandvik
by its own closed loop, dc servo system
5-axis milling machine with optical encoder feedback, System
Designed primarily for the aerospace resolution =s 0.0001 in (2.54/~m).
industry, the BostoMatic 5-Axis profile The A-axis swing is 12 in (305 mm)
milling machine uses a programmable with 26 in (660 ram) between head-
5th-axis tilting spindle, with rotation stock and tailstock, and the B-axis
centred about the cutting tool tip. In pivots 100 ° either side of vertical. The
the machining of centrifugal impellers fifth ax=s tilt mechanism consists of a
and axial flow rotors the tilting spindle pre4oaded gearset for smooth, backlash-
technique has resulted in greater free, bi-directional movement, a large
accuracy of the blade profile, substan- diameter bearing for rigidity and a
tially shorter program tapes, and simple spring and cable counterbalance
improved cutting rate control and tool system for stable control of the head
rigidity. through its 200 degrees of motion.
Boston Digital Corporation, 86
Accuracy at the part is stated to
South Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748,
be -+ 0.0003 in (7.6 #m) - -+ 1 minute
USA
of arc rotational accuracy - because
the working distance from the pivot of
the B-axis is only the depth of the cut.
The tilting head eliminates the problem
of maintaining a constant feed rate
while one slide is chasing the part; the
tool tip tracks the junction of the hub
and the blade as though it were a 3-axis
die sinking operation. The constant
feed rate is completely independent of
the B-axis movement and enhances
cutter life and finish.
A rotary 4th axis and tailstock,
bolted solidly to the table, provide rigid
support for integral shaft rotary com-
ponents. A three-point cast iron base
and box section castings, used for all
structural members, produce rigidity,
good damping and lasting alignment
accuracy.
The 5-ax~s milling machine has a Bostomatic's 5-Axis milling machine
working envelope of 26 in (660 ram) features a programmable fifth~xis
in the X-axis and 14 in (356 mm) in tilting spindle which results in improved
the Y and Z axes. Each axis =s drzven cutting rate control and tool rigidity
A P R 1983 V O L 5 NO 2