A CNC Retrofit is a process of retrofitting an otherwise fully functional CNC machine tool with a CNC spindle and/or servos. This will prolong its useful life and performance. Most CNC machines are designed to have a long service life and work effeciency in any situations that would require them. But the design and function of these CNC machines can be improved upon, making them more reliable and efficient for their job.
This process can also improve the life expectancy and efficiency of the machine.
Let’s discuss some of the key benefits of CNC Retrofit:
CNC Retrofit Increase Reliability and Better Performance
CNC Retrofit refers to serious business investment. The benefits of CNC Retrofit far outweigh any cost involved in the retrofitting itself. The most significant portion of the benefits derived from CNC Retrofit is increased reliability and better performance from the machine tool.
Replacing the CNC with a new machine tool and/or servos can extend the useful life of the CNC by as much as 40%. And, because all the components of the CNC are primarily user-produced, each part is replaceable by anyone with an appropriate skill set, which eliminates secondary installation costs.
- There are also some unique features of this process are:
Energy Saving & Reduced Setup Times:
The first benefit is energy savings and reduced setup times. Since the machine is primarily user-produced, parts that fail are replaced by the user. Therefore, when there is a failure, only part of the work is completed, thereby not incurring additional energy costs and waste. It also reduces the setup time which is a unique feature of this process.
Parts of CNC are Replaceable:
Another great advantage of CNC retrofit is, the parts of the CNC are replaceable, therefore, the associated costs of maintenance, parts replacement and repairs are eliminated, which can lead to significant energy savings. The process of retrofitting is a closed loop system, which means no energy or tool is wasted during the operation of the machine.
A second benefit derived from CNC Retrofit is enhanced reliability and improved performance from the CNC machine tool. With the spindle removed, it is not necessary to drill into the material to place the cutting tool. Furthermore, with the spindle and main arm removed, the operator need not have access to the machine’s control panel.
Therefore, with a simple process of disconnecting the servos and removing the spindle from the CNC control system, operators are able to focus on other tasks, without worrying about the status of the machine.
Accuracy in the Positioning:
Another advantage derived from CNC Retrofit is accuracy in the positioning of the cutting tools and the position of the machines overall. Some older machines might have had bushings or rollers installed at different positions around the body of the machine. With CNC Retrofit, these bushings and rollers are removed and replaced with aluminum louvers. They are precise and much more aligned than the old versions.
In addition, many older machines might have had arm positions misaligned due to wear or the presence of dirt on moving parts. Removing the CNC controls and spindles also alleviate this problem, since it will allow the operator to better focus on other tasks.
- Therefore, CNC Retrofit can significantly improve the operation of older machines.
CNC Retrofit Will Enable Users to Utilize Programs:
CNC Retrofit is that it will allow users to utilize programs that were not available or compatible with the original machine tools. For example, many industrial applications have required the use of CAM software in the past. However, because the CNC Retrofit was developed to work with the exact same specifications as the original equipment, the software can now be used for these types of operations, because the CNC controls and machine tool can be precisely calibrated.
Because of the accuracy and functionality of CNC Retrofit, many users are able to run these types of machines with greater precision and efficiency. For example, with the new spindles and bushings, it is possible to make finer cuts and produce greater precision milling. This precision and performance are only possible with a CNC machine tool and CNC retrofits.
Reducing Downtime for Operators:
There are other benefits of CNC Retrofit such as reducing downtime for operators, increased production, and adding a new machine tool that can be utilized in any production process. These benefits of CNC Retrofit help to justify the investment of purchasing a new machine that may be older than originally purchased. If you are interested in CNC Retrofit, you can begin to evaluate the program to determine if it is right for your operation. With a thorough evaluation, you can determine if it will offer you the benefits you are looking for.
Capital Solutions for CNC Retrofit:
Capital Solutions offer complete Industrial Engineering Solutions which takes your existing used machine and completely re-engineers it into a modern CNC controlled machine. Production times are increased with very little setup or changeover time.You can contact us at: 051-4446640 for more details.