Heavy-Duty Live Center (TN / TNC · HS / HSN) Overview
A comprehensive reference covering the heavy-duty TN/TNC series and the super-heavy HS/HSN series for workpieces over 10 tons, including features, dimension tables, carbide-tip options, and selection guidance.
Overview
▲ Product appearance (POINTTECH catalog)
A live center is a precision tool mounted in a lathe tailstock that supports the center hole of the workpiece while rotating together with it. Unlike a dead (fixed) center, an internal bearing pack absorbs the rotation, eliminating friction heat and wear and enabling high-speed, high-load machining. POINTTECH's Heavy-Duty Live Centers are dedicated to heavy-duty machining and comprise the standard heavy-cutting TN/TNC series and the HS/HSN series for super-heavy workpieces exceeding 10 tons.
The TN series is built around a taper roller bearing assembly that simultaneously withstands the large axial and radial loads generated during cutting while guaranteeing a run-out (TIR) of 0.003mm (0.0001"). It suits both CNC and conventional lathes and covers everything from roughing to heavy cutting. The HS series is a super-heavy model designed for the upper load range, combining two double-row cylindrical roller bearings with a spherical roller thrust bearing to support the primary load area of the point.
A Morse taper (MT) shank self-centers and locks into the tailstock sleeve; TN is offered in MT3–MT7 and HS in 1/10 and 1/20 taper shanks. A model suffixed with H, such as 061006H, denotes a higher-load, larger-body variant available at the same MT size.
Key Features
- TN: Accuracy guaranteed to 0.003mm TIR (0.0001") — high concentricity maintained even under heavy cutting
- TN: Excellent for heavy-duty machining on CNC and conventional machines
- TN: Heat-treated point to HRc 60 for wear resistance and long life
- TN: Based on a taper roller bearing assembly for superior rigidity and load capacity
- TN: Carbide point available (TNC type), hardness HRa 90±5
- HS: Designed specifically for large, super-heavy workpieces over 10 tons, accuracy to 0.01mm TIR (0.0004")
- HS: Excellent for high-load cutting on CNC lathes and grinding machines
- HS: Heat-treated point to HRc 60±2; hardened point and body for extra strength, rigidity, and long life
- HS: Two double-row cylindrical roller bearings and a spherical roller thrust bearing support the primary load area of the point
- HS: Available draw-off nut type (HSN), with 75° and 90° angle point options
Accuracy caution: TN is rated to 0.003mm TIR and HS to 0.01mm TIR. The listed Max. R.P.M and Workpiece Weight are points on an RPM-vs-load curve in which permissible load falls as speed rises; always plot your actual RPM and axial load against the technical-data curves and stay within the safe envelope. Machine the center hole accurately to the standard 60°, and maintain adequate lubrication and proper tension (avoid excessive thrust) to preserve bearing life and accuracy.
Specifications
MODEL | MT | A | B | L | Workpiece Weight | Max. R.P.M | Weight | Max. Run-Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
061003 (062003) | 3 | 51 | 25 | 157 | 400 | 4,000 | 0.8 | 0.003 |
061004 (062004) | 4 | 66 | 32 | 200 | 650 | 3,000 | 1.8 | 0.003 |
061005 (062005) | 5 | 94 | 40 | 251.5 | 2,500 | 2,000 | 4.3 | 0.003 |
061006 (062006) | 6 | 127 | 58.5 | 343.3 | 4,500 | 1,000 | 12.5 | 0.005 |
061006H | 6 | 168 | 80 | 395 | 8,000 | 800 | 20 | 0.005 |
061007 | 7 | 168 | 78.5 | 452 | 5,000 | 500 | 32 | 0.010 |
061008 | 7 | 177 | 78.5 | 464 | 10,000 | 500 | 34 | 0.010 |
Unit: mm, kg. Part numbers in parentheses (062003–062006) denote the carbide-tip type (TNC). For the full dimensions A–G and L, refer to the drawing on catalog page 19.
Carbide-Tipped Point (TNC Type)
The TNC type replaces the standard steel point of the TN with a carbide-tipped point. At a hardness of HRa 90±5, the carbide point offers far greater wear resistance than steel, minimizing point deformation and wear on scaly forged stock, high-hardness materials, and long continuous-machining runs. Order using the carbide-tip part numbers below.
MT | Carbide Tip Part No. |
|---|---|
MT3 | 062003 |
MT4 | 062004 |
MT5 | 062005 |
MT6 | 062006 |
Selection Guide
First confirm workpiece weight and machining RPM to choose the series. For typical heavy cutting on CNC and conventional lathes with workpieces up to roughly 10 tons, choose the TN/TNC series; for large, super-heavy parts over 10 tons, choose the HS/HSN series.
- MT shank selection: match the tailstock sleeve's Morse taper; TN ranges MT3–MT7. For the same part, a larger MT provides greater rigidity and permissible load.
- Load-RPM matching: the table's Workpiece Weight and Max. R.P.M are a single point on the curve. For high-RPM work step up one size; for low-RPM heavy loads keep a weight margin.
- High-load body (H spec): if a higher load (8,000 kg class) is needed at the same MT6, choose the larger-body 061006H.
- Carbide tip: for scaly black-skin stock, high-hardness materials, or long continuous runs, specify the TNC (062xxx) carbide-tip version.
- Super-heavy/grinding: for over 10 tons or high-load grinding-machine work choose HS/HSN; for frequent withdrawal choose the draw-off nut type (HSN).
- Point angle: HS offers 75° and 90° angle points; select to match the workpiece center-hole geometry.
Applications
Heavy-duty live centers are used across heavy-cutting processes that must stably support large cutting forces and heavy workpieces. TN/TNC suits roughing and heavy cutting on CNC and conventional lathes, axle/roll/shaft machining, and volume production of automotive and general machinery parts. HS/HSN is used for turning and grinding of super-heavy workpieces over 10 tons — large rolls, large-diameter shafts, and big components for power-generation and steelmaking equipment — including high-load precision work on grinding machines.