BLOHM Grinding Spindles – When Downtime Isn't an Option
Hamburg-based grinding technology with a global reputation
Founded in Hamburg in 1924, BLOHM has consistently stayed true to one principle: building surface and profile grinding machines that prove their worth in series production—not at trade shows, but in day-to-day manufacturing. The industries that rely on BLOHM are no easy customers: automotive suppliers with tight cycle times, aerospace companies with strict tolerance requirements, and tool and mold makers who depend on repeatability.
This focus has resulted in the delivery of over 15,000 machines worldwide. Today, BLOHM is part of UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS, an international group of grinding specialists that includes brands such as JUNG, MÄGERLE, and STUDER—and production continues to take place in Hamburg.
What sets a BLOHM apart from other grinding machines
BLOHM has the right tool for almost any grinding task. The PLANOMAT series is designed for precise surface grinding, whether for individual parts or small batches, and whether for pendulum or deep grinding. Those who need higher throughput in series production will find it in the PROFIMAT series: cutting speeds up to 170 m/s, suitable for conventional processes as well as CBN and CD grinding. Those who also want to perform drilling and milling in the same setup should choose the PROKOS XT—a multi-axis center with its own CAD-integrated software.
What lies behind these machines is not a broad portfolio for the sake of having one, but rather accumulated application expertise: μ-precision for grinding lengths up to 6,000 mm, turbine blades for the aerospace industry, and mass-produced linear guides. These are tasks where experience counts—and ones that BLOHM has been solving for decades.
The grinding spindle: where precision is made—or lost
In a grinding machine, the spindle bears a special responsibility. Unlike with milling spindles, the focus here is less on torque and tool changes and more on smooth running. Any imbalance, any bearing play, any thermal drift is directly transferred to the surface of the workpiece, often within a range of just a few micrometers. A BLOHM grinding spindle is designed to meet this requirement: permanently grease-lubricated, with a BLOHM mounting system for reproducible grinding wheel mounting, and thermally stabilized by the machine frame.
When a spindle like this begins to fail, it usually gives warning signs in the form of increasing surface roughness on the workpiece, slight vibrations in the grinding pattern, and uneven wheel wear. If you recognize these signs early, you can schedule a planned maintenance service. If you wait, you risk a shaft breakage.
Repairing grinding spindles – what KERN offers
At KERN Spindle Service, we repair grinding spindles from BLOHM surface and profile grinding machines professionally and regardless of the manufacturer: this includes bearing replacement, inspection of shaft geometry and bearing fit dimensions, as well as balancing in accordance with DIN ISO 1940. Based on our experience, a refurbishment by KERN costs approximately 20–30% less than a new spindle from the manufacturer. Our turnaround time is 6 to 8 business days—we provide a 24-month warranty on every reconditioned spindle.
Contact us—we’ll be happy to assist you promptly and efficiently.
