CNC Ram Balance System Corrects For Spindle, Ram Droop

The Dynamic CNC Ram Balance System from Soraluce is designed to automatically correct for the effects of spindle and ram droop when the ram and/or quill are advanced and retracted to programmed positions. The CNC-controlled system is said to be effective virtually anywhere within the machine’s working envelope, which can range to 280" (7 m) of travel in the vertical axis. The balance system adjusts the ram traverse over the Y and Z axes, correcting both the position and the angle of the cutting tool with respect to the horizontal working plane.

The system is driven by a numerically controlled servomotor and is monitored and measured by the CNC control using an internal scale to confirm system performance. In addition to compensation tables in the CNC control for each head, a Heidenhain feedback scale with a servomotor adjustment system is mounted on the ram to provide real-time compensation of ram droop. The system works in both positive and negative directions, providing compensations for heads in a variety of weights and positions.

The system, which is carried in the vertical saddle, can be integrated with an automatic head changing system and can self-correct the true position of the quill/ram for milling heads ranging from 44 lbs (20 kg) to 3,500 lbs (1,600 kg). The system is said to guarantee a maximum deviation of less than 0.00157" (0.04 mm) for the ram droop at the spindle nose and 0.00048"/ft. (0.04 mm/m) over the complete ram traverse of 76" (1,900 mm). According to the company, actual results are typically below 0.00098" (0.025 mm) and 0.0003"/ft. (0.025 mm/m), respectively. The system operates independently from the fully integrated thermal compensation system.