TC500 CNC Lathe Installation and Alignment Guide for Inline Bed Setup

Proper installation and alignment of your TC500 CNC lathe are critical for achieving precision machining and extending machine life. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of setting up the lathe on an inline bed, including foundation preparation, leveling, and final alignment checks. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure optimal performance.

1. Pre-Installation Preparation

1.1 Site Requirements

Floor Strength: The foundation must support at least 1.5x the machine weight (TC500 weighs ~3000 kg). Concrete thickness should be ≥200mm.

Space Allowance: Ensure at least 1m clearance around the machine for maintenance and operation.

Power & Air Supply: Verify voltage (typically 380V/50Hz) and compressed air (6-8 bar) availability.

1.2 Tools & Equipment Needed

Precision level (0.02mm/m accuracy)

Dial indicator & magnetic base

Shim set (0.1mm to 1mm thickness)

Anchor bolts (M16 or as specified)

Torque wrench

Hoist or forklift (3-ton capacity)

2. Machine Placement

2.1 Moving the Lathe

Use a forklift with spreader bar or overhead crane to lift the machine.

Place wooden blocks under the bed to prevent damage during positioning.

2.2 Rough Leveling

Position the lathe on the foundation, aligning it with layout marks.

Place temporary shims under the bed feet to approximate level.

3. Foundation Bolting & Final Leveling

3.1 Anchor Bolt Installation

Drill holes in the foundation according to the machine’s base template.

Insert anchor bolts and tighten hand-tight only (final torque later).

3.2 Precision Leveling

Place the precision level on the machine’s guideways (X and Z axes).

Adjust shims under each foot until the bubble is centered (≤0.02mm/m tolerance).

Recheck after 24 hours (concrete may settle).

4. Alignment Checks

4.1 Spindle Parallelism (Z-Axis)

Mount a test bar in the spindle.

Attach a dial indicator to the carriage and measure runout near the chuck and at 300mm out.

Acceptable error: ≤0.01mm over 300mm.

Adjust bed shims if needed.

4.2 Tailstock Alignment

Move the tailstock to the spindle.

Use a dial indicator to check vertical and horizontal alignment.

Tolerance: ≤0.02mm offset.

Loosen tailstock bolts and realign if necessary.

4.3 Turret Squareness

Install a squareness gauge in the turret.

Measure against a master square on the cross-slide.

Deviation: ≤0.005mm over 100mm.

5. Post-Installation Testing

5.1 Dry Run

Power on the machine and home all axes.

Run a test program without a workpiece to check for unusual vibrations.

5.2 Cutting Test

Machine a test piece (e.g., 50mm diameter aluminum bar).

Measure dimensions and surface finish.

Expected accuracy: ±0.01mm.

6. Maintenance After Installation

First Week: Recheck leveling and bolt torque after 50 hours of operation.

Monthly: Inspect guideways for wear and relubricate.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem Possible Cause Solution

Vibration during cuts Improper leveling Re-shim and relevel the bed.

Dimensional errors Tailstock misalignment Realign using dial indicator.

Spindle runout Loose foundation bolts Retorque to manufacturer specs.

Final Notes

A correctly installed TC500 ensures years of trouble-free service. For complex issues, consult the manufacturer’s technical support.