ATC Spindle

ATC spindle, known as an automatic tool changer spindle, can change tools according to different processing needs to realize the full automatic completion of the complex multi-process. ATC spindle motor is an electric spindle motor with a short tool change time, high tool positioning accuracy, safety and reliability.
ATO provides cheap three-phase 0.35kW, ISO30 9kW and 12kW ATC air cooled spindle motors. Low noise 3 phase 1.5kW, 1.8kW, 4kW, 5.5kW with ISO25 and 7.5kW BT30 ATC water-cooled spindle motors are available. CNC spindle motors are suitable for CNC router machines, wood carving/engraving machines, high speed and high precision milling, drilling and tapping of metallic and non-metallic materials.

ATC Spindle Working Principle

The rear end of the main shaft is a cylindrical structure. The inside of the cylinder uses the air pressure to push the thimble to hit the middle tie rod so that the collet sticks out and the tool falls off. Then the equipment can use the pillow block to automatically grab the tool, and the back end of the spindle uses a solenoid valve to release the air pressure, cut off the air, and clamp the tool. This process is called automatic tool change.

CNC ATC spindle functions

• Speed regulation: The electric spindle must have a certain speed regulation range to achieve step-less speed change, so as to ensure a reasonable cutting amount when processing raw materials, and to obtain good cutting efficiency, machining accuracy and surface quality.
• Automatic tool clamping: The outstanding feature of  ATC spindle machining is the automatic tool change function. In order to ensure the continuous execution of the machining process, compared with other spindle systems, the machining center spindle system must have the function of automatically clamping the tool.
• Spindle positioning: The precise stop function of the electric spindle is also called the spindle positioning function. When the spindle stops, it controls the spindle to stop at a fixed position, which is a necessary function for automatic tool change.

2 Cooling Methods Of ATC Spindle Motor

It is necessary to cool and dissipate the automatic tool change electric spindle, especially when it enters hot weather. If you find that the electro-spindle is overheated during the application process, you must take heat dissipation measures. Don't let the electro-spindle run under overheating, which will affect the service life.

Water-cooled: It refers to the design of cooling water circulation inside the automatic tool change electric spindle. Equipped with a corresponding cooler outside, so that the cooling liquid circulates inside the main shaft to take away the internal heat. The advantages of this cooling method are simple and reliable, and the cooling effect is more obvious.

Air-cooled: It refers to the design of a forced convection channel between the housing of the ATC spindle and the stator of the motor. The heat of the motor enters the forced convection area through heat conduction, and finally brings the heat into the air to realize the constant temperature operation of the electric spindle. Air cooling is non-polluting. If a static pressure gas bearing is used, the gas of the static pressure gas bearing can be used to circulate inside the spindle to take away part of the heat of the motor.