Hardinge Lathe CNC Retrofit/Conversion

[Chaz]

I adjusted the shape a bit and redid the CAM. I did trip the supplying VFD so had to slow down the ramp on the spindle which seems to have helped.

[Chaz]

Just tried to call, was told you arent in. Ill email you now with my mobile number.

[hanermo2]

Interesting thread.
Yesterday I visited a customer, and expect to refit 1, later 2, larger (2.5 m long carriage) lathes with industrial quality retrofits.

The budget is likely to be around 15k, 18k with glass scales and or better screws.
Probably cslabs csmio-ips, and their sw, or maybe machx.

A 3 m long, 40 mm D screw, ground, c1-c3-c5 is not cheap.
Around 1 kW servos, x, y, maybe c (like mine), maybe B (tailstock).
The client is ready and has the will and the moolah, so ...

It´s possible, perhaps likely, I can publish the refit.

The client is urgently looking for a big heavy large lathe we can do this on.
First xyc(b), and soonish linear guides (35 mm+) on all axes.

Very Large Lathes tend to be cheap, and are good moneymakers.
When no-one else nearby can do 50-60 cm diameter pieces, or shafts 3.5 m long.

[Chaz]

Personally (and this is just my view), I'd not touch another CS Labs setup. I still have it on my one mill, its fussy, Ive had issues seeing the controller, firmware bugs etc.

[glbreil]

Hello and sorry to revive an old thread, but I have a question about the original decision to replace the spindle motor.

Did you decide to replace because it was 3ph and you wanted to be able to operate from 1ph, or was there a problem being able to operated and control the original spindle drive from the new control?

I have a somewhat newer 1985 CHNC II with a GN10 control I would like to retrofit, but would rather leave the original spindle motor and drive if possible.

Thanks Gary Breiling

[Chaz]

Hi Gary,

In my case, probably 2 factors.

The first was I had no DC controller for the motor, at least, not what I could see in the 2 machines I bought. There is meant to be a controller / drive in the 2nd machine's cabinet however the way the machine is placed means I cant open the cabinet and I cannot move / access the machine (long story).

The second was due to single phase only, when I ordered I had assumed that it would be a single phase drive, unfortunately some misunderstanding and it turned out to be 3 phase but I do run it from another VFD and it works, albeit that Ive needed to slow the ramp down time else I trip the feeding drive.

Thanks

[glbreil]

Thanks Chaz, I need to do some more study but I have two complete machines and the spindle runs and operates on both now, I assume without knowing for certain that the control probably just provides a run signal to the original spindle drive probably like a 0-10 commonly used on a VFD. Not sure I understand how the encoder plays into that for the lathe to know the spindle location, but it’s good to know that the original spindle motor and controls might be an option. That seems like it could be one of the bigger costs. Thanks Gary

[Chaz]

Thanks Chaz, I need to do some more study but I have two complete machines and the spindle runs and operates on both now, I assume without knowing for certain that the control probably just provides a run signal to the original spindle drive probably like a 0-10 commonly used on a VFD. Not sure I understand how the encoder plays into that for the lathe to know the spindle location, but it’s good to know that the original spindle motor and controls might be an option. That seems like it could be one of the bigger costs. Thanks Gary

Yep, would be good to validate, I would assume this but would need to be checked.

[glbreil]

Just one more question, if you were doing this again would you stay with the same control and components from SZGH or would you use something different?

Thanks again Gary

[Chaz]

Just one more question, if you were doing this again would you stay with the same control and components from SZGH or would you use something different?

Thanks again Gary

Interesting questions. The SZGH controller eliminates the PC stability / compatibility issue. The downside is that it feels like you are missing some flexibility and configuration options. It's all still there but not as easy / pretty. I think from a stability point of view, its great.

The only other controller Id consider at this stage is using Centroid as I have used on other machines (Mill and Lathes before). Each has its own benefits but Id never run Mach and/or CS Labs again personally.