Get a full evaluation of your spindle.
Send us your spindle, we will diagnose your problem and provide you with an accurate price quote for repair.
Northland Tool Blog
Spindle Vibration Monitoring & Analysis
What Is Vibration Analysis? What Is Spindle Vibration Analysis? Causes of Spindle Vibration Why Is Spindle Vibration Analysis Important? Spindle Vibration Analysis Tools & Software Can I Do A Spindle Vibration Analysis Myself? What Is Vibration Analysis? In manufacturing, vibration analysis is a process for measuring the vibration levels and frequencies of machinery and its components while in operation. The analysis is performed both during machine repair troubleshooting and as a part of preventive maintenance. Vibration analysis determines whether there are defect frequencies that need to be addressed.
Read More
The Complete Guide to Spindle Runout: How to Test, Measure & Reduce
What Is Spindle Runout? Types of Spindle Runout The Effects of Spindle Runout How To Measure Spindle Runout Correct Your Spindle Runout Today What Is Spindle Runout? In machining, runout refers to inaccuracies in a tool or piece of equipment that cause it to spin off its ideal axis.
Read More
Delaying Spindle Service Causes More Damage, Costly Repairs
Running this spindle too long caused deformed ball bearings and damage to the outer race Damage to the outer race is consistent with prolonged operation after spindle exhibited initial signs of needing to be rebuilt Every spindle rebuilt by Northland Tool is backed by a 1-year warranty on parts and workmanship Over 2 years in the making A customer reached out to us over 2 years ago with a complaint that their spindle was starting to get noisy. We provided an estimated cost of $5,000 to rebuild.
Read More
GPG: Grind-Plate-Grind Process Explained
When a cylindrical surface, such as the OD of a shaft or the ID of a tooling taper, becomes worn or damaged, we use a process referred to as grind-plate-grind (GPG) to restore dimensions to original OEM specification. First, we pre-grind, also referred to as “green grind,” to remove a thin layer of material and smooth any damage. Next, the part undergoes an electroplating process to apply a layer of hard chrome to the desired area. This builds up a durable surface that is slightly oversized than the final desired dimension.
Read More
Southtec 2017
We are having a great show at Southtec 2017. Not only have we been able to introduce our unique spindle repair service, we have Kent Queensbury from Lion Precision demonstrating The Spindle Check system. If you have not seen this amazing technology yet contact us and we will be happy to give you a demonstration. This is a must have tool in your arsenal.
Read More
Hardinge T42 Four Pack
Our customer wanted to requalify his Hardinge T42 spindles to make sure he continued to hold the very tight tolerances required for his customers products. As this took all four machines down at once we rush repaired them with grinding work and hand carried the spindles back within days of receiving them.
Read More
Ball Cage Manufacture
Many spindle rebuilders do not have the equipment or skill to manufacture the ball cages that are essential for proper preload of the bearings. The practice of reusing ball cages is usually done because they have no other option. They have not invested in the machinery and skill sets needed to manufacture parts correctly. One of the more common failures we see from other rebuilders is a ball cage that no longer functions freely. This causes excessive preload to the bearing set as the spindle experiences thermal growth. That eventually causes premature bearing failure. Don’t get short changed on your next repair.
Read More
Spindle Actuator Repair
This is a drawbar actuator that the walls of the ID had been scored and allowed hydraulic fluid to seep around the seals and contaminate the spindle bearings causing premature bearing failure. We were able to rework the ID in our grinding department saving our customer several thousands of dollars.
Read More
Manufacturing Spindle Parts
Since you can’t go to the local parts store and buy a front spindle housing and the lead times from the OEM can be measured in months not days, if they will even sell you the part. We manufacture replacement parts here to keep you up and running. Northland Tool manufactured this part, with micron tolerances, in 4 days and had our customer up and running in less than 7 days.
Read More
Need Your Spindle’s Drawbar Re-Qualified?
Give us a call 800-774-6353. Performing a Grind Plate Grind to your drawbar shaft in most cases is a lower cost alternative than replacing it with new. Over time the belleville washers or coil springs can wear grooves in the drawbar shaft itself. This can cause poor tool retention force and difficulty getting full travel of the drawbar during tool changes.
Read More