Adding live tooling to existing CNC turning machines or including this function for a new machine tool purchase makes a great deal of sense if you want to improve productivity by reducing part handling for multiple operations. Live tooling enables off-center, secondary operations such as drilling, tapping, and end milling on the part face and around the diameter. As is the case whenever thinking about machine tool options, you’ll want to consider a number of factors so you can make the best decision. Here are five basic issues to consider:
- When working with a 2-axis lathe, make sure you have enough turret stations for the total number of static and live tools required for your operations. Some 2-axis lathes have limited numbers of live stations, so it’s important to consider your overall tooling needs.
- If any of your processes require coolant delivery through the live tooling, be sure the live tool holders you choose are plumbed for this purpose. It’s also important to determine if the live tooling is rated to withstand the amount of coolant pressure required for your applications. Working on many exotic alloys, for example, may require greater coolant psi.
- Some lathes that support live tooling will perform drilling and milling only on the centerline of the X- and Z-axis. If you plan to perform off center operations, you need a Y-axis.
- You’ll need the appropriate number of X- and Z-axis live tool holders to match your requirements, along with tool clamping that matches the tool shank design.
- Adding the necessary number of static and live tools to the turret may create adjacent tool station interference with the workpiece when facing to centerline on parts sized close to the maximum turning diameter of the machine.
There’s more to know, of course, and your Milwaukee Haas Factory Outlet can answer any questions you may have. Call (310) 381-0750, email: jphillips@haasfactoryoutlet.com, or visit www.haasfactoryoutlet.com.