Spindle bearing preload
When we talk about preload in spindle bearings, we are always talking about increasing precision. Spindle bearings are special angular contact ball bearings. These must be extremely accurate in production. This is because a tool-guiding spindle must be one hundred percent accurate in the execution of its movements with the clamped tool. Otherwise, the workpiece could be damaged and production could ultimately even be rendered unusable.
In order to achieve this precision, spindle bearings with a narrow manufacturing tolerance can be used to achieve backlash-free operating conditions for the spindle itself. In order to increase accuracy and precision with certainty, the bearings are preloaded without play when they are installed. A distinction can be made here between light, medium and heavy preload.
What makes spindle bearing preload so important?
The preload of the spindle bearings can be variably differentiated. This is important as the preload has an important influence on the running properties of the respective tool spindle. It therefore also has a significant influence on the workpiece quality at the end of the production process.
High speed ranges are often required in production, particularly in machining centers and modern machines. At the same time, bearing stiffness is also an important factor, as the machining forces can be quite high. To ensure that the cutting speed with correspondingly high speeds is still suitable for the requirements, there are bearing arrangements whose preload can be adjusted during operation. This is the only way to adapt the preload to the requirements of the current production process, even during ongoing production.
What are the advantages of a variable preload for the spindle bearing?
This type of variable preload allows you to adjust the preload of the bearing between
- Light
- Medium
- Heavy
to change. This allows you to increase the rigidity of the bearing or force the speed accordingly, depending on the status of the respective work. It is precisely this variability that makes modern machines of the highest quality. In most cases, such an adaptable system can be controlled by changing the oil pressure.
Why exactly does a spindle bearing preload actually take place?
Many bearing arrangements have a certain amount of internal play in their original state. This can be good and important for some production processes - especially if processes with a very high speed are required, a certain amount of play is essential. For processes with a rather low speed, on the other hand, it makes sense to reduce the play as much as possible. To achieve this, spindle bearings are preloaded.
Depending on the type of tensioning, the bearing rigidity can be increased to a value close to the 100 percent mark, thus ensuring absolute precision during work. However, if a preload is damaged or defective, this can quickly lead to significant production errors - especially for products whose manufacture requires the highest possible precision and therefore high bearing rigidity.
If you have difficulties with your bearing preload - Kern GmbH will be happy to assist you
Do you have a problem with your motor spindle or bearing? Then simply get in touch with our customer service team immediately. We will help you quickly with an appropriate service appointment and an immediate diagnosis by our experts on site. If you detect faults in the spindle bearing preload and are unable to rectify them yourself, Kern GmbH is the perfect contact for you.