Specialty Alignment Applications: Lathe & Spindle Alignment

Manufacturing equipment may rely on two opposing spindles for boring, milling, or performing some other operation on opposite sides of a part. Similarly, lathes and turning centers have a head and tailstock that periodically need checking and alignment. Laser alignment equipment is a fast and convenient way to align spindles and lathes.

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Typical Angular Measuring applications include:

• Check and align lathes and turning centers
• Position and adjust opposing spindles
• Measure alignment of boring mills
• Position and adjust precision bar feeders
• Other related alignments

How Do You Do It?

Pinpoint has a spindle alignment kit with accessories to choose from. A cylindrical laser that comes in a variety of models takes these measurements. The laser transmitter is round and placed into a chuck or in the bore of the spindle so that the laser beam is projected along the rotational centerline of the machine. The Microgage receiver is secured to the tool holder, tailstock or mounted in the bore of an opposing spindle to catch the laser beam.

Through a series of simple steps involving turning the laser transmitter and then turning the receiver, readings are taken that show if the spindles or the lathe head and tailstock are on centerline, and if they are parallel to one another and other alignment parameters from a few inches to 65 feet or more. Alignment can be made over short or long distances.

What is Needed?

• Laser Microgage 2D or 2000, or 2D Spindle Kit
• Cylindrical Laser Transmitter
• Receiver Bore Plug Mount