Fully Tool-Changeable Electric Spindles Increase Machine Tool Speed

NSK America Corp. has introduced its electric iSpeed5 System, a fully tool-changeable, high-speed motor/spindle meant to increase machine tool speed.

The 60,000- or 80,000-rpm, 350-watt, brushless DC system is said to eliminate the need for any operator intervention via a connection under the machine spindle that can prevent coolant, chips, dust and other machining debris from contaminating the stop block. High-speed and micro machining for both short or long periods of operation, as well as lights-out manufacturing are possible.  

The iSpeed5 features ultra-precision ceramic bearings for high-speed performance, and spindle accuracy of less than 1 micron (0.00004) T.I.R. for all micro milling, drilling and grinding applications. The dry air purge system is ideal for graphite machining as well as surfacing for mold finishing. A variety of tapers are available.

The iSpeed5 control unit features a motor protection system as well as an input/output interface to communicate with the CNC controller. The Handy Controller enables hand-held operation of the system from a distance. This device features all of the same buttons and functions as the main controller, including speed adjustment, reverse and reset should the controller be mounted remotely. The iSpeed5 Stop Block integrates with the iSpeed5 control­ler in order to make automatic tool change possible. A variety of generic and custom stop blocks are available for all machine models.