Friday, February 24, 2012

Machine Tool Calibration Methods

Dear A Tech,
“So I just had my machine laser calibrated, but the finished parts are marginally acceptable! Why does the laser chart say one thing and my CMM in inspection says something else?”

Dear Customer,
We frequently hear of this situation and the source of the conflicting results is in the difference between calibrating the machine and calibrating the process. Let me explain… Temperature is the single largest enemy of any machine tool calibration practice. The lack of proper thermal consideration in the calibration process can result in the introduction of massive errors into the machine tool that weren’t there before. And the worst part is that the resulting laser plots will look good, giving no indication that anything is wrong. Simply by analyzing the resulting plot, I have personally identified and recalibrated countless machines that were originally calibrated using the wrong method. You see, there are two primary methods of machine tool calibration; calibrate the machine or calibrate the process.

Click Here to download my full response.

Craig D’Ambrosio
General Manager
A Tech Authority, Inc.
www.atechauthority.com
craig@atechauthority.com
(909) 614-4518

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Confused About Digital Readouts

Dear A Tech...
"I have a very old, but good condition Bridgeport mill. However, the digital readout on it hasn't worked for years. I'm considering my options. Should I buy a new readout, or try to have this one repaired? I see complete DRO kits advertised in trade magazines for as low as $599 and some for over $1200, as seen on your website. If my unit is not repairable, what's the difference between DROs (besides $600!), and which one should I buy? " Thanks, Confused.

Dear Confused,
Your situation is not uncommon; we regularly hear this from customers and help them understand the differences and benefits of various digital readout packages on the market. Basically, as you stated, you have two options. We can repair your existing digital readout if parts are still available, or you can replace it with a new one. There are advantages and disadvantages of each option so, let’s first discuss option one.

Click Here to download my full response.

Craig D’Ambrosio
General Manager
A Tech Authority, Inc.
www.atechauthority.com
craig@atechauthority.com
(909) 614-4518