CNC Steel and Carbide Tip Dead Centers

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Dead Center Applications

CNC dead centers are threaded dead centers that are commonly used in turning applications. Unlike grinders, CNC lathe tailstocks lack a through hole to aid in knocking the dead center out of the tailstock. Tailstock pressures in dead center turning applications are also considerably higher than that normally used in grinding. The lack of a through hole coupled with the high tailstock pressure can literally lock the center into the tailstock making it very hard to remove. CNC dead centers are threaded to allow the use of a take off nut to help remove the center from the tailstock. The nut bottoms against the face of the tailstock as it is threaded over the center. Since the nut can’t move axially, forcing the nut to turn with a wrench draws the center out of the tailstock.

Dead Center Availability

CNC dead centers are readily available from stock in Morse Tapers. Point styles include long points, standard points and carbide tips. Long points have reduced point diameters for tool clearance and are available in three different diameters in the most common Morse tapers. Standard points have a large point diameter for applications where rigidity is more important than tool clearance. Carbide tips are available in tracer points and standard points. Tracer points provide both tool clearance and rigidity but lack the large carbide tips found in the standard point configurations.

CNC dead centers to fit Mazak lathes are also available from stock. Some tailstocks on Mazak lathes have a seal built into the tailstock that interferes with the threads on standard CNC dead centers. Riten Industries stocks modified Morse Taper CNC dead centers to fit these lathes.

Custom variations of any Riten dead centers can be designed using our on-line design tool or by discussing your application with one of our product specialists.

Dead Center Technical Specifications – Steel Dead Centers

Steel CNC dead centers are manufactured from 52100 ball bearing steel, through hardened to 61-63 Rc. Heat treating 52100 provides the hardness and wear resistant properties necessary for long center life. The same qualities that make it the material of choice for ball bearings also make it an excellent material for dead centers. Concentricity is guaranteed to .0002 inches TIR.

Technical Specifications – Carbide Tipped Dead Centers

Carbide tipped CNC dead centers are also manufactured from 52100 ball bearing steel. Since the carbide tip is the wear surface in carbide tipped dead centers, only the knock out end is hardened. Carbide tips are grade C2 or equivalent with the hardness and wear resistance required for high production turning and grinding applications. Concentricity is guaranteed to .0002 inches TIR.

Dead Center Regrind

Both steel and carbide tipped dead centers can be reground to extend the life of the dead center. One of the many advantages of 52100 over case hardened materials is that the point can be reground without affecting the hardness or durability of the center. Dead centers should be returned to the factory for inspection to determine the cost of regrinding the tool. The point angle will be reground to factory specifications and the concentricity of the point to the taper will be restored. If necessary, the mounting taper will be reground as well during the reconditioning process.