Seattle, WA, USA--(Jobwerx News)--The machine-tool industry is improving productivity through higher speeds, improved power density and multipurpose operations.

The global machine tool spindle market is estimated to be over $1 billion. More than half of this relates to spindle maintenance and refurbishment. As the machine tool industry demands higher speeds, improved power density and more multi-tasking, there are greater needs for innovative spindle solutions.

Spindles represent a key part of any machine tool. They determine the quality of the final product produced and the overall pro­ductivity and efficiency of the machine tool itself. While the industry is always striving to improve the productivity of its machine tools, developed spindle designs are continuously required.

SKF has a range of technologies and solutions that meet the sophisticated needs of the machine-tool industry in terms of spindle design. The company has made significant investment in bearings and related systems for monitoring spindle shaft performance as well as maintenance and refurbishment facilities.

Technology

General trends in the machine industry are marked by increasing globalisation of the sector with standardisation of components and systems, greater international collaboration and marketing activities. There is a continued push to improve productivity in the sector through higher speeds, improved power densities, greater flexibility and machine tools capable of multipurpose operation.

Modern machine tools are flexible manufacturing centres capable of performing a range of programmed tasks. Spindles are a key component in all machine tools. They are used to carry out a range of cutting operations on, for example cast metal products. These products require finishing through processes such as turning, cutting, drilling, counter-sinking, tapping, reaming, grinding and milling to achieve their final shape and specification. Major application areas include automotive and aerospace industries.

In principle, the spindle is a motor-driven shaft that both positions and transmits power to a tool or holds a work piece. Spindles can operate at speeds of 20,000 rpm or more and have a direct impact on effi-ciency, accuracy and overall productivity. SKF has made considerable investments in the development of spindle technology and, by working closely with its customers, knows machine-tool manufacturing requirements. It offers cost-effective production and engineering services, including a range of standardised and tailored solutions.

SKF offers sensor technology that provides monitoring and diagnostics of the spindle and, consequently, the cutting process. The measuring system has a radial sensor and axial sensor that can be used to detect the axial position of the shaft, cutting forces, synchronous forces caused by imbalances, vibrations due to spindle behaviour, bearing condition and centrifugal and thermal expansions.

The spindle range is comprehensive and ranges from belt-driven to motor-driven and combined solutions. Application areas encompass woodworking, metal grinding and turning, plus aerospace applications that put demands on high power and extreme speed. As part of its new offering, the range includes a standard series with a delivery time of less than a month plus customer-specified designs.

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For additional specifics in spindle design trends, visit SKF. Source 'Evolution - the business and technology magazine from SKF (WWW.SKF.COM) - by Mauro Merlo, SKF - technical director, Gamfior SpA, Torino, Italy