Spindle Speeders Expand Machining Range

Benz offers high-speed spindle speeders for the metal, composites and wood industries. The spindles are designed for applications where the existing machine does not offer rpm and cutting speeds conducive to efficient production, the company says. They are suitable for applications including high-speed drilling, precise machining and slight mill working without any specific surface hardness. According to Benz, the spindles offer increased surface finish and milling capabilities and are capable of running ceramic end mills.

Two variations are available, the Type SL and Type SLI. Type SL is available with jacket cooling to reduce operating temperature and promote consistent operating parameters. Type SLI, equipped with an internal coolant system and a jacket cooling system, increases in-use speeds and is designed for tools with a cooling channel and an internal coolant supply. Those equipped with coolant can operate at 40,000 rpm and coolant pressure ranging to 80 bar, while those without coolant can run at 18,000 rpm.

The high-speed spindles are said to deliver improved stability and less vibration with optimized temperature and weight. An exchangeable torque arm holds the spindle in position and avoids twisting, for greater flexibility. The tools can be changed automatically with a stop block machine toolchanger, or manually by installing a block or pin to keep the torque arm from rotating.