WTO USA, Charlotte, N.C. is offering what it calls a new and affordable solution for micromachining applications, an area where many manufacturing companies and machine shops are striving to increase productivity. CoolSpeed mini is a patented, ultra-high-speed spindle that can reach rotation speeds of up to 75,000 rpm. The spindle turbine is driven by coolant, cutting oil, or air mist. According to WTO, it is affordable, fits in standard tool holders for cylindrical tools, and is compatible with milling centers, turning centers, and Swiss-style lathes.
A cutaway image of the CoolSpeed mini spindle for micromachining.
By design, the cutting tool shank serves as the spindle shaft. As a result, dynamic runout is 4 microns or better and bearings can be replaced by the user with each cutting tool change, according to WTO. The CoolSpeed spindle does not require any service.
“The challenge in micromachining is how to achieve the required high rotation speeds,” WTO said in a statement. “The majority of driven tools or spindles are mechanically-driven. Using a mechanically-driven device, it is impossible to reach the speeds recommended in the micromachining environment. This leaves machine shops searching for alternative solutions for their micromachining operations, or oftentimes, turning down jobs that require a significant amount of high-speed machining with micro tools.”
CoolSpeed offers a plug-and-play setup, according to WTO. To select the right high-speed spindle for the application, it needs to be determined first which drive type is available and can be supported by the machine to run the spindle. CoolSpeed can be driven by through coolant, oil or air mist. The coolant pressure ranges from 145-870 psi with a maximum rotation speed of 75,000 rpm. When operating the CoolSpeed unit with air mist, the pressure range is from 58-73 psi with a maximum rotation speed of 55,000 rpm.
If through-spindle flow is unavailable, as it is often the case with Swiss-style lathes, WTO offers CoolSpeed mini models that can support a point-to-point coolant, oil, or air mist supply line connected directly to the high-speed spindle unit. Compressed air is commonly available in machine shops and can be utilized to convert an older piece of equipment into a high-speed machining center.
Ar El Automatic and CNC Machining Ltd. is using a CoolSpeed mini in their Swiss-style lathe to machine small electronic parts and realized a tool life improvement of 400 percent and a productivity improvement of 750 percent. More details are available here.
“Micromachining can be affordable and also possible with existing machinery,” WTO said in the statement. “The CoolSpeed mini line of turbine-driven spindles from WTO can be utilized in existing equipment and provides ultra-high rotation speeds at an affordable price point.”
For more information, contact Andy Jones, Product Specialist for High-Speed Spindles, (704)-714-7765, andy.jones@coolspeed.com, or visit www.coolspeed.com
Connect With Us
