Floyd Automatic offers Mowidec-TT spindle centring system for sliding-head turning centres
1 min read
Floyd Automatic is now able to supply the Mowidec-TT spindle centring system, which was first seen in the UK at MACH. The system provides a simple and fast method to perfectly centre tools on the main or counter spindles of sliding-head lathes.
When changing the set-up or settings on an automatic lathe, operators frequently have to re-centre the spindles, usually with a dial test indicator. The process is restrictive and often omitted to the detriment of product quality and tool life. With the Mowidec-TT, however, centring is carried out without removing either the guide bush or the tools. The method does not require complicated equipment or special training and is so simple that users start centring systematically, says Floyd Automatic.
With some small adaptations, the Mowidec-TT system is capable of checking the alignment of the headstock, guide bush and sub-spindle. The Mowidec digital readout control panel can be mounted on the machine housing with a magnetic pad in a position where the user can see a clear indication of the measurements to within a micron. Additionally, with the touch of a button the system can offer an imperial measurement display. Incorporating an electronic proximity sensor, the Mowidec-TT gives the operator a very high precision measurement without any contact.
An adapter ring containing a contactless transverse sensor is fitted to the spindle. The tool is moved manually opposite the spindle with the sensor positioned visually at short range. The unit is re-set to zero, the spindle is turned 180º and the unit shows an error in the diameter vertically. All that remains is to correct the machine offsets by half (radius error), reset the unit to zero and rotate the spindle to its original position. Any residual error appears on the unit to the nearest micron. To correct the position horizontally, the spindle is then rotated 90º and any error is displayed. This axis can then be corrected either mechanically or with the software. This procedure is suitable for aligning the drilling spindle in relation to the headstock.
By simply changing the sensor bearing ring, it is possible to re-align the secondary operation machine spindle or even the spindle and counter spindle simultaneously. The system can be used for any alignment problem and remains the same for all machine types, only the adapter ring varies.
