Drehspindel

Drehspindel (German for "rotating spindle") denotes a rotating shaft assembly in machine tools and other machinery that supports and drives a workpiece or cutting tool. It is a central component in lathes, milling machines, grinders and CNC equipment, providing precise rotational motion with controlled speed, torque and axial/radial stiffness.

Typical construction includes the spindle shaft, bearings (roller, ball, or hydrostatic), a spindle nose or tool-holder interface, seals, and a drive connection to an electric motor or belt system. High-precision spindles use preloaded angular contact bearings or ceramic elements to minimize runout and thermal drift. Cooling channels, lubrication systems and balance adjustments are often integrated to maintain accuracy under load.

Drehspindeln vary by drive type (belt-driven, gear-driven, direct-drive/motor spindle), size, speed range and rigidity. Motor spindles combine rotor and stator into a compact unit for high-speed applications, while traditional spindles use separate motors and transmission. Specialized forms include counter-spindles for secondary operations and hollow spindles for through-tool coolant or bar work.

Applications span metalworking, woodworking, stone machining, and precision grinding. Performance metrics include maximum RPM, torque, power, radial/axial runout, and thermal stability. Proper selection balances speed, torque and stiffness for the intended process.

Maintenance and monitoring focus on bearing condition, lubrication, balance, sealing and temperature/vibration trends. Regular inspection and timely replacement of wear parts are essential to preserve precision, extend service life and prevent machine downtime.