Design of a Flexible Centering Tooling System

Precise machining of bearing rings is integral to the quality of assembled bearings. The output accuracy of center-based machining systems such as lathes or magnetic chuck grinders can relate directly to the accuracy of part centering before machining. Traditionally, such machines achieve centering by either hard tooling to which the ring is pressed, or through manual centering by a skilled operator using a brass hammer. Hard tooling has the problems of being subject to wear, dimensional inaccuracy, and additional setup time at part type changeover. Manual centering methods are subject to human error, both in accuracy and repeatability. Whether through setup time or manual centering time, either method requires skilled labour a nd is relatively expensive