Hardinge CHCN Retrofit

[Chaz]

So, have just bought a Hardinge and Herbert Churchill lathe that both need retrofitting.

I cant find a lot of info about the Churchill and I'm more interested in getting the Hardinge running - so will focus on that for now. Budget probably wont allow for more than 1 retrofit at a time anyways.

So, I dont know what version this is but looks like the CHCN 4 - the later version.

It has already had some servos fitted but I dont know the details yet. The previous owner owned a automation business and he used to sell Kinco drives / motors and the Churchill has at least one of these fitted.

My focus is more about control at this stage and to see if I can use Centroid or need to look at the larger stuff.

I dont know a lot about these lathes. The tool turret lifts pneumatically and then is rotated - not sure what logic is applied. Does anyone know if Ether 16 + Acorn is enough for this machine?

There is also a parts catcher and the item above the spindle which I believe is related to this.

I'd love to have true encoder feedback which I know is ruled out by going Acorn.

Any thoughts?

Some pics attached.

[cncsnw]

The CHNC4 is a good machine. It probably has the larger (16C) spindle.

If it has the original DC servo motors, and you want to use them, then it could be retrofitted using an Allin1DC plus a PLCADD1616 board. You would need to install suitable encoders on both axes, plus the spindle.

You can probably figure out a lot of what you need by reading between the lines of the installation manual for the HNC / CHNC retrofit kit that Centroid offered in the early 2000's (attached).

If the original cabinet is still in place on the back of the headstock, use it. It has plenty of room for everything you need.

See http://www.cncsnw.com/CHNCc.htm.

[martyscncgarage]

That Hardinge looks very clean. Worthy of a good retrofit.
As Marc suggested. Look hard at the All in One DC
If you ask nice, *maybe* you can get the schematic. BUT you better be willing to offer document the process!
I would probably pay Centroid for the PLC that was configured with that schematic.

Marty

[Chaz]

Thanks both. Turns out that the motors have already been replaced with some servos but I did see some motors in one of the cabinets - not sure which of the 2 lathes they belong to.

I dont think Ill stay with the DC motors - been there before with other machines so will be looking for modern AC servos instead I think.

I did watch the retrofit video, some good info there and also the same with the images / document.

[martyscncgarage]

Don't discount DC brush servos. See what you have. They can be quite reliable if in nice condition. AIO DC has 3 built on DC brush servo amplifiers and six encoder inputs. Think two for servos, one for spindle and two for X/Z handwheel encoders.

Otherwise OAK might be next choice.

[martyscncgarage]

I think I pointed you to this manual:
https://www.centroidcnc.com/downloads/c ... Manual.pdf
Here is the schematic for All in One DC. Persevere, you'll have a nice machine.
Give it a good study. If it were mine and the DC servos were good (check what encoders are installed IF they aren't tachs) I would add new encoders and roll with them.

Harding CHNC S14557.r2.pdf

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