What machine did you end up going with?
We are in pursuit of winning a family of shafts with a current customer that are now being made in China. These are for small motors ranging from a 1/2" dia. shaft to 1 1/2" dia.
These have very tight tolerance with a bearing journal at each end that must run concentric within .0004" of each other with a distance of about 4.5" on some shafts between the journals and an over all length of about 5 1/2" on the smaller diameter shafts and the 1 1/2 shaft OAL of 7.5".
Looking for opinions from those that have knowledge of citizens and star swiss lathes and which is considered the more reliable, and capable to complete the above mentioned shafts. The journal diameters also have to be within +- .0002". We know it will be a challange and will be doing test cutting with the reseller to prove the job will run before purchase.
Please give detail explaining your opinion! Is one machine in the industry already considered the better machine? Sort of like comparing a Hardinge to Haas.
Thanks,
Chad
Northern Machining Inc
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What machine did you end up going with?
ANSWER:
NONE!
Those are grinding tolerances. In that kind of production, holding a .0004 total tolerance (+/-.0002) is not going to happen on that described part over and over on a Swiss lathe.
Could it make 95% of the part? YES. But there would need to be finish OD or Centerless grinding done to finish the part.
Tired of these stupid people in this industry driving everything down with their lack of knowledge and experience.
"Oh it's a CNC......it can do anything!"