Re: Auto Tool Changers - EMCO Rotary Table

I was thinking about using a (zero backlash) rotary table (axis
vertical) on the cross slide a while back. Here is how my train of
thought went:

1. A CNC lathe needs a tool changer/turret. A stepper/servo driven
rotary table on the cross slide could index each tool into position.

2. Hey! A single 60 degree threading tool could emulate a half a
dozen other tools just by indexing it to different angles: threading,
LH & RH turning, LH & RH turning to square shoulder, facing...

3. Heck, why not continuously adjust to tool angle as you contour
along the part? Like a ball-turning attachement that could do
arbitrary shapes as well. Good luck configuring your CAM software
for this one. I didn't think of the "hollowing out" option for
internal features, though.

My CNC lathe experience is somewhat limited, so this is just a mental
exercise for me... Any thoughts?

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Brian Pitt <bfp@e...> wrote:
> Bill ,Alan
>
> one other unplanned feature you get using a rotary table on the
cross slide
> is that you can still program it as a rotary table and not just as
an indexer
>
> I've seen one of the new machining centers use this on one of the
slides to
> poke a curved boring bar into a small starting hole and use the
combination
> of X,Z and the rotary axis motion to bore the ID to a much greater
size than
> would normally be possible using a standard bar and X,Z alone
> (sorta like hollowing out a bowling ball thru the thumb hole)
>
> Brian