For manufacturers, the up-time and utilization of their CNC Machines is one of the most important performance indicators and has a huge impact on productivity and profits. Spindles are a critical component of a CNC machine and any issue that arises with this critical piece has the potential to seriously impact the speed at which the machine can complete jobs, or worse can bring the shop floor to a halt.
- Don’t Ignore Vibration
Your machine operators must react quickly at the first sign of abnormal vibrations. This is a tell-tale sign that there is an issue with the overall condition of the spindle, or that there is an alignment issue that needs to be addressed. If your technicians notice this, or if your machine readings indicate that vibration levels are not normal then immediately cease usage of the machine and contact a qualified technician to inspect and repair the fault. Working with independent spindle repair companies with an expertise in vibration analysis is another great way to ensure you’re utilizing this valuable metric to its fullest.
- Review Temperature Readings
Any increase beyond the normal operating temperature is an indicator that something is wrong. If this is the case, it is essential to stop the machine for inspection and maintenance. Common causes of spindle overheating include coolant component failure, improper lubrication levels, or component grinding. Make sure your technicians are familiar with the correct temperature guidelines for their specific brand of spindle and the exact operating conditions they are using it in.
- Utilize Sensor Data
CNC Machine technology has come a long way over the years. Many modern machines are designed with sensor devices that can collect real-time data about machine performance as well as the condition and performance of specific components of the machine. This data can be used to predict when a failure is likely to occur and allow for a quick response by service technicians to ensure that any damage to the spindle and other key components are minimized. Utilizing third-party IoT enabled devices as part of a predictive maintenance plan is a great way to keep up to date on your machine’s overall health.
- Routinely Check Surface Finish
By routinely checking the finish of machined parts you will glean insights into the overall health of your spindle and CNC machine. If you notice a degradation in the quality of the products’ finish, chatter, size fluctuations or a decrease in tool life, then this can indicate there is an issue with the spindle that needs to be investigated. Acting quickly will minimize the risk of causing further damage to the spindle.
- Optimizing Speeds
Finding the right balance when it comes to production speeds can be challenging, but it also has one of the biggest impacts on the lifespan of your spindle. Manufacturers need to consider the benefit that increased production speed has on their outputs, but they should also consider the effect that it has on the overall cost of repairing the CNC machine, and the associated costs of downtime.
To learn more about how you can extend your spindle life or to schedule a professional repair, contact GTI Spindle Technology today.
About GTI Spindle Technology
At GTI Spindle Technology, we specialize in high-quality spindle diagnosis and repair. Getting your business back into full operation and minimizing downtime is our mission. We offer in-house, on-site, and emergency assistance for machine tool spindle failure analysis, spindle repair, and complete spindle testing. With an extensive range and expertise in a diverse group of industries, our customers know that they are getting the highest quality of spindle repair and customer service. Click here to find out more.
