MSD Machine Tool Spindle Drive Gearboxes

Overview:

These two-speed Machine Tool Spindle Drive gearboxes extend the constant power speed range of spindle drive motors, providing high output speeds (10,000 rpm) for finishing aluminum and high torque at low speeds for hogging out steel.  Standard ratios are 1:1 and 3.8:1 (reduction ratios are available from 3 to 6:1).  The graph illustrates this principle for a 3.8:1 reduction ratio.

The compact planetary construction allows easy integration into NC or CNC machine tools.  Speed shift is made by an externally operated dog-clutch slider mechanism which can be remotely actuated by a servo motor, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator.   Shift detection is determined by electrical proximity switches.

Performance Features:

• Spindle constant power speed range up to 24:1
• Develops full power at 300 rpm
• Adapts to all standard A/C and D/C spindle drive motors
• Power capacity from 8 to 200 hp
• Utilizes full cutting capacity of modern machine tools
• Low backlash

Unit Designs:

"Built-In" RAM-MSD 2-Speed Gearboxes are integrated in-line between a water-cooled motor and a spindle inside of a RAM.  This compact, light-weight design compliments the latest spindle drive-motor technology!

MSD 2-Speed Gearboxes are used in conventional applications where the motor and gearbox are mounted outside of the headstock, and the spindle is driven by belts, silent chain or gearing.

"Built-In" RAM-MSD 2-Speed Gearboxes:

RAM-MSD 2-Speed Gearboxes augment the latest spindle drive-motor technology by providing high torque at low speed.  These units mount in-line between the water-cooled motor and the spindle inside of the machine tool's ram.  Features include a water-cooled housing, a hollow-through bore, low-backlash, and high-quality planetary gearing to insure low vibration, quiet and cool operation.

The integration of the gearbox inside of the ram provides a complete, light-weight spindle-drive system that can be displaced independent of the column.  The low weight and minimum dimensions of this ram enables rapid acceleration of the z-axis, resulting in minimum chip-to-chip tool change times.  This solution provides a productive, high-performance spindle.

Machine Tool RAM Assembly with 2-Speed Gearbox

RAM Technology Design Features:

• Round housing, to fit inside of the RAM bore and share motor coolant supply
• High speeds, up to 10,000 rpm in the 1:1 ratio, for finishing cuts
• High torque, providing full power at 300 rpm (5:1) for hogging out steel or cast iron
• Hollow-through bore, to facilitate a hydraulic draw bar and spindle coolant
• External water jacket housing, for cool operation
• Remote pneumatic or hydraulic speed change, compatible with CNC control
• Low backlash, insures position control for tool change and contour cutting
• Quiet, minimum vibration operation, to meet spindle requirements
• Compact & lightweight, to minimize z-axis inertia, enabling rapid acceleration
• Exact reduction ratios for easy control integration

RAM-MSD Dimensions & Ratings:

RAM-MSD 2-Speed Gearboxes are designed to fit into the bore of the machine tool Ram and share the motor coolant supply.  Therefore, the housing diameter and configuration are customized to the specific application.  The table below provides nominal dimensions and ratings of existing designs:

Technical Characteristics:

• All sizes based on standard planetary gearing.
• Available ratios:  1:1 and reductions from 3.0:1 to 6.0:1.
• Low backlash standard:  reduction mode - 20 arc-minutes, 1:1 mode - 15 arc-minutes.
• Also available as dual reduction RAM-MSD gearboxes for heavy cut machinery, such as VTL's and milling centers.  Available ratios:  2.5:1 and 10:1 with output torque capacity of 2,580 lb.ft.

To insure proper selection, please consult the factory.  If you have any questions regarding the information provided here or require more information, please call us at (800) 713-6170 or e-mail us. Our Sales and Engineering departments are ready to help you with your specific power transmission needs.

MSD 2-Speed Gearboxes:

Construction:

Compact planetary construction combined with remotely actuated speed change (by servo-motor, pneumatic actuator or hydraulic actuator) and ratio detection (by proximity switches) allows easy integration into NC or CNC machine tools.  Units are flange mounted directly to the spindle drive motor.

Finned aluminum mono-block housing provides maximum heat dissipation.   Helical sun and planetary gears are hardened and ground chrome-moly steel for maximum strength and quiet operation at high speeds.

Output bearing housing is designed to accept high radial loads from belting or gearing.   Gearbox efficiency is 97%.

MSD Design Benefits:

• Flange mounts to all standard spindle drive motors
• Minimum length due to output drive flange pulley arrangement
• Maximum heat dissipation
• High radial load capacity to accept output belt or gear loading
• Oil lubrication, splash for horizontal mounting or forced oil lubrication for vertical mounting
• Output mounting flange to support motor-gearbox assembly available upon request

MSD Ratings:

* Higher capacities are available upon request, higher speeds are possible with different lubrication schemes,
please consult the factory.  Information provided is subject to change without notice.

MSD Dimensions:

Unit Type AH2, horizontal unit with motor input flange and output mounting flange

MSD Motor Requirements:

Standard gearboxes are designed to mount to motors meeting the following requirements:

• D-type mounting flange (i.e. flange bolt circle diameter larger than pilot diameter)
• Motor shaft provided with a seal to prevent oil ingress into motor
• Motor shaft and flange perpendicularity and runout conforms to DIN 42.955, class R
• Motor shaft balanced with half a key
• For motors deviating from these requirements, please consult the factory
• Maximum motor shaft dimensions:  MSD12 = 38 mm diameter by 80 mm long, MSD35 = 55 mm diameter by 110 mm long, MSD60 = 60 mm diameter by 140 mm long

Applications:

• Extending Constant Power Speed Range on Spindle

• Extending Constant Power Speed Range on RAM Spindle

• Turning Center Spindle Drive with Contouring

• Spindles requiring high torque at low speed
• Applications requiring two speed shifting

To insure proper selection, please consult the factory.  If you have any questions regarding the information provided here or require more information, please call us at (800) 713-6170 or e-mail us. Our Sales and Engineering departments are ready to help you with your specific power transmission needs.