CNC Router Spindle Cooling Methods

CNC Router Spindle Cooling Methods 

Electric spindles are cooled by three primary methods; Fan, Compressed Air and Chilled Liquid. The more efficient methods allow for higher power ratings, longer duty cycles, smaller packages, and more severe applications. The type of spindle cooling is selected as an option and specific to the spindle model.

Fan Cooled

Fan cooled spindles are available in two versions: Mechanical and Electric. Of the three methods, fan cooled spindles provide lower efficiency. Mechanical Fan style features a spindle shaft mounted fan that rotates the same speed as the spindle. When the spindle is not rotating no cooling is provided.

The Electric Fan Cooled spindles have a electric fan mounted at the rear of the spindle. They provide constant air flow (CFM) and heat dissipation regardless of the spindle speed; running or stopped (not rotating). The electric fan style provides quieter operation, has a lower cost, and is the most popular cooling method.

Fan cooled spindles are the most popular and economical but least efficient. These Spindles offer duty cycles of 70%

Compressed Air Cooled

Compressed Air Cooled spindles are machined from a solid aluminum billet or tube. This housing style provides increased stiffness and vibration dampening. The high degree of cooling is achieved by directing compressed air to dissipate heat from the rotor and stator. Compressed air cooled spindles are designed for applications involving high duty cycles and harsh environments. The amount of air consumption varies by spindle size and design.

This method allows for duty cicles of 90%.

Chilled Liquid Cooled

Chilled Liquid Cooled spindles are designed for use with an auxiliary closed loop chiller system. Liquid Cooled spindles are machined from a solid aluminum billet or tube. This housing style provides increased stiffness and vibration dampening. The high degree of cooling is achieved by the flow of chilled liquid to dissipate heat. Liquid cooled spindles deliver higher performance, used in high power applications, high duty cycles and harsh environments.

This method is the most efficient and allows for duty cycles of 100%.

Duty Cycle:

All the HSD Spindles are classified in S1 cycles. It means that the Spindle is able to perform its power rated 100% of the time.

When we mention that the Spindles from the Mechanical Fan and Electric Fan series offer cycles of 70% it is because the fan is not able to remove the heat in an efficient way in order to provide cuts with total load 100% of the time. The bearings may overheat and damage the Spindle. But, the Spindles power is still in S1 cycle.

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