Zhang Jun and his team at Jiangxi JUST Numerical Control Technology Co., Ltd., based in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, have tackled a formidable challenge in the machine tool industry: mitigating the impact of temperature fluctuations on machining accuracy, a persistent obstacle.
The operation of machine tool spindles generates substantial heat, causing thermal expansion in the metal components and thus affecting machining precision, explained Zhang, the company’s Chief of Research and Development (R&D).
Machining accuracy stands as a pivotal benchmark in evaluating machine tool performance. Drawing on his 15 years of experience in the field, Zhang recognizes the criticality of component precision, particularly in the production of high-grade, precision, and cutting-edge products.
Employing advanced technologies such as position sensors and algorithms to monitor spindle elongation, Zhang’s team successfully resolved the issue.
“Compared to established counterparts, China’s machine tool industry is relatively nascent. The majority of domestically-produced machine tools fall within the mid-to-low-end spectrum, necessitating substantial imports of high-precision computer numerical control (CNC) machines,” remarked Liu Hua, the company’s Chairman.
Acknowledging the imperative of developing high-precision CNC machine tools domestically, Liu spearheaded efforts in 2017 to create a machine tool boasting one-micron accuracy, matching international standards. Subsequently, in 2019, an even more advanced model achieving 0.5-micron accuracy was introduced.
Presently, the company’s machine tools find application in the high-precision processing of components for aerospace, new energy vehicles, industrial robots, and various other sectors.
Among the machined components showcased in the company’s exhibition hall, the most remarkable exhibit boasts an accuracy error margin not exceeding one percent of a hair’s diameter.
“Initially, when we introduced our high-performance machine tools to the market in 2017, clients harbored doubts about our products,” revealed Bai Yu, the company’s Executive Deputy General Manager.
Addressing these reservations, the company established an R&D application center in Dongguan, a manufacturing hub in Guangdong Province, to provide clients with samples of machined components.
“Our products have steadily garnered the trust of an increasing number of clients,” noted Bai.
“We remain committed to intensifying our R&D endeavors and cultivating new, high-quality manufacturing capabilities to cater to the diverse demands of the high-end manufacturing industry,” affirmed Liu.