Light and X-Light Live Centers

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Live Center Applications

The Riten Light and Extra-Light (X-Light) live centers are manufactured specifically for special applications where the weight of the part is less than ten pounds. These parts are commonly found in the aerospace and medical industries, as well as the manufacture of small engine components. The miniature bearings found in these live centers allow parts that weigh as little as 2 ounces to be successfully turned. Parts of this size are often too light or too flimsy to turn the larger bearings found in typical live centers. This is a common problem, resulting in galling or excessive wear on the tip of the live center and/or damage to the part when the center fails to turn with the part.

Live Center Availability

The Light and X-Light live centers are available from stock in Morse Tapers. Custom variations of these live centers can be designed using our on-line design tool or by discussing your application with one of our product specialists.

Live Center Technical Specifications

The Light and X-Light live centers feature a maximum RPM capability of 8,000 RPM while holding concentricity of .0002 inches TIR. The shell is manufactured from low carbon steel and case hardened, while the spindle is manufactured from 52100 ball bearing steel and through hardened to Rc60 for the maximum strength and durability needed in a live center spindle. Both live centers use precision angular contact bearings graded and matched at the factory to obtain the proper fit necessary to hold concentricity in high RPM applications.

The small bearing head diameter and long spindle provide exceptional clearance for small work pieces, making the center an excellent choice for high production machine tools running light parts.

Live Center Repair

Standard Light and X-Light live centers will be rebuilt to “Like New” condition for 40% of the cost of a new tool. This is a total reconditioning of the entire live center. The shell is inspected for damage and the taper shank is reground as needed. The bearings, seals and spindle are replaced with new components and the live center is returned to its original accuracy. Every repair receives the identical factory warranty as that of a new live center.

In the unlikely event that your live center is beyond repair, Riten offers a preferred customer trade-in allowance of up to 35% on the purchase of an equivalent live center. Every Riten live center, no matter its condition, is eligible for trade-in. Repairs can be returned through you local Riten distributor or send direct to the factory.