3.) Lastly check the operation of the spindle motor and the sound of the spindle bearings while running. (also, this is a much less expensive repair and is easy to perform). If the machine has excessive backlash or the axis feels rough when rotating the ballscrew, check the support bearings, 90% of the time that is where the problem is coming from. Often rough operation of an axis caused by a failing or faulty support bearing is blamed on the ballscrew. 2.) Determine if the Ballscrew(s) rotate freely and smoothly, inspect the screw races for pitting or scoring. Make sure the axes slide freely and look for signs of improper lubrication during the life of the machine.

1.) Determine if the ways are in good operational conditions, not rusted and not worn away. To evaluate a machine for a CNC retrofit check these vital mechanical systems. Axis motors can be direct drive or belted. This is typically a ballscrew on metal working machinery and this could be rack and pinion or belt drive for router tables and drill machines. They must have a 1.) A way system, could be linear or box ways and 2.) A drive system designed for a servo/stepper axis motors. Retrofit requirements for any type of NC or CNC machine whether it is a lathe, knee mill, bed mill, machining center or router/drill table are the same. It is most economical to retrofit a machine that is currently a NC or CNC because of the fact that the ballscrews and axis motor mounts are already in place. We have worked with many machines over the years and know the ones that are good choices for a retrofit and the ones to stay away from. Some prime examples of great candidate machines for a Centroid CNC retrofit are: The Bridgeport NC Boss Series I and II, Bridgeport Machining centers the 308’s and 412’s, Wells index NC knee mills, Shizuoka NC knee mills, Hardinge CNC Lathes, Mori Seiki turning centers, Ikegai lathes and turning centers, Pratt and Whitney NC Bed mills, Brown and Sharp bed mills, Fadal machining centers, Haas machines, YCI CNC knee mills, South Bend Lathes (ballscrew equipped), Crusader Lathes, any Bandit or Shadow equipped machine, Partner knee mills, Hurco knee and bed mills, Ex-cell-o and almost any Anilam, Dynapath or FANUC equipped machine along with many others, call or email for an evaluation of your specific machine.

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