NSK America Spindle System Supports Lights-Out Manufacturing

Photo Credit: NSK America Corp.

NSK America Corp.’s iSpeed5 is a fully changeable, electric, high-speed motor/spindle.

The iSpeed5 is a 60,000- or 80,000-rpm, 350-W, brushless DC electric system that is said to eliminate the need for operator intervention. It uses a specially designed connection under the machine spindle that can withstand coolant, chips, dust and other machining debris from contaminating the stop block. With iSpeed5, the availability for high-speed and micromachining for both short or long periods of operation, as well as lights-out manufacturing, are possible.

The iSpeed5 features ultraprecision ceramic bearings for high-speed performance, a spindle accuracy of less than 1.0 micron total indicator readout (TIR) for all micromilling, drilling and grinding applications. According to NSK, the dry air purge system is well suited for graphite machining as well as surfacing for mold finishing. A wide variety of tapers are available.

The iSpeed5 control unit features a motor protection system as well as an input/output interface to communicate with the CNC controller. The controller enables handheld operation of the system from a distance. This device features all the same buttons and functions as the main controller, including speed adjustment, reverse and reset should the controller be mounted remotely. The iSpeed5 Stop Block integrates with the iSpeed5 controller to make automatic tool change possible. A variety of generic and custom stop blocks are available for all machine models.

Look for these and other tooling options at Booth 5441 at Eastec 2023.