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Looking For mini lathe CNC conversion in Texas to save time and energy on projects and churn out more products? We, at CNC Conversion Plus, are up for it.
Mini lathes are one of the most used machines in production industries. They are used for producing cylindrical, conical, and flat surfaces. Lathes can also be used for drilling and boring circular and conical holes.
Mini lathes, in the hands of a skilled machinist, can be a great tool to conduct a wide variety of machining and production tasks.
However, despite the versatility of lathes, they are not as efficient when it comes to machining identical parts in quick successions.
This is where CNC comes in.
Mini lathe CNC conversion process is simple and straightforward.
CNC machines are Computer Numerical Control machines.
CNC conversion is basically the process of adding new technology to the old machine to make it more accurate and efficient in its functions.
Why should one consider mini lathe CNC conversion?
Well..the benefits of mini lathe CNC conversion are limitless.
Besides offering faster turnaround and efficient machining, CNC machines are also safer, more accurate, low on additional tooling cost, and more reliable.
So if you are looking for mini lathe CNC conversions, you are right on the path to better production and machining processes.
However, not every CNC conversion is the same.
In order to properly attain mini lathe CNC conversion, you will have to carefully figure out every single step of the conversion, including dismantling the machine and retrofitting it with proper tools.
If you are looking for mini lathe CNC conversion in Texas, CNC Conversion Plus is your best bet.
We offer easy-to-install CNC conversion kits that you can use to convert your mills and lathes into CNC yourself.
We also provide turnkey machines, where we purchase the machine you want, modify it as per your requirements, and deliver it to your address.
With that said, let’s take a look at how we convert mini lathe into CNC:
Mini Lathe CNC Conversion
The modern CNC mills and lathes come with microprocessors that read the G-code programs that the operator feeds into the computer.
Using the code, the microprocessors allow the lathes to function accordingly.
Operators also use computers to design the parts and to write programs either manually or through G-code using CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) software.
So the first step to mini lathe CNC conversion is to introduce the machine to several new technologies including motors, processors, and a computer.
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Electronic Design
Starting with mini lathe CNC conversion, we establish an electronic design for the same.
The power supply circuit is scaled down to 25V AC and 9V AC, with the former catering to the motor voltage supply and the latter powering the logic circuit.
Later, these two AC voltage supplies are rectified using full-wave rectifiers separately. The rectification takes the 25V AC to 35V DC and 9V AC to 5V DC.
Moreover, before the main supply is fed into the capacitor and transformer, a 2A fuse is bridged to protect the circuit from high voltage inputs.
- Motors
Stepper motors are used in mini lathe CNC conversion in the place of manual handles of the machine to automate the movement of the lathe.
Stepper motors are affordable and reliable, allowing for easy and inexpensive conversion. We use Nema 23 stepper motors as they are suitable for X and Z axes of the lathe.
- Software
CAM software is used to make the machine move according to the design requirements. With the help of software, mini lathe CNC conversion starts to take shape.
Designs are developed in CAD (Computer Aided Design) and transformed into CAM. The software interprets the human-written codes into machining signals.
- Experimental Process
The next step in mini lathe CNC conversion is an experimental process. The program initiates as soon as the user starts the software. The operator can use the software to send exact instructions and coordinates on which they want the machine to perform.
The software also monitors limit switches and provides feedback to the operator. The operator can use the software to control and modify the motor speed and the direction of the lead screw.
If there is an issue, the program loops back to the beginning of the code route.
- Testing
Once the experimental process is done on mini lathe CNC conversion, we conduct an experiment to make sure everything is in sync and running smoothly. We conduct several tests on mechanical and electronic prototypes separately.
Once we finalize that both the prototypes are working fine, we integrate them with each other to produce the final device.
We use tools like an oscilloscope, digital multimeter, power generator, and tachometer to ensure the quality of conversion.
Assembling Part of Mini Lathe CNC Conversion
We mount the motors and flexible couplers for the X and Z axes directly to the current hardware without modifying the lathe in any way.
Once the device has been assembled, the power supply will automate both the axes and the computer can be used to modify and control the movement of the machine.
Concluding Mini Lathe CNC Conversion
Mini lathe CNC conversion is the best way to make use of computer-operated machines for production tasks without having to invest in a CNC machine.
If you are on the lookout for an easy and inexpensive way to convert your mini lathe into CNC in Texas, CNC Conversion Plus has got your back.
With 40 years of experience in designing and automating machines, we offer affordable and easy-to-install CNC conversion kits and turn-key machines that can automate your tasks and allow your operators to focus on other important things.
Our full 3-axis simultaneous machining capability kits come with top-notch quality components and help you design and execute more complex shapes with ease.