44 / 60
Figure 2: Drive end of the Z axis.
B
uilding on the information contained in previous articles…
this one describes practical, real-life implementation with the
customer requiring the machining of a large number of cutting
discs to form part of a production machine.
Each part required different curved properties. This ruled out
conventional lathe practice due to the complex simultaneous axis
movements (interpolation) needed to machine the workpiece. In ad-
dition, high repeatability was called for.
A good quality second hand lathe was procured, and the cross
travel (X) and long travel (Z) axes were discarded and replaced by high
accuracy linear slides and backlash-free ballscrews.
Figure 1 (main
image)
shows the general view of the machine and
Figure 2
shows
the drive end of the Z axis with the motor protective cover removed.
Computer Control of a small lathe
A mechatronics case study
Glyn Craig, Techlyn
This article shows how the mechanical parameters can be calculated and matched to appropriate drive motors
and controls. Programming methods are also described.
ENERGY + ENVIROFICIENCY:
FOCUS ON DRIVES, MOTORS + SWITCHGEAR
Figure 1: General view of the machine.
Electricity+Control
March ‘16
42