Lathe Incorporates Electronic Servo Motor, Threading Computer

The Hardinge Group has replaced the mechanical gearbox in the HLV toolroom lathe with an electronic servomotor and threading computer. This is said to both eliminate the need to purchase gears for different inch or metric threads and to ease left-hand threading. Thread range is 0.10 to 6.50 mm (4 to 250 tpi), and as many as four multiple-start threads can be machined.

A brushless servomotor provides 5 Nm (44 inch-pounds) of continuous torque to the 8-pitch threading lead screw. The green 3.2" LCD mounted in the DRO case provides visual threading information. The 32-button keypad allows the operator to quickly enter thread data into the threading computer’s 4-MB internal memory. A compact Flash socket and USB port are included.

The DRO is said to provide accurate tool positioning, allowing the operator to cut to “zero” reading. X- and Z-axis positions appear in the seven-digit display with 40 millionths resolution. The spindle speed’s four-digit reading also appears in the red LED display. Readout features include set zero mode for each axis, diameter/radius mode (X axis), inch/metric mode and absolute/incremental mode.

The lathe features a high-precision, 5C collet-ready spindle with a maximum spindle runout (TIR) of 0.000025" (0.00065 mm). According to the company, the preloaded spindle ensures maximum rigidity and sustained accuracy, eliminating end play and radial play for truer turning. Infinitely variable spindle speeds from 100 to 3,000 rpm are possible, and the 3.7-kW (5-hp) belted drive system provides 20 Nm (15 foot-pounds) of torque. According to the company, the fast and easy lever-operated collet closer provides positive workpiece gripping. The company offers a range of precision spindle tooling to suit virtually any workholding application.

The dovetail design of the hand-scraped, full-bearing carriage and bedways is said to provide maximum tool rigidity for high-accuracy machining. The one-piece tailstock body features a hardened and precision-ground #2MT spindle.