Description
The Model 72 machine is, as with all the other machines in the series, of the ring lapping type, but its design is different because of its larger size.
Unlike the others, which have a panel clad body, the Model 72 uses a cruciform shaped structural steel base. The mechanical reduction gearbox is mounted at the centre of the base, with the drive motor to one side. Drive is transmitted via multiple vee belts, and the moving parts of the system are enclosed within a mesh guard. At the end of each arm of the cross are mounted hollow section upright columns.
These support the trough surrounding the lap plate and provide the mounting point for each of the four roller yokes. The cast iron serrated lap plate is made up of sixteen individual segments, which are bolted to the support plate. This is a single casting which is located on a tapered cone fitted to the output shaft of the reduction gearbox.
The drive system incorporates, as standard, an electronic soft startwhich will smoothly accelerate the lap plate from standstill to full speed, 36 rpm, over a controlled time period. This is a preset, though it can be adjusted if required to suit particular process conditions.
The machine uses a free abrasive slurr y, which is supplied from a separate freestanding reservoir, equipped with a pump and driven blade stirrer. Outlets are provided to feel each conditioning ring via a track wire, with individual control valves. A diamond slurr y dispensing system can also be fitted if required.
As with all ring lapping machines flatness of the lap plate can be altered by wear conditioning, that is the lateral position of the conditioning rings relative to the lap plate track can be adjusted to preferentially wear the plate’s surface. For example, if the lap plate is concave then the conditioning rings are moved outboard, so that the area around the outer edge of the lap plate is worn down faster the the area near the centre, gradually improving the flatness of the plate.
As this machine has no worktable, the roller yokes can be adjusted vertically as well as laterally, so that the normal wearing of the plate during prolonged usage can be accommodated.
This machine is also available in Pneumatic Lift version, see Product Data Sheet.
