Schaeffler KGProductline Spindle BearingsGeorg-Schäfer-Straße 30 D-97421 SchweinfurtPhone +49 (0) 9721 / 911 911Fax +49 (0) 9721 / 916 666E-MAIL: FAGdirect@de.fag.comWeb: www.fag.deA

C 4

1 15

9 E

A

FAG SpiCoMThe Spindle Condition Monitoring System

The FAG Spindle Condition Monitoring system, known in short as SpiCoM, represents the first standardized non-contact measuring system for machine tool spindles that provides information about the relative displacement between shaft and housing during operation. Compared to conventional measuring methods such as measurement or spindle performance monitoring, it offers the advantage of delivering far more reliable data about the spindle behavior. Assessment of the spindle condition is based solely on the properties of the incorporated bearings in connection with clearly defined evaluation algorithms. The system does not need to be “trained”.

The interpretation of the measured values provides the spindle operator with the following benefits:

• Increased machine accuracy owing to displacement compensation in the machine control

• Monitoring of bearing stressing throughmeasurement of non-repeatable runout

• Reduction of consequential damage inthe event of crashes

• Chatter identification from the path signals

• Higher machine availability through monitoring of bearing wear as well as crash identification and reduction of crash consequences

SpiCoM permits the achievement of significant productivity increases in machine tools.

FAG SpiCoM – The Spindle Monitoring System: Enhanced precision, higher reliability, longer life

The measuring ring consists of an easy-to-mount, double-piece inner ring and the outer sensor ring which is fastened in the spindle housing. While the outer ring is made of the inner carrier ring is manufactured from synthetic material. It integrates three radial and three axial eddy current sensors that are staggered at 120° to each other. The measuring signals are led out of the sensor ring radially. The inner ring consists of a target ring with axial and radial measuring surfaces of brass, which is fitted to a steel carrier ring. To protect against axial air flow, an additional inner ring is applied next to the target ring. Radialand axial runout of the external surfaces are in accordance with the accuracy of FAG spindle bearings.

• Enhanced machine accuracy due to displacement compensation in the machine control

• Higher machine availability due to

• Recognition of bearing stressing through measurement of non-repeatable runout

• Recognition of bearing damage and reduction of consequential damage in the event of crashes

• Chatter identification from path signals

• Reduced system costs due to optimized bearing utilization and downtime scheduling aswell as significant reduction of costs resulting from possible consequential damage

The main spindle is an ideal location for monitoring the condition of a machine as nearly all processes during operation affect the spindle. The core of SpiCoM is an intelligent ring for the non-contact measurement of the relative displacement and misalignment between shaft and housing in all spatial directions. It can be easily integrated into the main spindle. In this configuration FAG is the first supplier worldwide to offer a standard direct measuring method for machine tool spindles. This method is clearly superior to conventional measuring systems available on the market. SpiCoMallows valuable productivity increases:

Delivery includes the measuring ring with integrated sensors, a measuring amplifier and the cable connection.

@