Dynomax Spindle Blog

What is frequency drive commissioning and do I really need it?

At Dynomax, frequency drive commissioning is a service we offer where our electrical engineers “set up” the drive and all it’s menus and settings so that is will work as expected when you get it in your facility.  You can think of it as plug and play.  If the drive was to arrive without being commissioned you would need someone on your end to program all the settings and menus at that time.

When we perform the commissioning we also know that everything will be working and tested to it’s maximum speed prior to leaving our facility.  If you decide to commission the drive on your own we still test the spindle, but we would use our drives with our settings and of course can’t guarantee that it will work that way in your plant because we wouldn’t be able to say how your drive was set up.

Some drives are more complicated and have more potential pitfalls than others, which is why our price (and time) can vary for commissioning services.

For more information, contact one of our friendly spindle associates at 847.680.8833 today!  

In the opinion of any spindle designer, the ultimate spindle would have the following characteristics:

1. Unlimited Speed

2. High Power

3. Long Life

4. Self-Balancing

5. Self-Diagnostic

As unattainable as these qualities may sound, they will be fulfilled in future spindle designs.  Advances in bearing technology such as magnetic and fluid bearings will permit previously unattainably high speeds as these non-contact bearing systems will exhibit no mechanical wear, a leading cause of existing bearing failure.  Superconducting materials and new motor technologies are being developed to provide higher power in more compact packages with less heat.  Electronic sensors are coming online that will monitor all aspects of a spindles operation, including cutting loads.  Any imbalance can instantly be compensated for as the spindle is running and diagnostic information can be relayed to the CNC control for protective action.

When new technology becomes available, you can count on Dynomax to be on the cutting edge.  Since we design our spindles inhouse, we are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to improve our product using the latest engineering and technical knowledge.  Check back often to see what’s new in the spindle industry.  

Welcome to the inaugural post on Wayne’s Repair Tips.  In this section we will periodically discuss issues related to machine spindle repair and operation.  Over the past 30 years in the machining industry, I have learned plenty of tricks and tips for installing, running, and repairing machine spindles so make sure you check back often.  The topic for today’s post is “The Importance of Preventative Maintenance.”

 

We all know that our spindles won’t last forever, but given proper care they can last a lot longer.  While it is best to leave major repairs to the experts, there are several preventative steps an operator can take to lengthen spindle life.  The schedule below is an outline of suggested actions and when to do them:

 

Daily

• Wipe down spindle with clean rag.  If using air avoid direct high-pressure spray on the spindle nose and be sure spindle is running with air purge operating to protect the spindle from flying debris.  Always wear safety glasses while performing this step
• Clean the taper
• Lubricate drawbar collet

 

Weekly

• Check air pressure
• Check oil levels
• Check water separator and filters
• Check rotary union for general condition
• Check motor manually for smooth run and vibration free operation

 

Monthly

• Check filters for contamination
• Check coolant is at acceptable level & proper mixture
• Check hoses for consistency and general condition

 

Every 3 – 6 Months

• Perform run-in procedures on spare spindles to prevent damage from inactivity

 

Every 6 Months or Every 2,000 Hours of Operatio

• Install new air filter
• Install new filter for oil-water separator
• Install new filter for motor cooling circuit

 

Remember that not all the steps listed above will apply to all spindles.  Also remember that additional maintenance may be required if your spindle is equipped with a drawbar system or additional cooling system.  

 

As I mentioned earlier, you should leave all serious repairs to the trained professionals at Dynomax, but these preventative measures will help to minimize downtime and increase profitability for your machine spindle assemblies.

If your spindle is still covered under the original Dynomax 1 year warranty, please call us at 847.680.8833 prior to performing any maintenance above and beyond the items listed, as it may affect warranty status.  All maintenance should be performed on stopped machines (unless cleaning spindle with high-pressure spray, then read above) with all moving parts in the secure position.  Dynomax, Inc. cannot be liable for any on-site maintenance or troubleshooting actions.