Servo Products' Orion CNC Retrofit Kits Add Third Axis to Knee Mills

Servo Products Co.’s Orion CNC Retrofit kits are designed to turn a manual knee mill into to a three- or four-axis CNC machine. The systems can also replace older and/or unsupported controls. for knee mills and lathes. With the servomotors built in, implementing the retrofit system is as simple as installing power feeds, the company says.

The pre-configured package features a programmable logic controller, VFD spindle speed control, true servomotors, ballscrews and an auto lube pump. Options include an LED work light, wireless MPG pendant, power drawbar lockout solenoid and dual-channel emergency stop.

Though the milling machine kit is designed for three-axis machining, it is pre-wired for a fourth axis and thus is easily upgradeable. The third axis can drive the knee for a full 16" of travel up/down.

The 400-W true servomotors provide up to 300"/lb of torque and a maximum rapid travel speed of 105 ipm. Servo also offers Elrod belt-and-pulley style systems. Both systems operate on 208- to 240-V single-phase power, making them suitable for small to medium-size job shops.