In turning with fixed headstock lathes, it is important to pay attention to every installation detail to minimize vibrations and preserve machining quality.
The generation of vibrations cannot be completely avoided, but it is possible to control them by acting on specific influencing factors: from the choice of peripherals to the correct positioning of the fixed headstock lathe and the bar feeder that make up the installation.
In particular, the bar feeder selected to accompany the fixed headstock lathe must be optimized in every aspect. Not only the bar guide system, but also the installation distance between the lathe and the bar feeder plays a crucial role in containing vibrations and ensuring stability, precision, and efficiency.
Why does the installation distance affect vibrations?
The space between the lathe and the bar feeder has a direct impact on the stability of the entire process.
If the bar feeder is too far from the lathe spindle, the unsupported bar length increases, requiring additional support to avoid bending and oscillations during rotation. This effect is amplified when working with long and large-diameter bars, as is often the case with fixed headstock lathes.
The generation of harmful vibrations, which are transmitted to the tool and the workpiece, compromises the surface finish quality, reduces tool life, stresses and damages the spindle, and increases noise levels in the workshop. All this leads to an overall loss of efficiency and productivity .
This is why it is essential to accurately position the bar feeder, ensuring optimal distance and precise alignment with the spindle axis. A well-calibrated installation distance reduces the unsupported bar length, improves stability during rotation, and ensures a smooth and precise feeding process, even in the most demanding machining operations.
MAESTRO: the shortest installation distance on fixed headstock lathes
The IEMCA MAESTRO bar feeder has been designed precisely with this goal in mind: to minimize the installation distance between the bar feeder and the fixed headstock lathe, in order to provide optimal bar support throughout the machining phase.
Thanks to the design of the guide channel, which integrates the ABACOS system, MAESTRO allows the use of short pusher bars, minimizing the distance between the bar feeder and the lathe compared to traditional solutions.
With MAESTRO you get:
- Minimized vibrations
- Higher precision and surface finish quality
- Longer spindle and tool life
Precision and stability on fixed headstock, starting with installation distance
Choosing a bar feeder that enables an optimized and reduced installation distance, such as IEMCA MAESTRO, is strategic for those working with fixed headstock lathes and aiming for productivity, reliability, and consistent quality.
Want to find out how MAESTRO can adapt to your fixed headstock production setup? Contact us now
