Machine tools accessories have a huge impact on the overall performance of manufacturing machines. Cutting and shaping metals and other hard materials often involves boring, shearing, grinding and other deformation techniques. Machine tools accessories are used to fine-tune these processes by improving or maintaining the performance of the main equipment.
Machine tools can be customized and improved by using these useful accessories from TJR Precision Technology:
- Manual, automatic and rotary tailstocks
- Index control systems
- High-pressure coolant systems
Best Uses For Tailstocks
Tailstocks are among the most basic machining accessories. A tailstock or foot stock is usually used along with rotary tables, wood-turning lathe and engineering lathe to provide support to the longitudinal rotary axis of the material being shaped or cut. This accessory is particularly useful when shaping long and slender materials. Failure to use accessories like a tailstock can result in chatter or excessive bending of the objects being cut.
A typical tailstock is moved to the right position by manual sliding. Then, it is locked and the tool to be mounted is positioned with a lead screw.
Automatic tailstocks offer more accurate positioning and higher rigidity since it is pneumatically or hydraulically actuated. Rotary tailstocks are particularly useful for applications involving large workpieces. Like the automatic tailstock, a rotary tailstock has either a pneumatic or hydraulic brake system to ensure the workpiece stays rigid during the machining process.
Indexing Control Systems
High-tech machine tools accessories like indexer controllers are useful for setting the workpiece in a very precise position. Indexing control systems offer great flexibility when working with multiple machines. The simultaneous operations of tools is regulated by an indexer control system.
Indexer control systems determine how operations can move successively. Automated indexing can be done in various increments to carry out various sets of cycles with utmost precision.
Mass production often requires some sort of automation to be applied on indexing capabilities. Sustaining the cycle of motions at precise intervals is the key advantage of using automated indexing technologies.
The advent of robotics and advanced digital technology has greatly improved IT-enabled indexing. Advanced machine tools accessories like indexing control systems can harness digital information for position control, thereby boosting manufacturing efficiency.
High Pressure Coolant Systems
Some machine tools accessories are especially designed to maximize the lifespan of equipment. It is estimated that high pressure coolant systems can add 10 years on the lifespan of machining tools. Accessories like high pressure coolant systems are not directly involved in the machining operations. Instead, they provide maintenance support to keep the equipment in good condition for a longer period of time.
Effective use of high pressure coolants requires the use of high-pressure jets with proper targeting. The direction is important in the proper distribution of heat and its removal. When used properly, these systems can reduce the rate of wearing and the smearing of the workpiece on the cutting edge. This makes machining operations more efficient.
For machines that need extra heat control measures, these accessories are particularly useful. High pressure coolant systems protect equipment from the damaging effects of prolonged heat exposure. This gives manufacturers longer time to recover their investments on expensive machining equipment and high-tech cutting accessories.
At CNC Indexing & Feeding Technologies, we offer a range of machine rotary tables and accessories to suit any needs. Contact us today at 513-770-4200 to learn more.
