Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: spindle motors

Carlos Guillermo wrote:

> Thank you Wally and Smoke for the reality checks,
>
> The separate high-speed motor approach is making more sense for
> the light load, high-speed work. I'm still looking into how much
> speed I can get out of the R8 spindle setup. It would be nice to
> have the higher speeds (~5k rpm) available for some metal cutting
> jobs, where the high-speed motors just don't have enough rigidity.
> I've heard of VMC spindles that are good for 5-6k rpm with metal
> bearings, and some up to 10k rpm with ceramic bearings. How do
> they get away with this?

They use super-exotic bearings, special lubricants, and active cooling
systems to keep the bearings from getting hot. And, they have to
replace the bearings fairly often, too. (Really often if coolant gets
into them.)

Jon