Robodrill Grind Plate Grind (GPG) Video
In this video, Scott is showing a recent GPG of a Robodrill spindle.
In this photo, Andy has just broken down a Moore Air Bearing spindle for repair. This is an ID grinder that spins at 30,000 RPM.
In these photos, Scott is grinding a Fortuna ID Grinding shaft on one of our Kellenberger Grinders.
Northland Tool & Electronics is proud to be able to provide spindle repair and spindle rebuilding services across the United States and beyond. Thanks to our blog, we are able to show you images and share stories about spindle repairs such as this Weiss Bridgeport Spindle Repair which came from Knoxville, TN. Or this Mori Seiki CL203B Spindle Repair that came from Chicago, IL.
Wassino Spindle Repair
This Wassino spindle repair was sent to us because our customer had been rebuilding it themselves but they were not receiving the life they were expecting from the spindle repair. Although these spindles look easy to repair there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. In particular this spindle had run out on a bearing shoulder. This caused the bearing race to not locate perpendicular to the shaft centerline. When this happens the outer and inner races are not parallel and the balls do not ride in the proper ball path causing premature bearing failure. A kiss grind in our grinding department took care of the run out. In assembly it is very important to make sure the bearing spacers are set properly to achieve the desired preload. The spindle then was examined by our QC department and received approval to ship.
Hurco Spindle Repair
BMC 4020
6,000 rpm
Our customer sent in this spindle repair. The grease lubricated, 40 taper spindle was disassembled. We found that the front bearings were contaminated and the taper had run out. The spindle was quoted and the customer approved. The shaft was put in our grinding department for a kiss grind to the taper. Once the grind was finished the cleaned spindle went to our experienced technician for assembly. The spindle was assembled and balanced and run up. Final QC was performed and the spindle was sent to shipping. The spindle was shipped and it is up and running in the machine.
- GMN TSSV110-42000 spindle repair
GMN TSSV110 Spindle Repair
42,000 rpm
This spindle came from a customer that we have worked with extensively to develop a repair program that fits their needs. They have an inventory of spare spindles on hand but did not wish to carry the repair costs in their inventory. Together we decided that they would send in the spare spindle inventory and Northland Tool & Electronics will break down the spindles, provide a cause of failure and a repair price. Once the spindle is approved the spindle goes into our system to be repaired. Once the spindle is rebuilt it then goes onto our environmentally controlled storage room until the customer requires it. Our customer calls us when the spindle is needed and we ship and invoice it that same day.
However with this spindle the customer needed it back as soon as possible. We were able to quote and rebuild the spindle within 4 days. The customer was up and running within a week. We are always looking to help our customers out. This could be turning a spindle around within a week or holding a rebuilt spindle until it is required in their facility. Contact us if you have any special requirements with your spindle.
- Heald Redhead 120,000
Heald Red Head
120,000 rpm
This Heald ID grinding spindle came in with end play and the pilot had 12 microns of run out. The spindle appears to have been crashed. The spindle required grinding; chrome plate and finish grind to the pilot. The replacement of the high-speed bearings requires perfect adjustment of the preload. If the preload is heavy the bearings will produce heat and fail. If the preload is light the balls of the bearings will “skate” causing vibration and ultimately failure. The final QC checks for this type of repair include preload checks and intensive vibration analysis to insure your spindle is in prime operating condition. View Our Heald Spindle Repair Page Here.
Whitnon 442-1880-350
Whitnon 442-1880-350 Spindle Repair
1800 rpm
This grinding spindle came to us with the power leads cut off the stator. The incoming inspection showed contamination in both the front and rear bearings. When the customer cut the wires they were no longer able to connect the spindle as it is wound for high or low voltage. We were able to trace the leads and label them for easier installation. We assembled the spindle in our clean room with ABEC 7 bearings. After the completion of the assembly our technicians test ran the spindle at the top rated speed and trim balanced it. It was then put through our comprehensive final quality check and was approved for shipment.
GMN TSSV120-60000-5 Spindle Repair
This spindle came to us and was needed back at the customers ASAP. We disassembled and inspected the spindle. All critical spindle components passed quality control inspections except the taper that had 4 microns of run out. Additionally, when we checked the customers tooling we found that it had 30 microns of run out. We contacted the customer and it was determined that the tooling would need a kiss grind.
We kiss ground the tooling, adjusted preload and balanced the spindle. Final quality control showed that the tooling taper now had 3 microns of run out, well within the acceptable range of our customer’s tolerances. The customer had his spindle back within 3 business days. We were able to perform such a quick turn around because we currently employee two certified technicians to run our precision Kellenberger grinders.
Written by Sandy Smith