On various machine tools what are the allowable vibration limits for background vibration from sources such as main drive motors,lube pumps, coolant pumps etc. If one was to take measurements on the beds, toolholders, and spindles how much is too much especially for finish machine operations such as grinding etc.

Thanks,
Alan

Alan,

Other than applying ISO standards to individual components, the best comprehensive criteria document was prepared by GM for automotive industry. Send E-mail if you need a copy.

Walt
w_f_strong [at] msn [dot] com

Alan
When working on Machine tools you need to worry about too life. A background vibration may never harm the machine but could drasticaly cut the tool life or hurt product quality.

Dear Allan,

Background vibrations caused by the machine drive motor and gear box, coolant pumps, etc. are inevitable and I agree with you on that.

However, the 'cutting operation' so to speak is also a good source of vibrations that one has to live with... agreed ?

Apart from grinding machines that produces super finishes on parts, I would not worry unduly about other types of metal removing machines.

If you experience 'chatter marks' on your parts, then I would look firstly at the 'cutter and its holder' prior to anything else.
Does it need re-sharpening ? Is the rake angle ok ? Speed ? Feed ?

If all above is fine then you may want to rev up the machine with the chuck closed, without the part to be machined and run a vib check.
Although I wager that you'll not find anything of much value to worry about.

But, as I have said... grinders are a totally a different ball game.

MarkoLeo