Air Turbine Technology high speed spindle bolsters Fanuc RoboDrill performance

This offers end users the option of working with the machine's existing high torque spindle for large diameter cutting tools, whilst additionally providing a high speed option for light cutting at high feed rates, using the ATT spindle. Conducting customer demonstrations, the ATT spindle has reduced cycle times more than 50% via the introduction of HSM strategies to parts that are otherwise machined conventionally. Fanuc Robomachine's sales manager, Nigel House, comments: "Combining the ATT spindle with the Fanuc Robodrill gives the end user a powerful high torque machine for optimal material removal rates, whilst the high speed spindle provides a lower torque, high speed option for running small diameter tools at high rpm. So, for general machine shops that run the occasional HSM job, we have the perfect fit." Capable of accommodating cutting tools having shank diameter up to 6 mm, the ATT unit is fully integrated into the Fanuc machine tool, with the air supply line running through the spindle. Furthermore, with the utilisation of solenoids, a stop block and M-codes, the high speed unit runs in harmony with the machine tool and its CNC control unit. Concludes Mr House: "The ATT spindle enhances the machine performance, whilst the cost-effective bolt-on unit runs at high speed. This bolt-on addition will prolong the life of the machine spindle." Says ITC's Andy Boyles, who has been working with Fanuc: "Whilst the spindles can come in handy for 'the occasional HSM job', it is ideal for customers that have specific long running jobs that involve machining with small diameter tools. Utilising the high rpm spindle can reduce cycle times by a factor of 3 or 4 times on occasion. At the same time, even on a machine with a high rpm spindle as original equipment, utilising the ATT spindle avoids running the machine spindle flat out for long periods, thus extending the spindle life and saving money. Rebuilding an original high rpm spindle can be very expensive, which makes the outlay on an ATT spindle very modest by comparison." In addition to Fanuc's RoboDrill machines, there is also the potential for the spindles to be retrofitted to the company's robotic cells.