Key components in high-speed spindle design

One of the most significant components of any high speed spindle design is the bearing system. Design requirements state that the spindle must provide high rotational speed, transfer torque and power to the cutting tool, and be capable of reasonable loading and life. The bearing type used must be consistent with these demands, or the spindle will not perform.

High precision bearings are available today from a variety of manufacturers worldwide. The type of bearings available for high speed spindles include roller, tapered roller and angular contact ball bearings. 

The selection criteria of which type to use will depend upon the spindle specifications, as each will have an impact or impact upon the bearing selection, as the following table explains.

 There are many factors that determine the final decision. A spindle that is desired to have the highest speed will not have the maximum stiffness possible, and, the spindle with the highest stiffness cannot run at high speeds without sacrificing bearing life. So, as designers, compromises must be made in order to arrive at a final design that will offer the compromise.