Thank you for choosing Gros-Ite Spindle: Following are some simple steps you need to follow prior to operating your Gros-Ite Spindle.

Handling:

A precision spindle must be handled carefully. The spindle should not be bumped or dropped. Each spindle is securely packaged in a custom fitted shipping/storage case at the factory. It is recommended that this case be retained for storage of the spindle when it is not in use.

Storage:

If the spindle is idle or will not be used for more than 30 days it should be stored in low humidity, and at normal room temperature (60-90 °F) to avoid contamination, rust, corrosion, etc. Coat any unprotected metal to avoid rust or corrosion with a metal protectant. (See Start Up)

The spindle shaft should be rotated during storage several revolutions by hand every 30 days. This will help prevent the weeping of oil from the binding material in the grease. This action also prevents false brinelling of the bearing races due to the inherent low-level vibrations present in most buildings.

Mounting Instructions:

As with any precision assembly, the mounting surfaces are critical to the spindle performance. All mounting surfaces (spindle and machine) should be stoned and wiped clean. This will eliminate any small nicks or burrs that may have occurred on the mounting surfaces during shipping and handling.

Never deliver any shock loads or hammer a spindle. This will permanently damage the spindle bearings and result in reduced life. Use pullers and jack screws whenever possible. Mishandling the spindle will void the warranty.

For cartridge style spindles it is only necessary to tighten the clamping screws sufficiently enough to prevent the rotation of the spindle housing in the bracket. Over tightening of the clamping screws may destroy the built-in clearances to provide ideal performance of the spindle bearings. This can cause overloading and overheating of the bearings and result in chatter and vibration as well as shortening the life of the spindle.

If the spindle is belt driven: The proper tensioning of the drive belt is essential to the performance and life of the spindle. The belt should be tensioned enough to prevent slippage and vibration, but loose enough to prevent excessive radial load being transmitted to the rear bearings.

Start Up:

Although your Gros-Ite Spindle has been thoroughly tested to the full operating speed at the factory, we suggest that when you receive it, or after it has been sitting idle or in storage for thirty (30) days or more, the spindle should be run up gradually prior to full time operation.

We also suggest the following:

1. First rotate the spindle by hand to insure that it spins unobstructed or without any noticeable noise.
2. Then begin running the spindle at 10% of the max operating speed for a period of 15 minutes.
3. If the temperature does not exceed 100°F or if you have no temperature sensor, hot to the touch. Increase the spindle speed an additional 25% and run for 15 minutes.
4. Continue this process increasing the speed each time by 20% until the full operating speed is reached. If at any time during the run up the spindle exceeds 120°F the spindle should shut down and be allowed to cool to ambient temperature before restarting at the previous speed. If after a run of 15-30 minutes the spindle does not stabilize or show signs of stabilization contact Gros-Ite Spindle for further information.
5. Once stabilized at the full operating speed the spindle should run no hotter than 120 °F. After this initial start up is completed the spindle may be now run at the full operating speed immediately upon start-up. However, please note that if the spindle has been in storage for thirty (30) days or more, this process should be repeated.

If the machine the spindle is mounted to has an automatic speed ramp up, it is recommended to give the spindle a 15-30 second ramp up to full operating speed after the initial start up procedure has been completed.

Motorized Spindles:

If your spindle is motorized and requires liquid cooling use PH balanced water based coolant with a rust inhibitor. A good coolant is a 50-50 mix of water and antifreeze. Water with high salt or mineral content should be avoided, as it tends to leave deposits in the internal porting which can become plugged. The coolant flow rate recommended is 6 gallons per horsepower per hour at a temperature of 70-80°F. If oil is used as the cooling media, the flow must be increased to 15 gallons per horsepower per hour. The coolant pressure at the spindle should not exceed 35 psi.

Tool Installation:

Avoid installing a cold tool in a warm spindle. This is of particular importance with the shallow tapers in an internal grinding spindle. By installing a cold quill in a warm spindle, the quill will be positioned too deep in the spindle shaft taper due to thermal expansion from the heat. When the spindle assembly is subsequently cooled down you will create a shrink fit of the quill in the taper, and most probably, the quill cannot be removed without machining and doing potential damage to the bearings.

If at anytime you should have any questions please give us a call @ 800-851-2654. Again, thanks for choosing Gros-Ite, we appreciate your business.