Hybrid Spindle

The universal spindles offered on the market are only suitable for special machining processes (HSC or HPC) to a limited extent due to their limited working range. The spindle bearings and the drive are weak points that make it considerably more difficult to switch motor spindles between speed operation and torque operation. The aim of this research project is to develop a "hybrid" spindle that can switch between these two operating areas depending on the process. This is achieved by a process-dependent adjustment of the bearing preload on the basis of an adaptive and very compact bearing preload element, which, in contrast to previous concepts for bearing preload, is controlled purely electrically. On the other hand, a new type of drive concept is used, which is based on a switchable winding design and is fed by frequency inverters typical of machine tools and available on the market. The result of this project is a "hybrid" spindle with considerably extended application limits and high cost-benefit ratio. Especially in combination with universal machine tools, hybrid spindle systems are particularly relevant, as in this case a wide range of materials can be processed cost-effectively and efficiently on the same machine.