Differences Between Mechanical Spindle and Electric Spindle in a VMC
1. Mechanical Spindle
A mechanical spindle in a VMC (Vertical Machining Center) typically consists of the spindle, bearings, and transmission components such as gears or pulleys. Its operation relies on an external motor that drives the spindle rotation through transmission devices (e.g., gears or belts). This type includes gear-driven, belt-driven, and direct-drive systems.
2. Electric Spindle
An electric spindle uses a built-in motor to directly drive the spindle rotation, with speed controlled by a frequency converter, enabling stepless speed adjustment. This setup supports various machining processes with different speed requirements.
3. Differences Between Electric Spindle and Mechanical Spindle
The electric spindle eliminates transmission components like belts and pulleys, which reduces energy loss and transmission errors, thus improving machining accuracy and efficiency.
The electric spindle is smaller and lighter than the mechanical spindle, which is advantageous for designing compact machining centers.
The electric spindle achieves higher speeds, reaching up to 24,000 RPM or more, while mechanical spindles typically operate at only a few thousand to tens of thousands of RPM, making them comparatively slower.
The electric spindle’s complex structure results in higher maintenance costs and a greater need for professional servicing, as it is harder to repair than a mechanical spindle.
The electric spindle is well-suited for high-precision machining, whereas a mechanical spindle is preferable for handling hard materials that are challenging to machine.
4. Solution Selection
To help you choose between a mechanical or electric spindle, Smart Lathe provides customized machine models and processing recommendations to meet your specific needs.
