Product Overview
Auxiliary machine tool equipment encompasses the supporting systems and accessories that enable machine tools to operate efficiently in production. This category includes coolant filtration systems, chip conveyors, tool presetters, workpiece probes, rotary tables, indexers, bar feeders, and part catchers. While these components do not directly cut material, they are essential for maintaining quality, managing waste, and automating workflows. Modern facilities depend on well-integrated auxiliary equipment to achieve high utilization rates and minimize manual intervention in machining processes.
Types and Features
Coolant systems range from simple flood pumps to high-pressure through-spindle units exceeding one hundred bar, improving chip evacuation and tool life. Chip conveyors come in hinge-belt, scraper, and auger designs suited to specific chip types from long steel chips to fine aluminum particles. Tool presetters use optical or contact measurement to determine offsets outside the machine, reducing setup time. Rotary tables add axes for multi-sided machining without re-fixturing. Bar feeders automate material loading into lathes, enabling unmanned production over extended periods.
How to Choose
Selecting auxiliary equipment requires understanding the machining process, workpiece material, and production environment. Coolant selection depends on the operation type, with high-pressure systems for deep-hole drilling and difficult materials while flood systems suffice for general milling. Chip conveyor type must match chip characteristics and material volume per shift. Tool presetters should match tooling interfaces and required measurement accuracy. Integration with existing machine controls and monitoring systems should influence selection to ensure seamless data flow and coordination.
Replacement and Installation
Installing auxiliary equipment requires attention to mechanical alignment, fluid connections, and electrical integration. Coolant systems must allow adequate flow and return plumbing with easy filter and reservoir access. Chip conveyors need proper alignment with the machine chute to ensure complete removal without jamming. Electrical connections must follow machine schematics and comply with safety standards for emergency stop circuits. After installation, each system should undergo functional testing under production conditions to verify operation and confirm all interlocks and sensors work correctly.
Maintenance Tips
Preventive maintenance of auxiliary equipment avoids unplanned downtime that can halt entire production lines. Coolant systems require concentration checks, pH monitoring, and filter replacement to prevent bacterial growth and blockages. Chip conveyor chains and belts need tension adjustment and lubrication to prevent binding and premature wear. Tool presetter calibration should be verified against reference standards regularly. A comprehensive maintenance schedule covering all auxiliary equipment alongside primary machine tools ensures consistent capability and helps identify failures before they impact output or quality.
