ballscrew |
A long, threaded device with reciprocating ball bearings that rotates to move components on a CNC machine. Ballscrews are powered by servomotors. |
bearing |
The device within a spindle that supports the rotating shaft and reduces friction. Common bearings consist of spherical balls that travel within a race. |
centrifugal force |
A force that attempts to pull an object traveling in a cylindrical path away from the center of rotation. |
cubic boron nitride |
A type of cutting tool material offering a hardness that is second only to diamond. CBN tools are very effective at machining most steels and cast irons, but they are also very expensive. |
direct drive motor |
A motor that fits within the spindle assembly and directly powers spindle rotation. Direct drive motors do not use a gearbox. |
EDM |
Electrical Discharge Machining. EDM uses a rapid series of electrical sparks to vaporize and remove metal. |
fixed centerline spindle |
A secondary spindle with its own power source that fits into the original spindle of a machine tool. Both spindles rotate simultaneously to increase spindle speed. |
high-speed machining |
An approach to metal cutting using recent speed technology that allows machining centers to do more work. HSM uses small diameter tools to perform multiple, rapid, light cuts. |
high-velocity machining |
Another term used for high-speed machining. Some manufacturers prefer this term because it emphasizes other variables besides spindle speed. |
HSK toolholder |
A type of toolholder with a short, hollow taper that contacts the spindle on two surfaces. HSK toolholders provide improved rigidity during HSM operations. |
hybrid bearing |
A bearing that consists of ceramic balls that travel within a steel race. |
hydrostatic bearing |
A bearing that uses pressurized fluid to support the rotating shaft. |
linear motor |
A flat motor that uses a magnetic field instead of mechanical force to power the motion of machine tool components. |
magnetic bearing |
A bearing that uses magnetic forces to support the rotating shaft. |
plastic deformation |
Metal deformation that is permanent. During metal cutting, plastic deformation results from the forces that shear the chip from the workpiece surface. |
polycrystalline diamond |
The manufactured formation of diamond that has a hardness approaching natural diamond. |
race |
The track within a bearing that guides the motion of the balls. |
rake angle |
An angle describing the tilt of the face from the cutter axis or radius. Positive rake angles reduce cutting forces and encourage chip removal. |
servomotor |
A motor used in CNC machines that turns the ballscrew to move parts with precision. |
shrink fitting |
An assembly process that involves heating a component, fitting components together, and then cooling the component to create a tight fit. |
spindle speed |
The rate at which the machine spindle rotates. Spindle speed is typically measured in rpm. |
TiAlN |
Titanium aluminum nitride. TiAlN coatings help improve the wear resistance of carbide inserts at elevated temperatures. |
torque |
The ability of a machine to exert a torsional force at a particular speed. The torque of a machine will vary across its speed range. |
V-flange toolholder |
A type of toolholder with a long, conical taper that contacts the spindle only on the taper surface. V-flange toolholders are very popular for conventional machining processes. |