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Hydrostatic Spindles for Grinding Machines
Hydrostatic spindles are a type of spindle mainly used in high-precision applications and machining equipment such as grinding machines. Unlike other spindles, hydrostatic spindles do not use roller bearings; instead, they use a thin film of high-pressure oil from the supply unit to support and guide the spindle shaft. This oil creates a pressurized cushion between the rotating spindle and the stationary housing, eliminating direct contact between the bearing surfaces.
Hydrostatic spindles have excellent damping characteristics and can achieve high precision because of their high concentricity (the ability to keep the workpiece in place without any wobbling or eccentricity), their precise and accurate machining and grinding results.
Types of Hydrostatic Spindles
There are two types of hydrostatic spindles. Let’s take a look at each of them.
Integral Hydrostatic Spindles
In integral hydrostatic spindles, the hydrostatic bearings are integrated into the spindle housing. The hydrostatic bearing system is designed as a part of the spindle itself, so the spindle and the hydrostatic bearing components are combined into a single unit. Integral hydrostatic spindles have higher precision and accuracy, a longer bearing life and excellent damping characteristics.
Separate Hydrostatic Bearing Units
As the name already implies, separate hydrostatic bearing units, also known as external hydrostatic bearing units, use standalone hydrostatic bearing units mounted to the spindle housing. In other words, the spindle and the hydrostatic bearing system are separate components. One unique advantage of this spindle type is that it is more flexible and easy to customize because different spindles can be paired with various external hydrostatic bearing units.
Applications for Hydrostatic Grinding Spindles
- Centerless Grinders: Hydrostatic spindles are the most common type of spindle used in centerless grinders. They are ideal for grinding long, thin parts with high precision.
- Surface Grinders: Hydrostatic spindles are also used in surface grinders, where they can be used to grind flat surfaces with high accuracy.
- OD Grinders: Hydrostatic spindles can also be used in OD grinders, where they can be used to grind the outside diameter of cylindrical parts.
- CNC Grinding Machines: Hydrostatic spindles are increasingly being used in CNC grinding machines. This is because they can provide the high precision and accuracy required for complex CNC grinding operations.
Benefits of Using Hydrostatic Grinding Spindles
- Very Low Friction: Hydrostatic spindles use a film of pressurized fluid to separate the moving parts, which results in very low friction. This also helps reduce wear and tear on the spindle and extends its service life.
- Excellent Vibration Damping: Hydrostatic spindles have excellent vibration damping during the grinding process, which helps achieve a high surface finish and accuracy of the workpiece.
- High Static Stiffness: Hydrostatic spindles will remain stable during machining. This helps prevent deviations and irregularities in the workpiece, which is why it is mainly used for precision grinding.
- Calculative Unlimited Service Life: With less friction, hydrostatic can have virtually unlimited service life.
- High Speed: Hydrostatic spindles can deliver high speed up to 250,000 rpm to the grinding wheel. You can adjust the speed to suit different applications or machining requirements.
- High Power: Hydrostatic spindles can deliver high power to the grinding wheel, which allows for faster and direct material removal with the lubricating oil.
- Simple Maintenance: Hydrostatic spindles rely on high-pressure oil as both a lubricant and a cooling agent for the bearings. Unlike other types of spindles, this saves you the stress of frequent greasing.
GCH Tool Group for Hydrostatic Spindles for Grinding Machines
Hydrostatic spindles are a valuable tool for any grinding operation that requires high precision.
Hydrostatic spindles are increasingly popular as the technology improves and the cost becomes more affordable.
Aside from that, hydrostatic spindles are more productive due to their ultra-high rotational accuracy and repeatability, which speed up the spark-out time. A hydrostatic spindle is a great option to consider if you are looking for a high-performance grinder spindle for your grinding machine.
At GCH Tool Group, we stock high-quality hydrostatic spindles for grinding machines. Contact us today to learn more about our hydrostatic spindles, grinder repair, upgrade and rebuild or other grinding machine components we carry!
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