CNC Machine Crash Assistance

A CNC Machine crash can be unpredictable. The results can be as mild as a broken cutter to major spindle damage. Most are chalked up to operator or programming error, or tool failure. However, the culprit may be the spindle-to-tool interface itself. This issue is overlooked as a cause of a wrecked machine because the spindle seat and tool often get damaged during the crash.

The tool holder to spindle seat is a connection that should be solid, with no room for deflection. It is designed to transfer power from the machine spindle to the cutting tool. An ill-fitting connection will allow the tool to move and slip causing chatter and cutter to grab resulting in a crash. Low drawbar pressure can add to the problem.

Keeping the tool-to-spindle connection strong can be achieved by periodic inspection of the tool holders and machine’s spindle taper seat. Worn tools also need to be discarded. The spindle can be restored to proper specifications by regrinding it in place.

One of our machine tool specialists can come to your location, inspect, and grind the spindle taper seat and drawbar in-place with minimal downtime and cost. This spindle inspection may help you avoid a costly unscheduled downtime repair after a crash. Likewise, we can regrind after the crash, restoring the taper seat to new machine specifications.