Natural Granite Base
Natural granite base is lapped flat at Precitech and then sealed for life. Granite provides excellent long term stability of the base of the machine so straightnesses and squarenesses will not be distorted over time.

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Vibration Isolation System
Rubber mounts are placed at FEA optimized locations to minimize Z influences from floor vibrations. The machine can be upgraded to self leveling isolation, see Options list.

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Oil Hydrostatic Machine Slides
The machine slides are non-contact due to the use of oil hydrostatic bearings, non-contact linear motors and non-contact encoder feedback. In this manner there is zero stick slip or friction, allowing motions of nanometer amplitude to be performed.

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Air Bearing SP-150 Work Spindle
The SP-150 is Precitech’s high accuracy work holding spindle with axial and radial error motions under 15 nanometers. The speed control is variable, closed loop, and bidirectional up to 7,000 RPM. This air bearing spindle is constructed using a hardened stainless steel shaft and bearing bronze bushings. These materials provide a durable spindle that provides many years of operation without maintenance or servicing. A DC brushless motor is mounted integral with the shaft, as is the velocity feedback encoder and C axis position encoder. Passages are provided for coolant circulation to maintain thermal stability both in the motor housing and the bearing housing. A passage is also provided for vacuum or air pressure to be supplied through the air bearing and to the face of the spindle for fixturing.

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Work Piece Balancing Software
In balancing mode, the machine controller examines the slide disturbance motions in synchronous timing with the spindle rotation. These motions are sinusoidal in shape and at the frequency of the spindle rotation so they are easy to recognize and filter out noise. The amplitude is correlated with a spindle position so that when the spindle is stopped the unbalance position can be identified to the operator. The operator is then guided to the proper location to install the correction weight.

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Upx Machine Controller
This machine controller was developed by Precitech specifically for ultra precision lathe and machine tool applications. QNX 64 bit operating system with advanced application customization and MTF diagnostic to achieve cutting results.

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Spray Mist System
A minimum quantity of lubricant is used to both cool and lubricate the diamond cutting process. The lubricant of choice is Odorless Mineral Spirits (OMS). This is stored in a reservoir on the machine where the operator can easily see if the level is getting low. The lubricant is supplied from the reservoir by gravity. When the spray mist is turned on by the machine controller (M code) then a pneumatic indicator turns green indicating that the spray mist is active. The operator has toggle valve controls for air and lubricant that must be turned on in order for the spray mist to function. Air pressure coming out of the nozzle pulls lubricant through a vacuum venturi effect and sprays the lubricant on the part. The operator has needle valve controls to adjust the air and lubricant (separately) flowing to the nozzle. When the spray mist is turned off, a valve in the lubricant line prevents lubricant from dripping out of the nozzle, and prevents lubricant from flowing back into the lines, which delays the start of spray mist when it is then turned on again.

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Electrical Safety
Electric components and panels are designed with safety in mind. There are no places where a finger can touch dangerous live circuits. The machine has been examined by an outside review firm and has passed the requirements for CE safety certification.

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Grinding Coolant Enclosure
This special stainless steel enclosure serves two functions as both operator protection plus coolant collection. The SP-150 work spindle is fitted with an extension to reach through a bulkhead into the working zone while the remainder of the work spindle is protected from splash of coolant. A special vacuum chuck is available for use with water based coolants. Bulkheads are provided for cable and hose access to the working zone. Space is provided for a choice of tool spindles plus use of the optical tool setter or the LVDT tool setter. Coolant is collected and drained to the reservoir of the coolant pump and tank option (below) or to a customer supplied coolant system.

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