Do I have to use linear ways for a CNC retrofit?

[Apples]

Do I have to use linear ways for a CNC retrofit?

Assuming I want to CNC a mill, (like a bridgeport, knee?).

Do I have to run the table on a set of linear rails like Hiwin's, or will the original ground ways be okay?

Peter
Australia

[cam1]

HI: in a nutshell (in general terms)
Linear ways are used on CNC's to allow for rapid feeds & traverses , they exhibit less stiction,however linear ways are not as ridgid as box ways (for heavy cuts). We have a CNC toolroom mill with box ways that works beautifully. Dovetail ways will work just fine for a conversion, the limit will probably be the velocity that you can move the table.

regards

[Apples]

So linear way are not needed then. Well that then saves some cash as I will not have to buy them.

Also,


You mention "toolroom mill". Is this different to a normal mill?

I ask this because, if you go to www.machineryhouse.com.au and look under metalworking then mills. They have "milling machines", "precision milling machines" and then "quality toolroom milling machines".

So what is the differences? Just better quality do you think? Better tolerance on cuts etc?

Cheers,
Peter
Australia

[Andre' B]

Tool room machines may have once been built better then the typical shop floor machine I don't think that is so true anymore. The normal machines on the shop floor are getting really good.

The things that make a tool room machine is flexibility and ease of use when doing the strange and odd jobs they need to do. Less or no enclosure to get in the way of making whatever odd setup is needed for the job. More adjustments like head tilt and swing. Wide range of spindle speeds etc..

The main thing that makes a tool room machine, is a good imaginative operator.

[cam1]

Hi
I agree with Andre'B, I used the term toolroom machine because our CNC mill is a vertical/horizontal mill, often used because of the degrees of freedom we have with 1 off setups. This unit hase a Bridgeport type head, and massive box ways. I almost prefer to use this one as opposed to the VMC, as the lack of an enclosure makes setups a breeze.

regards

PS we're freezing here in Canada, with record snowfalls.

regards