Tap Testing on Live Tooling

Categories: Using MillMax

There are two types of turret mounted live tooling on a CNC turning center. Axial and radial or 90 degree heads. 

First you need to find out the maximum RPM on the live tooling head. That should be etched on the head itself or by looking up the model number on the manufacturer's website. If it shows the torque or HP note that as well. You can use these calculators, if only one value is shown:

HP to Torque: https://www.electrical4u.net/calculator/hp-to-torque-nm-conversion-calculator/

Torque to HP: https://www.electrical4u.net/calculator/torque-nm-to-horsepower-hp-conversion-calculator/

Go to the Machine Details in MillMax and edit the maximum RPM, torque and power of the machine. Click NO when asked if you want to permanently change the machine's database.

This chart shows the X, Y and Z axes on a turning center:

For the axial live tooling head you will tap test in the X-axis, rotate the tool 90 degrees and tap in the Y-axis.

For the radial or 90 degree live tooling head, you will tap in the Z direction for the X-axis (no need to edit the settings) and then rotate the tool 90 degrees and tap in the Y direction for the Y-Axis.