Schaeffler SpindleSense spindle monitoring system

Schaeffler is introducing its SpindleSense spindle monitoring system to Australasian industry to optimise machine tool uptime and performance.

Schaeffler Australia says the main spindle is crucial to the performance capability of the complete machine tool used to cut and shape metal and other materials. The spindle bearing support is one of the most heavily loaded components because it must transmit machining forces precisely at very high speeds for long periods of time and the risk of collisions can never be ruled out. The majority of machine tool downtimes can be traced back to defective spindles, particularly as a result of collisions and continuous, undetected overloads, according to Schaeffler.

The SpindleSense monitoring system is designed to provide electronic protection against continuous overload and collision damage, and utilises a sensor ring that monitors displacement of the spindle bearing with micrometre precision. Measurement of displacements, in combination with Schaeffler’s expertise in rolling bearings, enables assessment of the operating conditions and detection of critical operating conditions within 2 ms.

All of the software and the required algorithms are integrated into the 16 mm-wide sensor ring. No further components are required for the system. The system is locally functional and transmits an individual warning signal to the machine’s control system, which makes it possible to detect a collision within 2 ms — minimising subsequent damage — and to provide long-term protection for machine tool spindles.