Hi Steve,
I think this rotary table was designed to be an A axis for a good sized
mill.
Thanks for the tips on the Monarch machines. I'll take a look.
I was looking around the web and I didn't realize that some rotary table
manufacturers make 2 axis rotary tables. Those can't be cheap.
Dave
On 5/5/2011 5:18 PM, Steve Van Der Loo wrote:
> Hi Dave:
>
> If you can find a 5 axis machine on the cheap that is great. Usually
> cheap is worn out or/and old technology and 5 axis machines are
> relatively new. 5 axis profiling machines have been around for quite a
> while but I don't think they can move all the way around a part, which
> I think is what you are looking for. I haven't scoured the used
> machine tool market and I believe that a tilting head is not common
> relative to a rotary stacked on a trunnion table. I suspect that your
> machine could be home grown. Am I to believe that your rotary table is
> for the "A" axis? The Monarch Cortland 45/75/150 A series of machines
> might be a good candidate for you. A standard machine has about 24"
> from table to spindle nose. The quill housing is mounted to a slide
> that is their W axis. That surface is ground and parallel to the Z
> axis so you could mount a low profile rotating table there ("B" axis)
> and put the quill housing on the rotating portion of the table. When
> the table rotates then so does your quill. It sounds simple but it
> will take a lot of effort to make it work well especially if you still
> want the tool changer to function. The capacity of these machines is
> 3000 lbs or more. Some of them came with pallet changers which could
> be handy if your wanted to be able to do regular 3 axis work and not
> lose the "A" axis rotator set up.
>
> These machines may have draw backs depending on the type of work you
> need done. They have an odd ball 45 taper tool holder that uses 3
> balls or claws to hold them in the spindle. Most spindles are 3500 rpm
> with a 5300 rpm option. The quill is limited to 9" of travel. The W
> axis is not suitable for continuous motion; it locks in 1" increments.
> However it could be made variable with a feed back system. They have
> complicated pneumatic systems. Most of it would be obsoleted when
> going to EMC2. They are 70's and 80's machines which are probably in
> need of repair. However they are more repairable than most as many
> slideway components can be removed.
>
> You really need to figure out what your space requirements are starting
> with your maximum part size working outwards to determine the total
> axis travel needed. As you have already realized 5 axis machines are
> bigger for a given part volume than standard 3 axis machines. You may
> need a 30x50" travel machine to completely get around a 12" part.
>
> I am sure there are other machines that can do the job. But in any
> event it is going to use a lot of money and/or time to get it to go; 5
> axis is expensive.
>
> Steve
>
>
>
>> Message: 6
>> Date: Thu, 05 May 2011 14:38:28 -0400
>> From: Dave<[email protected]>
>> Subject: Re: [Emc-users] 3+2 axis machining center - 5 axis machine
>> advice.
>> To: [email protected]
>> Message-ID:<[email protected]>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>>
>> In the same vain... what type of mill would make a good 5 axis
>> conversion??
>>
>> I just bought a large rotary table with an integral servo drive and
>> motor. It has a 12" diameter slotted face plate and must weigh at
>> least 6-800 lbs.
>>
>> I'm looking for suggestions on what VMC might be big enough to handle a
>> sizeable rotary axis like this and also
>> be adaptable to a tilting type head?
>>
>> Basically I am trying to figure out how to put together a substantial 5
>> axis mill on the cheap.
>>
>> I've been working with a company that makes and purchases a lot of parts
>> made on 5 axis mills and the flexibility of a 5 axis setup is impressive.
>>
>> Or am I on the wrong track. Should I just look for a 5 axis mill with
>> dead controls and convert it?
>>
>> Any suggestions?
>>
>> Dave
>>
>
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