Spindles & VFDs

If you are upgrading your machine with a new spindle and VFD.

• We recommend Huanyang HY Series VFDs as they are the most widely documented and supported VFD on the market.

• Spindles are all pretty much the same as far as tool changes go. Water cooled spindles will run cooler and quieter.

Compatibility

Most inexpensive High Speed spindles are rated for 5000 RPM to 8000 RPM as a minimum. This is because if the spindle meets resistance at this speed for an extended period of time (as in cutting material) the spindle will heat up.
The time that the spindle is stalled during the tool change is minimal and will not damage the spindle.

Most VFDs have the ability to be programmed for lower frequency to allow rotation at 1000 RPM as well as the ability to run CCW.

Spindle Torque

The native torque of the spindle has no relevance to the tool change process. Most 2.2Kw spindles are rated at approximately 0.6 ft. lbs. The tool change process will deliver 10-22 ft. lbs. depending on RPM and number of strikes.

Torque is delivered to the collet nut by the inertia of the spindle mass coming to a hard stop. It can be thought of as an impact wrench. Load RPM is the value that affects the torque being applied.

• The default value for Load RPM is 1500 RPM for a 2.2Kw spindle with ER20 collets.

• Smaller spindles with less mass will require higher RPM and larger spindles lower RPM.

• An 800watt spindle with ER11 collets requires approximately 2000 RPM for Loading.

• A 4.5Kw spindle with ER25 requires approximately 1000 RPM for loading.

All the forces are radial so the process does not affect the lifespan of the spindle negatively.

Max RPM is 2500 before loosing the ability to engage with the Socket.