As CNC machine tool technology has evolved it’s possible to do more operations better, faster and at lower cost than ever before. These advances also mean that there are more machine components and accessories to monitor and maintain. Often overlooked are rotary or trunnion tables that reduce setup and cycle times and, in many applications, enable the machining of complex parts.
Properly functioning rotaries and trunnions are essential to making accurate parts, and like other critical machine components should be checked regularly for signs of wear or damage. The most obvious tipoff that something is wrong with the rotary device is that you experience difficulty setting up a part, or begin producing out-of-tolerance parts. However there are 3 simple checks that, if done regularly, can help keep your rotary tables and trunnions in peak working order:
- Check the oil sight glass for discolored or cloudy conditions. This may indicate that a seal has failed and coolant, dirt or other debris is in the lubrication system. Contaminated oil cannot properly protect the inner workings of the rotary device and can cause thousands of dollars in damage.
- Inspect cables to make sure they aren’t broken or becoming soft and worn. A short in the electrical circuits caused by faulty cables can seriously damage electrical components.
- Keep the control unit clean and free of moisture, oil and dirt. All electronic controls are subject to failure if the circuit boards are compromised. This is especially true in hot, humid conditions or when there is substantial oil residue in the air.
If you find that your Haas made rotary devices need maintenance or repair, contact your Torrance, CA Haas Factory Outlet for quick and reliable service. Since 1986 Haas has built and sold over 55,000 rotaries and trunnions for Haas and other machine tools, and provides comprehensive service on all 35 models.
Most jobs are turned around in 7 to 10 business days and include a thorough inspection to determine what components need attention to bring the rotary device back to factory specifications. This process includes:
- Checking for spindle backlash, spindle deflection and spindle taper runout
- Inspecting gear and worm shafts for wear or damage
- Replacing worm shaft bearings when required
- Checking and replacing any worn seals
- Checking and replacing worn or damaged cables
- Performing multiple tests to insure that the motor is operating properly
- Checking gear positioning for repeatability to insure that they index properly
- Replacing damaged or malfunctioning control circuit boards