Category: Uncategorized

  • 3 Questions to Ask About Your Next Spindle Repair Warranty

    Spindle-Repair-WarrantyWhether you’re running a CNC mill, grinder, or lathe your machine’s spindle is a critical component, and daily operations subject it to tremendous pressures. These pressures all but ensure that your spindle will, at some point in its lifespan, require repair.

    For these reasons, we consider the warranty offered on a repaired spindle to be a key purchase factor. If you aren’t careful, you could often wind up in an unfavorable position, possibly spending way more money than you should over the long run.

    So, what makes a spindle repair warranty stand out from the rest? Here are our thoughts:

    How Long Does the Warranty Last?
    This one is pretty cut and dry. The longer the warranty period, the better. Many companies will warranty their work for 6 months, some as long as 12 months – twice the coverage!

    When Does Warranty Period Start?
    More important than how long a warranty lasts, is when the warranty actually begins.

    For many spindle OEMs and third party repair companies, the warranty becomes effective the moment the spindle leaves their shop. If you’re lucky, perhaps the warranty won’t kick in until delivery at your facility is confirmed. But the fact is, there’s a high likelihood that your newly repaired spindle is going to sit around at your shop for a while before it gets reinstalled. Unfortunately, you’ll often find that your warranty has expired long before you have even used it.

    The gold standard for a warranty’s effective date is when the spindle is actually back in service. This way, the warranty is active during the spindle’s active lifespan, not while it sits on a shelf.

    Who’s Allowed to Install the Spindle?
    Another key factor to watch out for – installation clauses. Often, OEMs will include language specifying that installation by anyone but their own technicians automatically voids the warranty. This could lead to increased, and often unnecessary costs for customers — up to several thousand dollars. It can also add delays while waiting on technician availability.

    A fair and flexible spindle repair warranty shouldn’t have such limitations, instead allowing the client to choose their own installer, often a company employee, and timeframe.

    While repairing your spindle is often a better option than replacing it, you’ll need to smart about the warranty. Ask the questions we’ve outlined for you. Make sure you have a warranty that’s designed to work with you, and not cost you more down the road.

    We don’t care much for back-patting at GTI, but we are proud to offer one of the spindle repair industry’s most customer-centric warranties. The warranty features listed above — fair timeframes, logical effective dates, and full installation freedom — are the foundations of our standard spindle repair warranty.

  • How the Manufacturing Industry Will Adapt to COVID-19

    While the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t quite behind us, restrictions in several states are beginning to relax and many companies are grappling with how to return to work responsibly. For essential businesses like the manufacturing industry, planning for the future has less to do with bringing workers back to the office and more to do with preventing disruptions from any potential future crisis.

    The economic impact of the coronavirus will likely hit the hospitality, restaurant, and leisure industries the hardest, but manufacturing is far from immune to its effects. Due to supply chain disruptions and concerns about worker safety, companies are scrambling to figure out the best way to move forward so that production can return to normal without leaving themselves vulnerable to another potential wave of infections.

    CNC Machining Will Shoot Through the Roof
    CNC machining has been the preferred method of precision manufacturers for decades. It offers the highest threshold for accuracy, reduces waste, and improves production speed enormously. However, in the age of social distancing, perhaps the most appealing advantage CNC machines provide is the reduction in human labor. While some human presence is essential in every manufacturing setting, reducing the number of essential personnel is the best way to minimize the chance of infection among the remaining staff. While industries like aerospace, pharmaceutical, and automotive already require CNC machinery to meet their rigorous standards, it’s likely that we’ll see more industries with less stringent requirements adopting the high-performance tools to reduce their physical workforce.

    Some Manufacturing Will Move Back to the US
    During the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, supply chain disruptions impacted nearly every industry. From severe shortages in grocery stores of essential goods like toilet paper, to limited supplies of medical equipment, and everything in between, the COVID-19 pandemic painfully illustrated a critical flaw in the US’s dependence on foreign manufacturers. Now it’s clear that one of the critical advantages to overseas production is actually a detrimental weakness. The inexpensive labor force that lured American manufacturers poses a severe threat for future production. Returning some companies to the U.S. certainly has its own upfront cost, but it will likely to be viewed as an acceptable investment to ensure a less fragile supply chain in the future and to reduce the reliance on human labor.

    Independent Repair Companies Will Offset Labor Concerns
    Going forward, manufacturers will have a very high incentive to retain as much flexibility in their labor costs as possible. With some studies estimating that labor represents more than half of all overhead expenses and with so many employees being sent home, the value of having a trusted, third-party repair company has never been higher. For manufactures, utilizing independent spindle repair companies can help fill necessary labor gaps as businesses try to scale down operations.

    To learn how you can strengthen your position in such an unpredictable market, contact the professionals at 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.

     

     

  • How Independent Spindle Repair Companies Can Help During the COVID19 Pandemic

    It’s an understatement to say that the COVID19 (or Coronavirus) pandemic will have a profound and long-lasting impact on the world as we know it. From the way we work, and teach our children, to how we buy food. It’s inevitable that COVID19 will touch upon every facet of our lives–with some estimates predicting it could rob as much as 2 Trillion dollars from the global economy.

    While restaurants, airlines, and the hospitality industry are the worst hit by this catastrophe, manufacturing is far from immune to its effects. Even after the pandemic has subsided and social distancing comes to an end, many companies estimate it will take between three and six months for manufacturing to return to normal. To weather the storm manufacturers should take advantage of every opportunity available to reduce costs and improve efficiency. For manufacturers with CNC machines, utilizing independent spindle repair companies offers significant benefits during such unpredictable times.

    Independent Repair Companies Reduce Labor Costs

    It’s no secret that labor is expensive. A Harvard Business Review study showed that labor expenses typically represent more than 50% of overhead. With so much uncertainty regarding both material supply and consumer demand it’s essential for manufacturers to remain as flexible as possible. Some estimates project that more than 2 million layoffs could result from the pandemic, as companies scramble to reduce labor expenses. For manufactures, utilizing independent spindle repair companies can help fill necessary labor gaps as businesses try to scale down operations.

    Domestic Repair Companies Improve Repair Turnaround Times

    With global supply chains severely disrupted and international borders shutting down, many OEMs are cutoff from their equipment. For manufacturers this can add untold delays for even the most routine spindle repairs. However, a domestic repair company, such as GTI Spindle, can provide quick turnarounds to get manufacturers back into operation significantly faster than foreign OEMs. In fact, many OEMs partner with independent repair companies to provide supplemental repair services in regions that they can’t effectively cover. 

    Companies with Expertise in Vibration Analysis Can Help Manufacturers Go Remote

    Unplanned downtime is one of the most expensive challenges manufacturers face. Some estimates calculate that downtime costs as much as $22,000 a minute in the automotive sector. Vibration analysis tools–as part of a larger predictive maintenance program–offer an invaluable opportunity for manufacturers to reduce downtime and prevent total machine failure. However, these powerful programs offer another unique benefit; they can help manufacturers move more of their staff to remote operations. Independent spindle repair companies, such as GTI Spindle, can seamlessly tie their repair service into an existing predictive maintenance program by providing critical vibration analysis data on all repaired equipment.

    Contact the professionals at GTI Spindle Technology to learn how you can leverage our expertise and spindle repair services to strengthen your position in such an unpredictable market.

    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.

  • Why Vibration Monitoring is Key to the Overall Health and Longevity of Your Spindles

    A recent report by Grandview Research suggests that the value of the CNC machinery market will increase to over $100 Billion by 2025. This means that businesses that rely on CNC equipment for fabrication can expect an increase in investment and technology in the CNC world, as well as higher levels of competition when it comes to vendors and services.

    CNC machines offer businesses a highly efficient, minimal labor involved method of manufacturing components. However, the productivity level of these machines is directly related to the overall health and lifespan of the core components, such as spindles. It is estimated that in some industries as much as 26% of the overall downtime of CNC machines is related to spindle failure. This is why monitoring and reacting to machine performance data is key to getting the most out of your equipment.

    What makes up the spindle component?

    The spindle component in a CNC machine is usually made up of a few subcomponents, including rotor shaft, bearings and clamping system, all of which are subject to wear and tear and can lead to total component failure, rendering the entire machine unproductive until the spindle is repaired.

    One of the main reasons for spindle health deterioration over time is the impact of machine process vibrations. Vibration can be caused by a wide range of factors. High loads, unbalanced tools, deteriorating bearings, misalignment. While a certain amount of vibration is accounted for, it’s critical for machine operators to have a tool to visualize when vibration levels become abnormal. Vibration analysis tools provide a remedy before damage is done as repairing the problem after total failure is always far more costly.

    How does vibration sensor technology help extend the spindle’s lifespan?

    Vibration sensor technology has come a long way in the past five years. Many new machines are fitted with real-time vibration sensors; however, older equipment can be retroactively fitted with these devices to enhance an operator’s ability to understand the detailed performance of the machine during uptime. Wireless sensor technology has given us the breakthrough technology to efficiently place high accuracy sensors behind machine doors to quickly collect this important data. These sensors are able to capture a wide range of performance data including the vibration readings when a machine is operating under a very light load, without a load at all, or under very high speeds.

    In addition, data can be collected, and cross analyzed with other data points, such as output productivity, or quality of finish in order to build a database of information to help understand how vibration readings can be used to predict both outputs, quality and the likelihood of machine failure. When this data is captured, we are able to store and analyze it for use with predictive maintenance programs and asset profitability calculations.

    Spindle Balancing Vibration Analysis

    What is the real power of knowing your vibration readings?

    When it comes to vibration readings, knowing the facts is key to the overall productivity of your CNC fleet. Not only does this data help operators make real-time decisions that increase both productivity and quality of output, but it also helps businesses predict if and when spindle components of the machine require repair or spindle balance. This helps to optimize servicing costs associated with keeping the machine running and minimizes the risk of total failure, which heavily impacts the productivity and profitability of the business.

    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.

  • Spindle Maintenance Tips for 2020

    Often manufacturers have an “Out of sight, out of mind” approach to spindle maintenance that can result in both costly repairs and production delays. Studies show that unexpected downtime can cost as much as $100,000 per hour. Just like any machine, it’s essential to understand the specific warning signs of your spindles and how to maintain them properly to extend the life of your equipment. Spindles are the heart of the machine, so the time required to add small checks and schedule preventive maintenance is well worth it to ensure an increase in productivity.

    Understand the Specifics of Your Machine
    Proper care is dictated by the type of spindle you’re using and the specific application. Extending spindle life requires a proper understanding of your component. The user needs to be versed on the ins and outs of the spindle they’re using as well as the specific applications. Despite the similarities in external design, typically spindles are built with the application in mind. Internal components, such as the number of bearings, the angle of the bearings, and the preload are developed for each machining application. As simple as it may sound, reading the manual to understand the specifications of your spindle is one of the best ways to learn the guidelines of how to use your equipment. With the spindle tucked away in the machine and out of reach of most operators, it’s essential for technicians to be intentional about their spindle maintenance program.

    Defer to Specialized Spindle Repair Companies
    Speaking to OEM’s or a trusted repair company to confirm the specifics of your machine’s operational circumstances can make a huge impact on the life of your spindle. Independent repair companies can draw from their experience repairing spindles in a variety of industries under vastly different conditions to provide guidelines that you might not be aware of. Companies with expertise in predictive maintenance software have a wealth of information ranging from vibration analysis to thermography data that can be utilized to more accurately track trends over time and make predictions about equipment in similar circumstances. Many OEM’s partner with premium spindle repair companies to provide a wider service area, better response times, and handle custom equipment repairs and rebuilds.

    Run a Spindle Warm-Up Program
    An elevated operating temperature is usually an indicator of spindle issues. One of the best ways to check in on the health of your spindles is to start every shift with a spindle warm-up program. Measuring the temperature of the machine after the warmup cycle is necessary to establish a baseline. If possible, it is always a good idea to measure the temperature of the bearings on the front housing. If it runs hot that is usually indicative of a problem. It is essential to make sure the cooling mechanisms are operating correctly, whether the spindle is cooled through compressed air, liquid, or a fan. Running a spindle warm-up program is a great way to keep an eye on the health of your most valuable asset.

    Ensure Proper Machine Load
    Another way to prevent spindle failure is by making sure the load on the controller is normal. Many machines allow you to define the spindle load condition for specific tools. This safety feature will stop the machine if the limit is reached for the tool in use. To use this function correctly, operators need to verify that the proper settings are implemented to keep overload from occurring. Machining something like titanium with heavy loads can put a lot of stress on a spindle. Make sure the spindle is qualified to perform such operations. Proper machine use and consistent day-to-day care make all the difference when it comes to spindle life. Spindle operators should be aware of machine specifications and run their equipment accordingly.

    To learn more about improving spindle life or to schedule a high-quality repair contact the professionals at GTI Spindle 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.

  • Why Independent Spindle Repair is Vital to the Aerospace Industry

    It’s undeniable that the aerospace industry is rapidly changing. With global shortages in new aircraft supply and economic uncertainties on the horizon, independent spindle repair companies can provide high-quality services to extend the life of your machines and help you stay competitive.

    There is a Critical Shortage of Planes
    Plane orders are up, but the supply is down. Some airlines have begun to experience severe route disruption as a result of the lack of available airplanes to purchase. Globally, the cost of purchasing and leasing equipment has risen exponentially. Utilizing independent spindle repair companies to extend the usable life of your machines is a proven way to get the most from your investment. Studies show that spindles last significantly longer when properly repaired or rebuilt and save 40% of the cost of a replacement.

    The Aerospace Market is Facing a Downturn
    The manufacturing industry is facing a great deal of economic uncertainty, and aerospace is far from immune. Some studies show there may be a downturn ahead for the entire business. Professional spindle rebuilds represent a smaller investment than full equipment replacements. This leaves you less exposed should demand suddenly drop. The right spindle repair company can handle the full capabilities of the aerospace industry including but not limited to maintenance, repair, rebuilds, and upgrades.

    When revenue is uncertain, having a trusted spindle repair technician can help you stay competitive, meet exact specifications, and integrate repairs into your preventative maintenance program. Professional facilities are capable of addressing the ongoing challenges that many aerospace customers face while trying to get ahead.

    Precision is Paramount
    While high-quality repair services are essential in any industry that relies on spindles, the fact remains that in the aviation business lives depend on precise machining. Utilizing a spindle repair company that ensures better than new rebuilds and has an expertise in vibration analysis is the best way to make sure you’re exceeding the expectations and regulations demanded in such a complex industry.

    For aerospace spindle repair that utilizes the most cutting-edge technology and meets the latest industry standards and ISO specifications, contact the professionals at GTI Spindle 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.

  • How Companies are Adapting to Manufacturing Technology Trends

    With new technology and an evolving global economy, it’s imperative that manufacturers stay apprised of the latest in manufacturing technology trends. While manufacturing is outpacing the average growth for the global economy, some companies are still struggling with labor shortages, fluctuating supply logistics, and advances in predictive maintenance. As technology changes, manufacturing must change with it, and understanding the technology trends of the manufacturing industry is key to avoid being left behind.

    Agriculture & Construction are Using Robots
    A recent manufacturing study reported that over 80% of companies listed workforce issues as one of their top three challenges facing their business. Despite record growth rates, manufacturers are still struggling to attract and retain top talent. The industry hasn’t been able to maintain the allure and sense of stability that it had decades ago, and competition overseas has driven wages down. To get around this issue, agriculture and construction companies have begun to develop robots and other complex machines to fill in the labor gap. With industries more and more dependent on autonomous robotic technology to produce goods in a timely manner, it is essential to have an independent repair service that is well versed in the most advanced technologies to minimize downtime.

    Aerospace is Investing in Artificial Intelligence
    With an estimated $8.7 trillion in economic output over the next ten years, aerospace is growing at an impressive rate. Increased dependence on air travel and advances in aerospace and materials engineering are some of the factors that have contributed to the growth of the industry. However, recent studies show that the sector’s investments in artificial intelligence programs are the real secret weapon for airplane manufacturers–which is why the total spend on machine learning programs increased by over 75% in 2018.

    The reason for this development is the necessity in minimizing both machine breakdowns (which can mean loss of life when you’re talking about airplanes), and the high cost of conducting unnecessary repairs. It costs a fortune for an airplane to be taken out of operation for unnecessary maintenance. Artificial intelligence programs can collect data and make predictions based on the real-time health of the machine to accurately and safely optimize equipment repairs. Utilizing third-party repair services that can implement data from predictive maintenance programs, is key to cutting costs in the long run.

    Manufacturers are Using Cloud Storage to Optimize Supply Chain Management
    One trend that has been consistent across all industries for many years, is the increased reliance on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to collect and interpret data from multiple sources simultaneously. Manufacturers have primarily been using data stored and analyzed in cloud programs to schedule repairs and reduce maintenance costs. This has proven to be an effective way to cut down on the expensive practice of running machines until they break, or following manufacturer recommended repair schedules that tend to be overly-cautious.

    Recently, many manufacturers have taken the information gleaned from IIoT devices a step further by utilizing the data collected to optimize supply chain management practices. In a global economy, the cost of producing too much or too little adds up. From storage and material costs to customer turn-over, it’s essential manufacturers are able to accurately estimate and meet their demand needs. Utilizing data about machine health and longevity allows manufacturers to schedule repairs for lower demand time periods in order to optimize machine performance in peak seasons. Working with repair services that know best how to optimize data from IIoT devices is essential to get the most of these benefits.

    If you are in need of a cutting-edge spindle repair service to stay apprised of all the advances in manufacturing technology trends, contact the professionals at GTI Spindle 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.

  • How GTI Repairs All Kessler Spindles

    For many manufacturers, Kessler spindles are the heart of their business. We know because Kessler spindle repair is the heart of ours. That is why we have taken the time to master the skills and tools necessary to resolve any Kessler spindle problem quickly and efficiently. Our procedures for machine tool spindle failure analysis, spindle calibration, and spindle testing are part of what makes us one of the largest spindle repair specialists in the country. We strive to reduce your downtime and ensure your spindle runs better than it did when it was new.

    Contact and Intake

    At GTI we have live support staff taking customer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With our three state-of-the-art facilities in the U.S., you can save on shipping time and cost, and in some cases, we can perform the spindle repair at your location. We are diligent about tracking all new arrivals so you can stay on top of your spindle’s progress throughout the repair process.

    Disassembly, Cleaning, & Inspection

    As we disassemble the spindle, we search for signs of contamination, lack of lubrication, support equipment failure, misuse, or anything unusual. We clean all disassembled parts and conduct numerous tests to see how the Kessler spindle compares to industry specifications. We check the run-out, alignment, optimal tolerance levels for housing bores, as well as shaft journals and parallelism. We inspect the bearings for preload, contamination, overloading, fretting, overheating, and make a recommendation for replacing your bearings to extend spindle life and improve performance. We search for the origin of the failure, to fix it correctly, and to provide you with a detailed guide to prevent the issue in the future.

    Machining, Grinding, & Balancing

    If necessary, we can change worn out Kessler spindle components with custom built replacement components in our on-site machine shop. This allows us to get your part fixed faster without having to rely on the OEM, saving you valuable time and money. We also do our own in-house grinding and have a climate-controlled space, where we can grind to precision run outs with tolerances of 0.0001 or better. We use our state-of-the-art balancing technology, developed by GTI Predictive Technology, to 2 stage balance all spindles that we rebuild. We will component balance and then perform final trim balance at maximum RPM to achieve the lowest unbalance and vibration levels possible.

    Reassembling & Testing

    We put it all back together with new bearings, seals, O-rings, spacers, Belleville washers, and any other reworked components in our controlled assembly area to prevent contamination. Once reassembled, we run extensive tests covering runout, temperature, and vibration from 0 RPM to the maximum speed. We will then continue to test run at maximum RPM until we feel confident that your Kessler spindle is performing optimally—which is often better than when it was new. Final vibration tests will read at .0395 overall velocity and the displacement specs will meet the recommended ISO grade scale.

    Final QC and Return

    Every Kessler spindle that we rebuild is then put through a redundant final QC process by an independent technician to ensure that all of our rebuild processes and specifications have been achieved or exceeded. We paint and pack your newly repaired spindle in non-corrosive packing material and encase it in foam. It gets shipped to you in either a heavy-duty shipping box or a custom-built wooden crate to ensure a safe return to your facility. When you unpack your Kessler spindle, you’ll not only be pleased with how it looks, but you’ll be amazed at how well it performs.

    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.

  • How to Prevent 3 Common Causes of Spindle Breakdown

    Breakdowns of any kind are a major roadblock for production efficiency. With machines out of operation, manufacturers find their revenue decreases as overhead costs skyrocket. While not all breakdowns are avoidable, some definitely are. Only 30% of machines live their full lifespan because of poor maintenance and upkeep. Knowing why spindles breakdown before their time is the best way to prevent an untimely end to your machines.

    Contamination

    One of the most common factors in premature spindle failures is poor air supply. Particulate contaminants and moisture especially are often disastrous. Maintenance personnel and machine operators often focus on lubrication to the detriment of all else, but a contaminated air supply is known as the silent killer of spindles. Around 80 percent of spindle failures are because of contamination. Many assume that contamination is exclusively caused by external sources such as grinding swarf or coolant, but in actuality, many spindle machine tool users are killing their own equipment. Ensuring a dry air supply is one of the best ways to protect your production line from contamination related breakdowns.

    Overloading

    It is always best to utilize the right type of spindle for the right job. The most common causes of overloading include improper feed rate, excessive preload, faulty belt tension, and poorly sized bearings. Doubling the speed of a spindle beyond the manufacturer’s recommended rating can reduce the lifespan of a spindle by half. It’s also essential to ensure that bearings have the proper amount of preload – the amount of force exerted against the rolling elements without external force. Too much preload will wear down the parts when not in use, and too little preload will prevent the tool from performing properly.

    End of Spindle Life Failure 

    Seemingly identical spindles operated under perfect conditions may not last the same amount of time. Manufacturers estimate the time period that 10% of bearings will fail under optimal usage conditions. This calculated timeframe is known as a machine’s basic life or L10, and can be used to estimate how long you can expect a machine to last. Following a proper maintenance routine can help ensure you get the longest lifespan out of your equipment, but even under perfect conditions, breakdowns do occur. That is why it’s vital to have a trusted spindle repair technician to turn to when a breakdown does happen.

    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.

     

  • What the Future of Manufacturing Means for Spindle Repair

    Contrary to popular belief, the manufacturing industry in the United States is stronger than ever. In fact, it’s the strongest in the world and is responsible for nearly 20% of all the world’s goods. However, it is true that manufacturing has changed immensely in the past few decades and will continue to evolve in the future. Factors such as outsourcing, automation, and the leaps and bounds computer technology makes every year will drastically impact every facet of manufacturing. For those companies trying to keep up and maintain a competitive edge, it’s critical to understand how the evolution of the manufacturing landscape affects spindle repair.

    Outsourcing Puts OEMs Farther from Their Products

    With outsourcing on the rise, many industries make the bulk of their products internationally in places like Asia, Africa, and Mexico. While this greatly reduces the labor costs for the OEM, it also increases the distance between them and where their products will be in use. As anyone who works in manufacturing knows, downtime is the death of productivity. Every minute a plant is shut down is money lost. The shipping and logistics required for OEMs to repair many of their own products adds enormously to the downtime costs for their customers as machines stay out of operation. For this reason, many OEMs partner with independent repair specialists to provide closer support. Independent repair technicians can also provide onsite repairs for many common spindle problems to get the production line up and running even faster.

    The Skilled Labor Shortage Makes Hiring Competitive

    Currently, the manufacturing industry is experiencing a severe labor shortage. As equipment evolves and U.S. machinery becomes more complex, the need for skilled labor has skyrocketed. Many companies are turning to high schools and creating outreach programs to encourage the next generation to pursue careers in manufacturing. However, recruiting the right talent isn’t cheap. Some estimates place the cost of recruiting experienced, skilled labor at over 100% the annual salary cost. For this reason, it’s often inefficient for manufacturers to rely on in-house technicians for all their spindle repair needs. Independent companies specialize in recruiting and training the best candidates, and with their broad customer base, these technicians typically have a much greater depth of knowledge – handling all kinds of repairs every single day.

    The Exponential Growth of Technology Makes Staying Ahead More Difficult

    It’s long been said that computer technology makes significant advancements every 18-months, thanks to the technological exponential growth known as Moore’s Law. Recently, researchers at MIT found that Moore’s Law can be applied with similar accuracy to technological growth across many industries including manufacturing. With every new piece of equipment or accessory, there becomes a need to master a new skill set. In order to avoid falling behind, manufacturers rely on high-end independent repair companies to keep apprised of the latest advancements in their industry.

    To learn how an independent spindle repair company can best serve your needs and keep your production line ahead during these changing times, contact the professionals at 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.