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.
Read MoreHardinge VMC 1500 P3 Spindle Repair
The Hardinge VMC 1500 P3 is a larger vertical machining center with a CAT-40 tooling taper. It comes equipped with a belt driven, 8,000 RPM, and grease lubricated spindle.
CHALLENGE
The customer called in and stated that his Hardinge VMC 1500 P3 spindle would only spin in one direction and that he was sending it in for evaluation. Once the spindle arrived at Northland Tool and Electronics it was indeed seized when spun in one direction but free in the other. After disassembling the spindle it was found that the rear roller bearing had catastrophically failed. The bearing cage was completely destroyed and the debris from the rear bearing had spread and contaminated the front bearings too!! The gripper assembly was also worn and needed to be replaced. Critical dimensions (bearing journals, bearing shoulders, housing, and taper) were then measured and no dimensional deviations were noted.
SOLUTION
The following actions were performed on this Hardinge VMC 1500 P3 spindle:
- Clean all parts of the spindle
- Replace all bolts and o-rings
- Replace drawbar assembly
- Replace bearings
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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More Case Studies
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.
It’s a fact of machining — eventually, even top-of-the-line turning machines will experience a spindle failure. Spindles endure tension, torsion, heavy loads, and speeds up to and beyond 150,000 RPM, to name a few of the standard stressors.
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