Originally Posted by
Chuck Reamer
Good day all, we received a new Tormach about 4 or 5 weeks ago. The machine is being used for injection mold work, mostly cutting 4140 and p-20 (prehard 29-36RC).
Machine limitations are becoming very apparent, torque is a problem. Low range doesn't have enough of it and high range has very little. Roughing pockets with cobalt roughers is problematic, using carbide to rough is nearly impossible.
I understand that it is a light duty machine, but it could be modified to be more powerful. A high torque motor would make a difference. There would be a lot more torque in low range, high range would also be a big improvement.
One other issue is the feed rates; do you think a servo conversion would be a big problem? Tormach offers consulting on this but they don't do it for cheap. Has any one of you switched to servo motors? If the feed rates could increase to at least 100 IPM, it would be a great improvement.
What other problems would the servos, or higher feed rates cause with the bearings?
Any input would be appreciated. These are just preliminary ideas and may not be worthwhile to pursue. If it can improve the machine then why not?