Hardinge Inc. (www.hardinge.com) has expanded its rotary line to include 2-axis models for complex 5-axis machining that eliminates second and third machining operations.
When used on a 3-axis VMC, the 2-axis positioning system eliminates the need for sine plates and other expensive fixtures for angular milling. The 2-axis units are a combination of two systems and can be used as a single component for 5-axis machining, or disassembled for separate operating use.
The tilting A-axis is a standard 16C rotary unit, while the rotating B-axis is a 5C rotary unit.
The base 16C rotary unit has a total 360-degree tilt (±180 degree from the 12-o’clock position). Travel can be limited with adjustable hardware limit switches and programmable software.
The Hardinge 16C Rotary System has a center height of 6 in. (152.4 mm), a clamping torque of 233 ft-lb (315 Nm), maximum runout (TIR) of 0.0002 in. and a 40 arc-sec backlash. The 5C rotary unit is precision aligned to the spindle center to provide tilting in a B-axis.
The single B-axis 5C rotary unit indexes at 360-degrees per second, has an 82 ft-lb (108 Nm) torque, maximum runout (TIR) of 0.0002 in. and a 40 arc-sec backlash. The 5C threaded-nose spindle accepts collets, step chucks, manual chucks, expanding collets and face or fixture plates. Systems are available in single, dual, triple and quad configurations for multiple-part machining.
