Q350 CNC Mill Manual Rev03
Q350 CNC Mill Manual Rev03
Q350 CNC Mill Manual Rev03
REV03
JUN 2020
MDA PRECISION
MDAPRECISION.COM
Q350 CNC Mill Manual
1 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
1.1 General Safety Notes .................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Operator Safety............................................................................................................................. 4
1.2.1 Operator Safety Precautions ................................................................................................. 4
1.2.2 Emergency Stop Locations .................................................................................................... 5
1.2.3 Door Interlock System ........................................................................................................... 6
1.2.4 Safety Labels ......................................................................................................................... 7
1.2.5 Accessing Control Box ........................................................................................................... 8
1.3 Operator Hazards .......................................................................................................................... 9
1.3.1 Electric Shock ........................................................................................................................ 9
1.3.2 Rotating Cutting Tools......................................................................................................... 10
1.3.3 Moving Machine Parts ........................................................................................................ 11
1.3.4 Sharp Edges on Cutting Tools.............................................................................................. 11
1.3.5 Compressed Air ................................................................................................................... 12
1.3.6 Noise ................................................................................................................................... 12
2 Machine Setup .................................................................................................................................... 13
2.1 Inspecting Shipping Crate ........................................................................................................... 13
2.2 Unpacking Machine .................................................................................................................... 14
2.3 Forklifting Instructions ................................................................................................................ 17
2.3.1 Lifting Points........................................................................................................................ 17
2.3.2 Installing Levels ................................................................................................................... 18
2.3.3 Level Adjustment ................................................................................................................ 19
2.4 Swing Arm Assembly ................................................................................................................... 20
2.5 Preparing Spindle (Z Axis) ........................................................................................................... 22
2.6 Air Supply and Connection .......................................................................................................... 22
3 Machine Data ...................................................................................................................................... 23
3.1 Machine Dimensions................................................................................................................... 23
3.2 Table Travel Specifications.......................................................................................................... 24
3.3 Table Dimensions ........................................................................................................................ 24
3.4 Feed Rate Specifications ............................................................................................................. 25
3.5 Spindle Specifications ................................................................................................................. 25
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
SAFETY
The following section is critical for machine and operator safety. It is strongly
advised that the following is read in full by any persons with access/
permission to use this equipment. Only trained and authorized personnel
should operate this equipment.
• There are many dangers inside a CNC Mill such as: sharp tooling, sharp workpiece
burrs, coolant spray, material particles that can be inhaled, pinch points, ect. Always
close the door of the machine while operating.
• Do not disconnect the front door safety interlock switch. The front door is equipped
with an interlock to protect the user while a program is running. Under no
circumstances should the operator disable or remove the interlock.
• If power is lost or the machine is E-Stopped, the spindle may coast to a stop in 20
seconds or more. Under no circumstances should the operator open the door before
the spindle stops rotating completely.
• Take appropriate safety precautions and measures when working with flammable
material such as magnesium, wood, or other combustible materials.
• Do not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended maximum RPM for the tool. When
tools are placed in the spindle, verify the current RPM commanded in the control
before starting the spindle. Do not use unbalanced tools such as a fly cutter with a
high-speed spindle!
• Remove vise handles and wrenches. Always check that tools and wrenches are
removed from spindle and fixturing before starting the machine.
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Even with the safety features built into the Q350, caution should be taken when operating the
machine. Please use appropriate machine shop etiquette when operating the machine.
• Do not position yourself out of reach of the emergency stops when using the machine.
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• There are two emergency stop buttons (See Figure 1 for locations) on the Q350. One
emergency stop is located at the end of the swing arm just below the control
computer. The other emergency stop is located on the top of the MPG.
Figure 1
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
• The Q350 is equipped with a Safety Door Interlock System that protects the
operator a with minimum compromise in functionality.
• The interlock system allows the machine to run automatically with the doors
closed.
• The interlock system allows for a jogging and manual tool installation (probe) while
the doors are open.
• If the doors are opened while a program is running the spindle will be shut down
and a FEED HOLD condition will be activated in MotusCNC.
• To resume the program the doors must be shut and CYCLE START (play button)
button pressed in MotusCNC. The spindle will restart and once the programmed
speed is reached the motion will resume.
• The door interlock switch is located at the top of the sliding door.
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Hazardous Voltage
Risk of Electrical Shock
Disconnect the power cord from
the electrical outlet before opening
the electrical cabinet or starting
any kind of service and
maintenance.
Flying objects.
Risk of eye injury.
Wear safety glasses when using this
equipment, especially while using
the air gun.
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
• Before accessing the control box, remove the Q350 from wall power.
• Use provided keys (see Figure 2) to unlock the two locks of the control box swing door.
• To close, simply shut the door. With firm pressure applied to the door, rotate the
power switch to the ON position.
Figure 2
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
The most serious potential hazards associated with the Q350 Milling Machine are :
• Electric Shock
• Compressed Air
The Q350, like most industrial CNC machines, requires high voltage electricity to
power the main spindle.
We advise you to always contact us before making any modification or repair to your
machines!
All electrical components should be assumed to retain electrical charges shortly after
unplugging. Wait at least 1 minute after unplugging the machine to access electronic
components.
• The Q350 has many subsystems powered by high voltage electricity. Remove
the power plug before performing maintenance and inspection procedures.
• Under no circumstances should the operator open the electrical cabinet while
the machine is plugged in.
• If it's necessary to work with the power ON, exercise extreme caution. Only
authorized personnel may work on the electrical cabinet.
• Please read all applicable manuals and follow their warnings to prevent
accidental electric shock. Operators must never remove shield s or panels.
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
• Before starting any job, the Q350 operator should inspect all the cutting
tools being used to ensure they are in good condition and free from defects
such as chips or cracks. The operator should also ensure that only the
appropriate cutting tools for the material being machined are present.
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
Inside the Q350’s enclosure, there are powerful s ervo motors, all of which are capable of
breaking/crushing limbs while moving to complete tasks or machine parts quickly. It is very
dangerous reaching into the machine while it is moving. As such, operators will take the
following steps to prevent injury or death.
• DO NOT reach into the machine while it is jogging, tool changing, homing or
machining
• DO NOT reach into the machine while another operator is inputting commands,
using the MPG, making modifications to machine parameters or otherwise
using MotusCNC.
• DO NOT reach into the machine if the ESTOP is not within reach, or otherwise
inaccessible.
• DO NOT manually clear debris from the surfaces being machined while the
machine is operating.
• DO NOT stick your arms/ reach past the machine table while the machine is
operating.
• Cutting tools have sharp edges that can lead to a severe cut.
• The tools used on the Q350 are stored in a tool tray when not being used .
Under most circumstances, they pose no threat to operator or maintenance
personnel. The operator can come into contact with stationary cutting tools
during job setup or when replacing cutting tools for any reason. Precaution
must be taken to avoid coming into contact with the sharp edges on cutting
tools.
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
• Depending on your setup, the Q350 pneumatic system contains air pressures in
excess of 100 PSI. Care should be taken to ensure that the pneumatic system is
not pressurized when repairing or modifying, disassembling or repairing your
machine.
• Compressed air poses a potential hazard from flying debris. Under normal
conditions, the compressed air may not present a danger to the operator.
• Operators and maintenance personnel must always wear eye protection that
meets safety standards when working on systems that use compressed air.
• DO NOT use the air blow gun to clean yourself or others off .
• DO NOT modify, disassemble, repair or use the air blow gun without proper eye
protection.
1.3.6 Noise
• Workpieces and sheet material that tend to vibrate during machining must be
clamped flat to avoid excessive vibration and possible damage to tool or spindle.
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2 MACHINE SETUP
• When you first receive the system, inspect the equipment for any damage received
during transport.
• IMPORTANT: If there is any evidence of damage to the crate, note that on the
delivery document and have the driver sign it!
• We highly recommend that you open the crate in the presence of the driver and
inspect prior to signing the paperwork.
• Sign the paperwork only when everything is OK. This is critical since the freight
company is not responsible for any claim you can make once the paperwork is
signed.
• Check to make sure that you have received all the items listed on your packing list
and contact us if there is anything missing.
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• Forklift is required for lifting the machine off the shipping pallet. At least three
strong individuals should be present for the uncrating of the machine.
• Remove all screws holding the front panel of the crate as seen on Figure 3 then lift
it off. You may need to use a screwdriver to pry the panel out at first.
Figure 3
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• Remove all screws along the base perimeter (See Figure 4) and lift the rest of the
crate off the back of the pallet.
Figure 4
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• Loosen the (X8) screws (see Figure 5) from the toe clamps and slide the clamp out
of the way. There are two screws on each leg, use 17mm wrench to loosen the
screws.
• Once you remove all screws connecting the machine to the pallet, lift the machine
off the pallet under the base near the feet of the machine.
• Once the machine has been removed from the pallet and positioned where you
want it, keep it lifted while someone adjusts the height of the 4 adjustable feet to
get the enclosure level.
Figure 5
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• Make sure forklift forks protrude past the back of the machine and are spaced as
wide as possible for better balancing. (See Figure 6 and Figure 7)
Figure 6
Figure 7
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• There are 4 leveling feet which are placed inside of the swing arm assembly foam
box.
Figure 8
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• The Q350 has leveling feet at 4 corners. In Figure 9, it can be seen 3.5” (90mm) height
is needed to free the rolling casters from the floor.
• If the machine needs to be transported, the height of the leveling feet should be
reduced to 2.75” (70mm). This will put the rolling casters in contact with the floor and
allow the user to easily roll the machine.
Figure 9
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
• After un-crating your machine, you will see that the swing arm is mounted in an
inverted position with the control console facing the bottom of the machine in a
foam box. (see Figure 10).
• In this foam box, there are Swing Arm Assembly, Adjustable Machine Legs, MPG
Holder and Back Panel Handle.
• First remove MPG holder and back panel handle from the box.
Figure 10
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
• There are two M10x35mm (see Figure 11) screws for mounting the swing arm to the
machine body. Use a No:8 Allen wrench to remove screws already tightened on the
machine body.
• With at least two people, remove swing arm from the foam box and attach the swing
arm to the base with M10x35mm screws that you already removed. During the
installation, have a separate person hold the swing arm assembly in the air to
prevent tension on the cabling.
Figure 11
• Flip the swing arm right side up and mount the bolts you just removed. Have one
person lift the swing arm level while tightening bolts. Be sure to tighten the bolts
very tight. If bolts are loose, the swing arm will sag.
• Remove the control console from the swing arm and place the keyboard panel
between the two mounting surfaces. There will be (X4) M5 bolts and (X2) M6 Bolts
to secure all 3 pieces together.
• Mount the MPG holder using M4x10mm screws on the right side of Swing Arm.
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
• It is critical that you remove any Z-axis supports before attempting to power on the
machine. Failure to do this can cause permanent machine damage!
• The Q350 requires air for tool Changing and spindle sealing. Figure 12 shows the
main air connection to the machine. Use a 10 mm pneumatic hose for the main air
supply of the machine.
Figure 12
• The air preparation equipment has two filters to prevent particles and moisture
from going into spindle and pneumatic systems. Output pressure is pre -set to 7 bar
for the best results.
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3 MACHINE DATA
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
Y Travel 13 in 330 mm
Z Travel 13 in 330 mm
Spindle Nose to Table (~min) 1.85 in (optional 0.67 in) 47 mm (optional 17 mm)
Number of T-Slots 3
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• Only use tools with a tool shank diameter that corresponds to the inner diameter
of the collet. For example, do not use shanks with a diameter of 3 mm in collets
for 1/8” (=3.175 mm)
• Always clamp the tool so that it is as short as possible seen on Figure 13.
Figure 13
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
• The TC8 Tool-Changer’s 8 positions can be equipped with 1/4" 6 mm tool holders
or 1/8” 3 mm tool holders.
# of Tools 8
Current 12 A
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
• For the Q350, we use and recommend HYCUT CF 21/EP + Additiv ET, a two-
component water-miscible coolant. This coolant is ideal for machining. When
mixed properly, it protects the machine from corrosion, doesn't foam and
evaporates slowly.
• The ideal mix for CF21 is going to be 1:1 CF 21 and additive. This 1:1 mix adds up
to 3-5% of the total volume of liquid. (3% 1:1 mix, 97% water) .
• Mix the 1:1 CF 21 and additive, before adding water. Shake and stir vigorously
until the mix is fully emulsified. After mixing, you can test your conc entration with
an Oemeta EasyCheck tab. (see Figure 14).
Figure 14
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
4 MACHINE MAINTENANCE
• To clean the inside of your enclosure of cuttings, use: paper towels, small hand -held
brushes, brooms and a shop vac (preferably a wet-vac)
• Refrain from using de-greasers like Simple Green or WD-40. Degreasers will end up
mixing with your coolant and chemically break down the coolant, rendering it less than
affective.
• Ammonia-based cleaning products can be used to clean the outside of the machine.
• The Jager spindle has sealed permanent grease bearings that do not have to be
replaced over time.
• No maintenance aside from general cleaning will be necessary for the lifetime of the
machine as long as the spindle isn’t used outside its ability, crashed or misused .
• WARNING: Do not clean the spindle with any compressed air tools. Forcing
particulates into the spindle openings will cause damage to the bearings and internals
of the spindle.
• The bearing air seal on the bottom face of the spindle pushes out “sealing air” to prevent
particulates from entering when the spindle when active. Take care not to get particulates in
these openings when spindle sealing air is not active.
• Preheating: The spindle installed on the machine uses high-precision angular contact
bearing pairs, pre-loaded and lubricated for a lifetime with special grease for high
speeds. When the machine is switched on for the first time every day, allow the
electro spindle to perform a brief preheating cycle in order to allow the bearings to
gradually attain a uniform operating temperature, and hence to obtain a uniform
expansion of the bearing races and the correct preload and rigidity. The following
cycle is recommended, with tool holder inserted, but without machining operations:
- 50% of the maximum rated speed for 2 minutes.
- 75% of the maximum rated speed for 2 minutes.
- 100% of the maximum rated speed for 1 minute.
The preheating cycle should also be performed every time that the machine is
inoperative long enough for the electro spindle to cool down to room temperature.
Only in cases of the first start-up after storage or machine shutdown for more than
four months, allow the machine to run for 2 minutes at 5,000 RPM before proceeding
with the preheating cycle.
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Linear guides must be adequately supplied with lubricant to ensure correct func tioning and
long service life. These lubricating instructions are intended to assist the user in selecting
suitable lubricants and lubricant quantities and in determining the appropriate lubrication
intervals.
Lubricants
• reduce wear
There are two different systems on the machine that need s to be lubricated. The first of them
is the linear guidance system that includes linear guide rails and linear bearings. The machine
has two linear guides on each axis, and each rail has two
linear bearings.
In Figure 15, you can see the grease nipple on the linear
bearing. Use a grease pump to fill each bearing once every
500 hours of use.
Figure 15
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
• Keeping coolant topped off and maintained is a task that should be performed weekly
to guarantee your coolant will constantly flow when needed and will have the
appropriate lubricating properties and viscosity.
• Failure to maintain coolant levels, cleanliness and concentration can cause inconstant
coolant flow, less than effective anti-corrosion, organic growth in coolant, overheating
tools and if left unaddressed can damage the machine.
• Over time coolant levels will lower as the water in the amalgamation evaporates,
leaving only the 1:1 mix behind. Using concentration test strips or a refractometer,
you can test concentration and add more water with a small amount of coolant mix.
• To prevent chips and debris from being pulled through the pump, a filter or screen will
be installed. Clean this filter daily to prevent coolant accumulation or complete
blockage.
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
• To have the longest-lasting, pristine table, it is recommended to clean and oil the table
at the end of every day the machine has been used.
• The table is made of cast iron, which can rust when exposed to moisture. While the
coolant we recommend has anti-corrosive properties, moisture over time can still stain
the table.
• Different material cuttings can also act as catalysts for rust and pit the table as well.
Additionally, if anything is to be clamped onto the table for long periods of time, clea n
and oil that section of the table before clamping down.
• The Q350 has a built-in 1-micron particle and moisture filter. That prevents particles
and moisture from entering the pneumatic system.
• Air maintenance is varied based on the cleanliness of the environment the air is being
retrieved from.
• Proper air maintenance is going to start with guaranteeing a good quality particle and
moisture filter on your compressor system. Follow the appropriate filter maintenance
and replacement procedures on your compressor system and you likely will never have
to change out the air or moisture filter on the Q350.
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5 ADDITIONAL AXES/UPGRADES
• Touch probe mounting can be achieved by pressing the “Mount Touch Probe” button
on the “run” tab or in the “tooling” tab in MotusCNC.
• Simply press the button after homing the machine. The Z-axis will jog to the top while
the X and Y axis will jog over the tool height setter.
• Switch the MPG dial to the X-axis and press and hold the enable button on the side of
the MPG to open the collet. Make sure there is no tooling that will drop out whe n you
start this process.
• Mount a 1/4” collet in the spindle and place the touch probe in the collet.
• Release the enable button on the side of the MPG and the collet will close with the
touch probe inside.
• At this point, make sure the touch probe cable is securely plugged into the touch
probe and the back of the machine in “input 3”. If there is not a connection, MotusCNC
will notify you to plug it in.
• Switch the MPG to the 4 th (A-axis) and hit the enable button on the side of the MPG.
This will jog the touch probe down to the tool height setter. Once tool height has been
established, the touch probe is ready to use with the touch probe plugin or to run an
alignment routine.
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6 USER CONTROLS
• The control panel at the end of the swing arm is responsible for powering on and off
the machine. Additionally, it has an E-stop that will halt the machine in case of an
emergency. To reset an E-stop after pressing, simply twist the button, and the E-stop
will release. (see Figure 16)
• Mounted to the control panel is the keyboard plate. This will be where your mouse and
keyboard sit. There is mount for your MPG located on the right side of the keyboard
plate when facing the control panel.
Figure 16
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
The MPG is used to move and interface with the machine. There is an Emergency stop
located at the top of the MPG to halt the machine in case of an emergency. To reset an
E-stop after pressing, simply twist the button and the E -stop will release.
6.2.1 Jogging
• After powering on and homing the machine in MotusCNC, you can jog the
axes by selecting the axes you want to move with the dial at the bottom of
the MPG. The positions are labeled “ X, Y, Z, 4, 5, 6”. “4” and “5” represent
the A and B axis and are used when interfacing with a rotary table or
trunnion table. “6” will not be used to move any axes but will be used in
some interfaces to cancel macros.
• To jog, depress and hold the enable button and rotate the jog wheel to
move in the positive or negative direction. Each tactile click in the jog
wheel is a pulse sent to the machine. You can select the distance traveled
per pulse with the dial just below the jog wheel. X1 moves 1 micron per
pulse, X10 moves 10 microns per pulse, and X100 moves 100 microns per
pulse.
• Shuttle mode is a very useful tool that utilizes the MPG jog wheel to
move through your G-code. When selected, each tactile click in the MPG
will represent a small movement in the G-code. The user can change the
speed at which each pulse moves the machine and can even move
backward through the G-code. It is strongly recommended that all new
users use shuttle mode.
• To start shuttling, switch the MPG axes dial to the “ 6” axis, then hold the
enable button while rotating the jog dial in a clockwise direction. To
move backward, just rotate the jog dial in the opposite direction. This
will move forward through your G-code. Just like jogging, you can control
the distance traveled per pulse by switching between X1, X10 , and X100
on the top dial.
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6.3 PC CONTROLS
• Navigate to MotusCNC icon on the left toolbar and click the MotusCNC icon.
6.4.1 Overview
• The TC8 holds each tool with a tool holder that grips on a tool ring installed
on the tool . Utilizing a toolring assures that the tool will remain in place
during loading and unloading of the tool. There are two sizes of tool
holders, one to accept 7.5mm OD tool rings and one to accept 11.5mm OD
tool rings. The amount of tool shank protrusion can be set by where the
tool ring is positioned
• The table below provides the part number for the size of each tool holder
that is available from MDA Precision.
P/N Description
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
• To install a tool holder simply push it into the desired tool position (see
Figure 17) and screw the tool holder CW using the tool holder install and
removal tool (See Figure 18) until it seats.
• Only tighten the tool holders lightly since excessive torque can deform the
clamping prongs.
• Be sure to verify that the tool holder is not protruding higher than the
other tool holders due to incomplete seating.
• To remove a tool holder, place the tool holder install and removal tool (See
Figure 19) in one of the tool holder slots and screw out.
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
• The amount of tool shank protrusion can be set by the position of the tool rin g.
Figure 20 displays the max and min allowable shank protrusion and part numbers
for purchasing additional tool rings. 7.5mm rings are typically discarded with the
tool, while the 11.5mm rings can be reused as long as the ring maintain s adequate
gripping force to assure proper tool change.
Figure 20
P/N Description
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Q350 CNC Mill Manual
• End Mills with tool rings already installed can be purchased from MDA Precision. In
addition, tool rings can be purchased so that the customer can install their own
tool rings.
• To install a tool ring, all that is required is a simple ½ ton arbor press and a ring
support tool. Figure 21 shows the typical installation method.
Figure 21
P/N Description
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