aba Grinding Spindles – High Precision for Surface and Profile Grinding
From a manufacturer of measuring tools to a grinding specialist
aba stands for Alig & Baumgärtel Aschaffenburg. In 1898, the two entrepreneurs founded a measuring tool factory in Aschaffenburg. Their product range consisted mainly of tap drills, measuring tools, and thread rolling dies. Grinding machines did not play a role at first.
It wasn’t until 1933 that aba began developing and manufacturing precision grinding machines and measuring machines. What was intended as a supplementary business line evolved into a core competency. Today, aba focuses exclusively on surface and profile grinding machines.
Since 2017, aba has been part of the Precision Surfacing Solutions Group, an international network of grinding specialists that includes ELB-Schliff, REFORM, and KEHREN, among others. Manufacturing continues to take place in Aschaffenburg. Around a hundred machines are produced here annually, ranging from compact entry-level models to high-performance systems for turbine manufacturing. Customers come from the tool and mold making, automotive, aerospace, and general mechanical engineering industries.
Designed for mass production under load
aba does not develop universal machines. Each series is specifically designed for a particular application.
The smartLine covers the range of table-type grinding machines, spanning applications from pendulum grinding to profile grinding and deep grinding. Machine beds made of micro-granite ensure thermal stability and consistently high precision.
The powerLine is designed for high material removal rates with tight tolerances in series production. This series achieves grinding widths of up to 700 mm in the Z-axis and spindle powers of up to 105 kW.
The microCut is designed for applications in the turbine industry. With a compact traveling column design, up to 52 kW of drive power, and the ability to integrate into automated manufacturing cells, it is designed for profile and deep grinding.
These machines are designed for three-shift operation. Under high loads, the grinding spindle bears the primary responsibility for dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
Design and Characteristics of aba Grinding Spindles
aba grinding spindles operate on a different principle than motor spindles in machining centers. What matters is not maximum torque, but absolute smoothness of operation. Any imbalance, any bearing play, and any thermal change has a direct impact on the grinding wheel and, consequently, on the workpiece.
Typical key elements include:
- Spindle motor, direct-drive or belt-driven depending on the model series
- High-precision bearings
- Flange-mounted grinding wheel holder
- Cooling and Lubrication System
- Thermal stabilization via the machine frame
In particular, powerLine spindles with power ratings exceeding 100 kW operate under conditions that place high demands on bearings, balancing, and temperature stability. Balancing in accordance with DIN ISO 1940 is essential for achieving a stable grinding pattern.
Typical stresses in the grinding process
Bearing wear caused by high operating hours under load, imbalance due to worn or improperly mounted grinding wheels, and thermal overload resulting from insufficient coolant supply are among the most common causes of damage.
Especially in high-performance machines, even minor bearing damage has an immediate effect on surface roughness and dimensional accuracy, often long before the spindle fails completely. Changes in the grinding pattern, chatter marks, or rising temperatures at the spindle should therefore be checked at an early stage.
aba Grinding Spindle Repair by KERN
Kern Spindelservice professionally repairs grinding spindles from aba surface and profile grinding machines, regardless of whether they are from the smartLine, powerLine, or microCut series.
The scope of services includes a complete damage analysis, bearing replacement, inspection of shaft geometry and bearing fits, balancing in accordance with DIN ISO 1940, and a final test run. Experience shows that a repair by KERN is 20 to 30% more cost-effective than purchasing a new spindle. The turnaround time is 6 to 8 business days. We provide a 24-month warranty on every repair.
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