Test Stand evaluates machine tool covers.
June 30, 2008 -
Designed to test telescopic machine tool covers, High-Speed Test Stand includes computerized controls that allow combinations of strokes, speeds, and acceleration/deceleration rates to simulate high speed machining centers. Speed is variable up to 1,312 ft/min, and acceleration can be adjusted to 4 G. Accelerated masses with forces up to 1,304 ft-lb can be tested.
(Archive News Story - Products mentioned in this Archive News Story may or may not be available from the manufacturer.)
Original Press release
Hennig, Inc.
9900 N. Alpine Rd.
Machesney Park, IL, 61115
USA
Telescopic Machine Tool Cover Test Stand
A breakthrough in product evaluation techniques from a leading supplier of machine protection devices
Machesney Park, IL-It is a popular misconception that telescopic steel covers used for machine tool protection are nothing more than some bent sheet metal parts. Perhaps 30 years ago, when machine feed and traverse rates were slow, a good sheet metal craftsman could have made a workable product. Today, at 2G traverse rates, considerable research and development must be done to devise machine covers that will withstand such speed and acceleration/deceleration rates. Additionally, for these high rates, the shapes of telescopic covers are becoming more complex to keep pace with the intricate shapes of machine tool ways.
One problem to overcome is the dampening of shocks, when the individual boxes telescope either toward or away from each other. The mass of each cover box is, in some cases, sufficiently substantial to destroy a box within a motion cycle, unless special designs allow for a gentle contact with each box.
These dampening devices could be simple elastic bumpers, which smooth the shock or springs to decelerate the boxes and reduce impact or sophisticated shock absorbers, which dampen the shocks drastically.
Additionally, a variety of mechanisms are used to guide the boxes in parallel, avoiding "skewing" or uneven extension or compression of the boxes. Scissor-type equalizers have made a good improvement for medium speed telescopic steel covers. However, for high-speed covers, they did not satisfy the requirements. Through many trials and errors, the Hennig R&D department finally devised a unique product termed the "High Speed Module," which was recently patented and has revolutionized high speed telescopic steel cover design.
This product is based on a chain and sprocket mechanism, which allows the boxes to telescope smoothly and in parallel, eliminating "skewing" at even the highest speeds.
In order to test these "High Speed Module" designs, Hennig developed, engineered and built a high-speed test stand, with computerized controls to allow combinations of strokes, speeds and acceleration/deceleration rates, to simulate modern "High Speed Machining" centers.
The speed is variable up to 1312 ft/min (400m/min). Acceleration can be adjusted to 4G. These extreme values can only be achieved with a state-of-the- art linear motor drive. Accelerated masses with forces up to 1304 ft-lb. (5800N) can be tested.
Though it requires a substantial investment, this unique test stand has allowed Hennig to evaluate new and innovative shock absorbers and dampeners, including the above described "High Speed Module" and thus enabled Hennig to build High Speed Telescopic Steel Covers for use up to 656 ft/min. (200m/min) and accelerating rates to 2.5G.
ABOUT HENNIG
Hennig, Inc., at www.hennigworldwide.com, has been designing and producing custom machine protection and chip/coolant management products for state-of-the-art machine tools for over 50 years. Hennig products are designed to protect against corrosion, debris and common workplace contaminants. Hennig has manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Germany, France, Brazil, India, Japan, China and South Korea. Its North American repair centers are located in Machesney Park, Ill.; Chandler, Okla.; Charlotte, N.C.; Livonia, Mich.; Blue Ash, Ohio; Kitchener, Ontario, Canada; Mexico City, Mexico; and Saltillo, Mexico.
To learn more about Hennig products & services, visit www.hennigworldwide.com or call 1-800-4HENNIG (436-6446).
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