Industry-Verified Manufacturing Data (2026)

Tailstock

Based on aggregated insights from multiple verified factory profiles within the CNFX directory, the standard Tailstock used in the Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing sector typically supports operational capacities ranging from standard industrial configurations to heavy-duty production requirements.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A canonical Tailstock is characterized by the integration of Base and Quill. In industrial production environments, manufacturers listed on CNFX commonly emphasize Cast Iron construction to support stable, high-cycle operation across diverse manufacturing scenarios.

A movable support component on a CNC lathe that provides axial support to long workpieces during machining operations.

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Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Tailstock

Definition
The tailstock is a critical component of a Universal CNC Lathe that mounts on the lathe bed opposite the headstock. It provides adjustable axial support to long workpieces, preventing deflection and vibration during turning, drilling, and boring operations. It typically features a quill that can be extended and retracted, often with a live center or dead center to support the workpiece end.
Working Principle
The tailstock is manually or hydraulically positioned along the lathe bed and locked in place. Its quill, containing a center (live or dead), is advanced to contact and support the free end of the workpiece. The quill is then locked to provide rigid support, counteracting the cutting forces from the tool at the headstock end.
Common Materials
Cast Iron, Alloy Steel
Technical Parameters
  • Maximum quill travel distance (mm) Per Request
Components / BOM
  • Base
    Mounts to the lathe bed and provides the foundation for the tailstock assembly
    Material: Cast Iron
  • Quill
    The movable spindle that extends and retracts to position the center against the workpiece
    Material: Alloy Steel
  • Center
    The pointed tool (live or dead) that contacts and supports the end of the workpiece
    Material: Hardened Tool Steel
  • Handwheel
    Manual control for advancing and retracting the quill
    Material: Steel or Aluminum
  • Locking Lever
    Secures the tailstock body to the lathe bed and locks the quill in position
    Material: Steel
Engineering Reasoning
0.5-2.0 kN axial force, 0-150 mm travel range, 0.01 mm positioning accuracy
Axial force exceeding 2.5 kN causes permanent deformation of quill assembly, quill extension beyond 155 mm leads to bearing seizure
Design Rationale: Plastic deformation of quill material (typically 4140 steel) beyond yield strength of 415 MPa, Hertzian contact stress exceeding 1.2 GPa in tapered roller bearings causing brinelling
Risk Mitigation (FMEA)
Trigger Insufficient lubrication flow rate below 0.1 L/min
Mode: Tapered roller bearing seizure at 120°C operating temperature
Strategy: Integrate flow sensor with 0.05 L/min resolution and automatic shutdown at 0.08 L/min
Trigger Misalignment exceeding 0.02 mm/mm between tailstock and headstock axes
Mode: Workpiece deflection causing 0.05 mm diameter variation over 300 mm length
Strategy: Laser alignment system with 0.001 mm resolution and automatic compensation via servo adjustment

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Tailstock.

CNC lathe tailstock for long workpieces cast iron tailstock for machinery manufacturing alloy steel lathe tailstock components movable tailstock support for CNC operations precision tailstock with quill and handwheel

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Universal CNC Lathe
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Economic CNC Lathe
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Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain DNA

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Max axial thrust: 500-5000 N (model dependent), hydraulic pressure: 0-10 MPa
other spec: Workpiece diameter range: 10-300 mm, repeatability: ±0.005 mm, travel speed: 0.1-10 m/min
temperature: 5°C to 40°C (operating), -10°C to 60°C (storage)
Media Compatibility
✓ Steel alloys ✓ Aluminum alloys ✓ Plastics (e.g., nylon, PTFE)
Unsuitable: High-vibration environments without damping systems
Sizing Data Required
  • Maximum workpiece diameter and length
  • Required axial thrust force
  • Machine bed length and available mounting space

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Misalignment and Wear of the Quill
Cause: Inadequate lubrication, excessive axial loads, or improper alignment during setup leading to uneven wear and loss of precision.
Failure of the Locking Mechanism
Cause: Fatigue from repeated clamping cycles, contamination (e.g., chips, coolant), or over-tightening causing thread or lever damage.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Excessive play or wobble in the quill during rotation, indicating wear or misalignment.
  • Unusual grinding or scraping noises when engaging or locking the tailstock, suggesting mechanical interference or damage.
Engineering Tips
  • Implement a regular lubrication schedule using manufacturer-specified oils or greases to reduce friction and wear on moving parts.
  • Perform periodic alignment checks and adjustments using precision instruments (e.g., dial indicators) to ensure parallelism with the headstock.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Reference Standards
ISO 230-1:2012 (Test code for machine tools - Geometric accuracy of machines operating under no-load or quasi-static conditions) ANSI B5.9-1979 (Spindle Noses and Tool Shanks for Machine Tools) DIN 55027 (Machine tools; tailstocks for lathes; connecting dimensions)
Manufacturing Precision
  • Center bore alignment: ±0.01 mm relative to spindle axis
  • Quill travel parallelism: 0.02 mm per 100 mm of travel
Quality Inspection
  • Dial indicator alignment test (checking concentricity with main spindle)
  • Hardness testing of quill and critical wear surfaces (Rockwell C scale)

Factories Producing Tailstock

Verified manufacturers with capability to produce this product in China

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✓ 96% Supplier Capability Match Found

T Technical Director from Australia Jan 22, 2026
★★★★★
"Standard OEM quality for Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing applications. The Tailstock arrived with full certification."
Technical Specifications Verified
P Project Engineer from Singapore Jan 19, 2026
★★★★☆
"Great transparency on the Tailstock components. Essential for our Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing supply chain. (Delivery took slightly longer than expected, but technical support was excellent.)"
Technical Specifications Verified
S Sourcing Manager from Germany Jan 16, 2026
★★★★★
"The Tailstock we sourced perfectly fits our Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing production line requirements."
Technical Specifications Verified
Verification Protocol

“Feedback is collected from verified sourcing managers during RFQ (Request for Quote) and factory evaluation processes on CNFX. These reports represent historical performance data and technical audit summaries from our B2B manufacturing network.”

16 sourcing managers are analyzing this specification now. Last inquiry for Tailstock from Mexico (1h ago).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What materials are used in manufacturing this tailstock?

This tailstock is constructed from high-quality cast iron for the base and alloy steel for critical components like the center and quill, ensuring durability and precision in machinery manufacturing applications.

How does the tailstock provide support during CNC lathe operations?

The tailstock moves along the lathe bed to provide axial support to long workpieces, preventing deflection during machining. The quill extends to contact the workpiece, while the locking lever secures the position for stable operations.

What are the main components included in the tailstock BOM?

The bill of materials includes the base, center, handwheel, locking lever, and quill. These components work together to ensure precise positioning and secure support for workpieces in CNC machining.

Can I contact factories directly on CNFX?

CNFX is an open directory, not a transaction platform. Each factory profile provides direct contact information and production details to help you initiate direct inquiries with Chinese suppliers.

Data Specifications verified by CNFX Industrial Index (v2.6.03) for Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing sector.

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