While spindle-type part deburring/finishing machines have been around for a while, most shops are unaware they exist or lack the knowledge of how they work, where the process would apply, and the benefits they provide. That’s unfortunate because, compared to other finishing systems and manual deburring, spindle machines are faster and more precise, can deburr parts in cycle times that are often well under a minute, and can do so in fully automated operations if needed.
The Spindle Machine Difference
Unlike vibratory bowls and tubs, and centrifugal barrel type finishing systems, where parts move around freely, those in a spindle machine get mounted to a spindle or spindles that rotate and dip into a bowl of deburring media/slurry that’s also rotating. This double-rotation action allows the slurry to permeate into a part’s crevices and other hard-to-reach areas to remove all burrs and produce consistent surface finishes throughout.
Picking the Perfect Parts
For determining the perfect parts for spindle machine deburring, our ALMCO applications experts recommend that shops consider two key factors – part size and geometry. Good candidates are typically small to medium-sized precision parts such as shafts, transmission components, gears, aerospace parts, medical parts, automotive parts, firearm components, and bearing races, along with many other types of parts.
According to our experts, part size is dependent on the machine model, and the most common models from ALMCO can hold a part up to 8” in diameter and 3” thick. The company’s range of spindles accommodates a wide variety of part sizes and geometries.
When it comes to part geometries and shapes, those with tight tolerances and hard-to-reach areas are ideal for deburring. Parts are typically symmetrical and round, but depending on the machine model and process requirements, shops can run parts with irregularly shaped geometries.
Adding Automation
To help shops facing workforce challenges, ALMCO has developed automated spindle machine deburring systems that use robots and spindles equipped with tooling actuated by either pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. The spindle typically holds standard collets or custom tooling designed for the part, while the robot uses custom-designed tooling tailored to the part’s specifications.
The machine and robot communicate, and once the robot has placed a part on the spindle tooling, the machine tooling clamps the part. The robot releases the part and moves out of the way for the spindle machine to run the deburring cycle, then notifies the robot when the part is ready for unloading. The robot moves to position and clamps the part as the machine releases the part.
If the machine has a rinse and blow-off option, the spindle moves the part to the rinse/blow-off hood for rinsing and drying before returning it to the load position. Once in the load position, the robot receives a signal to take the part from the spindle and move it to the next process.
While ALMCO technology has dominated the spindle-type deburring/finishing machine industry, other manufacturers have thrown their hats into the spindle machine ring over the past decade. However, ALMCO spindle machines differ from those similar Johnny-come-lately machines in terms of speed and durability. Also, these competitors lack ALMCO’s history of development, so their machines often fall short in load capacity and reliability.