REQUIREMENTS

Because of their special geometry and, in some cases, already mounted electric motors or driving elements, spindles place very special demands on cleaning technology. In addition, because of the required high precision on the one hand and the complexity of the construction and the electrical components on the other, they can be damaged relatively easily.

The drive spindle shown here (main spindle or counter-spindle) for machine tools serves to turn the workpieces or mill with tools, and has to work with the highest precision, often in the micron range.

The manufacture of spindles, but also the repair or retrofitting of spindles, therefore requires high specialist knowledge and the utmost craftsmanship, but also places the highest demands on cleaning technology.

On the one hand, extremely complex surfaces have to be freed of hydraulic oils quickly and efficiently; on the other hand, the parts must under no circumstances be damaged.

A lengthy and time-consuming disassembly should be avoided if at all possible, especially as individual parts can also be damaged in the process.

Drive spindle in the parts-cleaning tray of a 1000 SR

PREVIOUS METHODS

With conventional cleaning methods such as ultrasonic baths or washing machines, disassembly of the electric motor and coding of spindle and electric motor as an associated assembly are required – a labour-intensive and error-prone process.

In doing so, the necessary cleanliness is often not achieved either on the spindles or on the spindle counter-bearings, and even with manual (re-)cleaning only with difficulty and after several passes.

OUR SOLUTION

With the low-pressure hot-water cleaning method, optimal results are achieved in practice in cleaning spindles, spindle counter-bearings and spindle threads.

These are cleaned effortlessly and perfectly, and in a fraction of the working time otherwise required. Lengthy disassembly and coding procedures for the electric motors are eliminated.

Spindles can be cleaned in the parts-cleaning tray of the units of the SR family, without disassembly of the electric motors.

Spindle of a machine tool, uncleaned

Spindle threads and spindle bearings can, despite the difficult accessibility, be reached easily with the help of the lances and cleaned directly at the machine tool. The bearings are not washed out.

Thus, low-pressure hot-water cleaning is the considerably more efficient and faster, and also significantly more cost-effective, process compared with ultrasonic baths or washing machines.

Thanks to their tank and their mobility, the ph-cleantec units can be used directly in production; travel and transfer times to the wash room are thus considerably reduced or eliminated; even the spindle threads can be reached and cleaned.

If required, alkaline cleaners with corrosion protection can be used.

It hardly needs mentioning that “simple” spindles can of course also be cleaned without any problem.

Spindle in the parts-cleaning tray of a 1000 SR

YOUR BENEFITS

Efficiency/quality: Outstanding results with spindles, spindle counter-bearings and spindle threads – removed in the parts-cleaning tray, or on site and with the help of lances, e.g. with a unit such as the 1000 SR or the 1500 SR.
Working time: Fast cleaning of the spindle itself, no disassembly of the electric motors.
Mobility and flexibility: Units can be driven up to the machine tool, so cleaning of the parts directly on site is possible.

No travel and transfer times, no removal necessary.

Process reliability: Thanks to the low pressure, no damage to spindles, no washing-out of the bearings.
Alkaline cleaners: Can be added if required, possibly with corrosion protection.
Environment and health: Overall no/hardly any chemicals, therefore environmentally and health-friendly, and also cost-effective.
Universal usability of the units: Also for cleaning the whole machine tool or other parts.
Economy: Low investment, hardly any running costs, high efficiency and quality.