Nanyang Yuzhong Precision Machinery Co., Ltd. (Yuzhong), based in Henan province, China, excels in the development and production of high-precision CNC machine tools. The company focuses on delivering innovative solutions to meet the rigorous demands of industries including aerospace, mould manufacturing, and precision machinery.
Yuzhong’s extensive in-house equipment enables the production of nearly 1,000 machine tools annually, comprising vertical lathes and vertical five-axis mill-turn machines. The development of these high-precision tools presents several challenges, such as the need for advanced motion control technology, temperature drift compensation, vibration resistance, and long-term operational stability.
Temperature drift, a primary concern, can compromise machine accuracy. Manufacturers counter this with compensation techniques, including low expansion encoder scales and active thermal compensation. Vibration resistance is equally crucial, as excessive vibrations can lead to machining inaccuracies and component wear over time. Long-term stability demands high-quality materials and regular maintenance to ensure consistent performance.
After seven years of research and development, Yuzhong launched the MT series of high-rigidity five-axis mill-turn machines in 2024. The MT1000 model features four linear axes equipped with Renishaw’s FORTiS-S linear enclosed absolute encoders, providing a position measurement resolution of 1 nm and compatibility with both FANUC and SIEMENS controllers. These encoders significantly enhance measurement repeatability, reliability, and stability.
The MT1000 tool spindle utilises a 300 mm diameter Renishaw RESOLUTE™ absolute rotary encoder for position feedback, achieving an indexing accuracy of ±0.001 degrees. Renishaw’s FORTiS encoder systems, designed for harsh environments, offer high resistance to contamination by fluids and debris, thanks to DuraSeal™ lip seals and sealed end caps. The application of tuned mass damping technology ensures class-leading vibration resistance beyond 30 g.
FORTiS encoders feature a robust, non-contact mechanical structure that eliminates internal moving parts, improving reliability by minimising position errors due to hysteresis and backlash. The encoder systems deliver high-accuracy position measurement with resolutions down to 1 nm and maximum speeds of 4 m/s. Installation is streamlined by set-up LEDs on the readhead and well-designed accessories, ensuring efficient installation in five to ten minutes per axis.
Mr Geng Xing, Chairman of Yuzhong, remarked on the FORTiS encoder’s design: “Its ease of installation and unique features, such as the double lip seal and tuned mass damper technology, have deeply impressed me. These elements not only enhance accuracy and performance but also extend the equipment’s useful life.”
Renishaw’s FORTiS encoders have been pivotal in enhancing Yuzhong’s CNC machine tools. The MT1000 improved machining accuracy from ±4 μm to within ±2 μm. Mr Xing noted: “Renishaw’s after-sales support is excellent and their feedback very prompt. The linear precision improved significantly, enhancing both machining accuracy and stability.”
To optimise encoder installation, Yuzhong employed the Advanced Diagnostic Tool, ADTa-100, providing a graphical interface for advanced diagnostics and installation data recording. This innovation ensures consistent machining quality, positioning the MT1000 as a reliable solution for applications requiring tight tolerances and superior surface finishes.
As smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 trends accelerate, Yuzhong is poised to meet the growing demands of the CNC machine tool market. The integration of Renishaw’s FORTiS encoders not only enhances performance but also supports Yuzhong’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
For more information on Renishaw’s technology, visit www.renishaw.com.
