Milling Machine: Alignment and Setup Procedures 4/4/12 1:59 PM
Alignment and Setup Procedures
The safe and efficient use of any milling machine is largely dependent on how well the
machine and work-holding fixtures are aligned and how rigidly and securely the work
is setup. work that is nor held securely may move during the machining process, caus-
ing the part to be ruined. there is also the possibility that improperly held work will be
pulled out of the fixture or vise, resulting in damage to the machine and possible injury.
There are a few types of alignment that is machine alignment, table alignment,head
alignment, vise and fixture alignment.
Machine Alignment
Plain milling machines, both vertical and horizontal, do not require table alignment in
normal use because the table cannot be swiveled. Overarm-type vertical milling ma-
chines that do not have either a swiveling or fully universal head do not require head
alignment because the head can move up and down only.
Table Alignment
The table on universal milling machine must be checked for alignment whenever it is
being returned to 0˚ position or when a job involving precise angular relationships is to
be done. NEVER trust the graduations on the saddle or on any other parts of the ma-
chine when really accurate work must be done.
A rigid mounting for the dial indicator is necessary so that flexing and slippage do not
alter the readings. The dial indicator must be mounted to the table of the machine be-
cause the motion of the table relative to the face of the column is being checked.
Head alignment
The head on vertical milling machines with semi universal or universal heads must be
checked before doing jobs requiring accurate alignment between the head and table. It’s
important to align the spindle perpendicular the table when drilling, boring, and flycut-
ting operations are performed. The following procedure is suggested for alignment the
head of vertical milling machines with semi universal or universal head.
1. Clean the table thoroughly and place a flat and parallel plate on it if one is avail-
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Milling Machine: Alignment and Setup Procedures 4/4/12 1:59 PM
able.
2. Attach the dial indicator to spindle.
3. Feed the spindle down, with the dial pluger at operator’s right of left side until it
registers about one-fourth of its operating range, and zero it.
4. Carefully rotate the spindle one revolution.
(a)If the head and swiveling or semi universal type, the fore and aft readings in line
with the cross feed will be identical; the right and left readings may vary if the
head is not vertical.
(b)If the head is of the universal type, the reading may vary on both axes.
5. Adjust a semi universal head by loosening the head and swiveling it so that the
dial indicator reading is cut in half. Recheck the spindle and readjusting the head if
necessary.
6. Universal heads should be adjusted in one plane at a time.
7. Securely tighten all head locking bolts and recheck.
Vise and Fixture Alignment
Vise alignment-the solid jaw of the vise is always the reference surface. The dial indica-
tor is attached to the arbor of a horizontal milling machine or held in the collet of a verti-
cal milling machine. The following procedure is suggested for aligning plates and other
fixture with major flat surfaces
1. Clean all parts thoroughly. Make sure that there areno burrs or nicks on mating
surface.
2. Lightly clam the vise or fixture in approximately the correct position.
3. Bring the dial indicator in contact with one end of the part to be aligned. Move in
about one-forth of the indicator’s operating range and zero the indicator.
4. Move the table or cross slide the full length of the jaw or fixture.
5. Note the variation in indicator reading, and move the vise or fixture in the appro-
priate direction, using a soft hammer.
6. When the indicator shows no deviation, retighten all bolts and recheck.
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