Support for CNC machine tool spindles: preload adjustment, lubrication and vibration monitoring

Technical analysis: Spindle bearing maintenance for CNC machines: preload adjustment, lubrication, and vibration monitor

Підтримка підвісок шпинделів для ЧПУ-станків: налаштування попереднього навантаження, змащення та моніторинг вібрації - UNITEC-D Industrial MRO
Цей технічний підручник надає засіб для правильного обслуговування підвісок шпинделів на ЧПУ-станках. Він включає крок-по-кроковий процес, перевірку та виправлення змащення, налаштування попереднього

1. Content and Purpose

This manual is intended for technical personnel who perform technical maintenance of spindles on CNC machines. The purpose of this instruction is to ensure proper support of spindles, including pre-load adjustment, lubrication and vibration monitoring. These actions are performed in case of deviations in spindle operation, installation of service interval distances or as part of scheduled maintenance.

2. Safety

Turn off the power and perform lockout/tagout before performing any work on the spindle. Use personal protective equipment (gloves, safety glasses, helmet).

Warning: Handling of lubricating fluids and waste requires compliance with ecological standards.

3. Tools and Materials

Tool Name Specification Quantity
Torque wrench with range 0–100 N·m Range 0–100 N·m, accuracy ±1% 1
Multimeter Voltage 0–1000 V, current 0–10 A, resistance 0–20 MOhm 1
Laser aluminum distance meter Accuracy ±0,01 mm, range 0–10 m 1
Lubricating fluid (ISO 4406:18/16/13) Quantity 500 ml 1
Preload adjustment washers Thickness 0,1–0,5 mm, material: steel 5
Oil filter Type: ISO 4406:18/16/13 1

4. Instruction for Maintenance

Item Check Acceptance/Rejection Criterion Notes
1 Power Off Lockout/tagout applied, shutdown completed Do not proceed without lockout/tagout
2 Absence of deviations from the normal operating condition Vibration within 0,05 mm/s Use laser measuring tool
3 Availability of lubricating fluid Lubricating fluid does not dry out Replace when drying
4 No known defects No visible cracks, wear Perform a detailed inspection

5. Step-by-step process

  1. Turn off the power and perform lockout/tagout. Check that there is no load on the spindle.

    Дія: Виконайте lockout/tagout, підтвердьте відсутність напруги мультиметром.

    Value: The voltage on the spindle must be 0 V.

    Visual indicator: No operation indicator.

    Error: improper lockout/tagout may result in injury.

  2. Open access to the spindles' suspensions. Use keys or special tools.

    Action: Open the spindle suspension cover.

    Value: Opening performed, access to suspensions ensured.

    Visual indicator: Open cover.

    Error: incorrect opening may lead to lubricant leakage.

  3. Measure the distance between the suspensions for the pre-load adjustment.

    Дія: Використовуйте лазерний вимірювач, щоб виміряти відстань між підвісками.

    Value: The distance must be 0.2–0.5 mm.

    Visual indicator: Distance within permissible limits.

    Error: incorrect measurements may lead to incorrect setup.

  4. Set the spacers for preload adjustment.

    Дія: Вставте підкладки відповідної товщини.

    Value: Installation of pads according to measurements.

    Visual indicator: Pads are installed correctly.

    Error: Incorrect installation of spacers may cause stripping.

  5. Turn the suspensions and reinstall them in place.

    Дія: Використовуйте торк-гайковерт, щоб встановити підвіски.

    Value: Torque 15–20 N·m.

    Visual indicator: Mounting brackets are installed, spacers are not displaced.

    Error: insufficient contact may cause deviation.

  6. Lubricate the suspensions

    with lubricating fluid .

    Дія: Нанесіть змащувальну рідину на підвіски.

    Value: Lubricating fluid is used in accordance with ISO 4406:18/16/13.

    Visual indicator: Uniform coating.

    Error: insufficient lubrication may cause wear.

  7. Check the spindle vibrations.

    Дія: Використовуйте лазерний вимірювач відстаней для вимірювання вібрації.

    Value: Vibration should not exceed 0,05 mm/s.

    Visual indicator: Vibration within permissible limits.

    Error: excessive vibration may cause loosening.

6. After maintenance inspection

Test Expected result Actual Result Pass/Fail
1 Spindle voltage 0 V Pass
2 Distance between suspensions 0.2–0.5 mm Pass
3 Spindle Vibration ≤0.05 mm/s Pass
4 Torque suspension 15–20 N·m Pass

7. Technical Support

Symptom Possible cause Correction
High vibration Incorrect previous load setting Check the distance between the suspensions and install the spacers
Lubrication Insufficient lubrication Apply lubricating fluid
Wear Overload Check the distance between the suspensions
Lubricant leakage Contamination or wear Replace the lubricating fluid and filter

8. Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Task Frequency Estimated duration Skill Level
Preload Setting Annual 2 years Average
Lubrication Monthly 1 year Initial
Vibration Check Quarterly 1.5 years Average
Filter Replacement Annual 30 minutes Initial

9. Separators

Description Typical specifications Category UNITEC-D
Preload adjustment washers Thickness 0,1–0,5 mm, material: steel UNITEC-D / Spindle / Bushings
Lubricating fluid ISO 4406:18/16/13 UNITEC-D / Lubricating Oils
Oil filter ISO 4406:18/16/13 UNITEC-D / Filters

Please refer to our e-catalog for detailed information: https://www.unitecd.com/e-catalog/

10. References

This document complies with the standards:

  • DSTU 4140:2005 — General requirements for maintenance of industrial equipment
  • EN 13445-1:2002 — Requirements for the manufacture and operation of industrial equipment
  • ISO 10426-1:2004 — Lubrication Standards
  • CE, UkrSEPRO

Note: Use the appropriate manufacturer's documentation for operation and ensure compliance with the requirements of the standards.

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