The Bridgeport Torq-Cut 22 is a smaller CNC vertical machining center. It comes fitted with a grease lubricated and belt driven spindle capable of running up to 7,500 rpm.
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Awea BL3018FM Spindle Repair
The Awea BL3018FM is a high rigidity CNC horizontal boring mill. It comes fitted with a grease lubricated and stator driven spindle capable of running up to 8,000 rpm.
CHALLENGE
This Awea BL3018FM spindle had bearings that were noisy when rotated by hand in assembly incoming. During disassembly we found that the bearings were installed <>|<> (back to back, spacer, back to back) incoming. The correct arrangement per the spindle print is <<>> (tandem back to back). Once we completed the disassembly we found that the grease in all bearings was degraded, cages were breaking down, and all felt worn when rotated by hand. We then measured the critical dimensions (bearing journals, taper, housing, etc.) and found a few issues. First, the tooling taper ID was damaged, with what appear to be Dremel grinding marks and there was very little tool contact. Second, the front of the shaft was bent >10µm and the gipper fingers (collet) were severely worn. Lastly, the 130mm rear housing bore was fretted oversized +25/+15µm (ISO = ±9µm).
SOLUTION
The following actions were performed on this Awea BL3018FM spindle:
- Clean, inspect overall dimensions
- Grind, chrome plate, and finish grind (GPG) the tooling taper
- GPG all journals to fix the taper and address the bend in the shaft
- GPG the 130mm rear housing bore
- Replace all bearings, actuator cover seal, o-rings, and assembly screws
RESULT
After reassembly of all components, adjusting bearing preload, and undergoing break-in and testing procedures, this spindle passed our final quality inspection before being returned to our customer with a 1-year warranty.
DETAILED CAUSE OF FAILURE
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Repair History - Here are examples of similar spindle repairs that may contain additional information that will help you. If you have additional questions, please contact us.
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