Spindle Motor Repair

How Does a Spindle Motor Work?

Spindle motors and servo motors are simple in that they both typically spin or create rotational motion. The difference is really in the specific motor engineering and intended applications for each. While servo motors are controlled for specific angular rotation or position, a spindle motor is built for pure speed, power, and torque. Spindle motors are very common in CNC machine applications, including drills, lathes, milling machines, cutters, jets, and other mold manufacturing devices. Spindles are also integral in many automotive, agricultural, aerospace, and fabrication applications.

There are two common designs for high-speed spindles, each with its own set of features. Integral motor spindles are built around an internal motor which is able to spin at some incredibly fast RPM levels. These are great for certain machining applications, but these types of motors can also generate a lot of heat, and they’re limited in the amount of power and torque they can produce. Belt-driven spindles are another popular option. While these spindles can’t reach the same RPM levels as integral motor spindles, their external motors are actually able to deliver more power and more torque, and this external drive configuration also allows for better venting and less heat buildup. Which type of spindle motor is best for you? That really depends in large part upon how you intend to use it, along with your available machine shop space and budget.

What Can Lead to Spindle Motor Failure?

Spindle motors are frequently used in heavy-duty applications like CNC milling machines, and they’re built to rotate at some pretty high speeds. That being the case, several issues can lead to the degradation or even untimely demise of a spindle motor. Here are some of the more common issues we see with spindle motors in our motor repair shop at AES:

Lubrication issues

Proper lubrication is important for any machine with moving parts, and that’s even more true for a motor which operates at the speeds of a spindle motor. It’s important to make sure you’re using the right type of lubricant, in the right amounts, with a regular schedule of lubricant maintenance. Not doing so can cause bearing failure, and even total spindle motor failure.

Contamination

Contaminant intrusion is a potential threat to any motor application. Typical sources of contamination for spindle systems include coolant fluids, dust, and particulates. Any of these items can shorten bearing life, and thus shorten the life of spindle motor.

Installation, handling, or balance issues

When installing a spindle, it’s important to use the right tools, and to also make sure you’re installing in a clean environment. When you’re not using your spindle, it’s also important to store it in a proper environment with controlled temperature and humidity levels. And since a spindle motor spins at such high RPMs, it’s crucial to maintain a proper balance for your rotor.

Winding issues

Problems with the winding of a spindle motor can make the motor run hot, work improperly, or result in other damage. Whether caused by contamination or by an internal short, the winding should receive prompt service. Many electric motors just eventually need to be rewound. Thankfully, the technicians at AES are experienced in rewinding motors of all types, including spindle motors, stepper motors, and servos.

Spindle Motor Repair with AES

Got a spindle motor in need of adjustment, balancing, or maintenance? The AES team can take care of that for you; our machine and motor technicians are trained and well-equipped for servicing, rewinding, and restoring spindle motors of any brand or application. Electric motor repair is one of our cornerstones!

Send Your Spindle Motor to AES

Pack your spindle motor (along with any other equipment in need of service) with foam, bubble wrap, or appropriate protective material, and just send it! If you’re able to describe any specific issues or symptoms you’ve noticed, that will be helpful too. But if all you know is that your spindle motor isn’t working right, that’s fine. Just send it on to AES! We can effectively troubleshoot it for you, and we’ll deliver whatever service solution is needed for your equipment.

Shipping Instructions

Ship your equipment to AES at 101 Technology Lane, Mount Airy, NC 27030, with your name, company name, phone number, email, mailing address, and any other relevant contact information. Our team can take it from there, and we’ll get the ball rolling on getting your spindle motor back to pristine working condition.

Equipment Check-in, Troubleshooting, & Repair Quote

Once we receive your spindle motor, we’ll check it in and assign it a unique tracking ID. We’ll then move right into our troubleshooting and evaluation phase, where we thoroughly check out all aspects of your equipment. We’ll then be ready to generate a repair quote describing exactly what we’ll need to do to get your equipment back up and running as good as new.

Personalized Follow-Up

Your individually-assigned Customer Service Representative will connect with you personally; at AES, we just believe that the individual, personal touch is best. We’ll let you know what we discover after analyzing your spindle motor, including our specific repair and service recommendations.

Let’s Get Your Spindle Motor Spinning Again!

Once you approve the repair quote, we’ll get your spindle motor right on our team’s service schedule. We follow a thorough process for spindle motor breakdown, repair, rewinding, and restoration. Once everything is put back together and ready-to-go, we’ll conduct some full-load testing to make sure everything is working properly with your spindle motor. After our quality assurance steps are complete, we’ll carefully package your items for a safe return, and then we’ll promptly ship your equipment back to you.

Why You Should Entrust AES with Your Spindle Motor Repair Services

Of course, other companies will tout their ability to provide spindle motor repairs, but none of those other repair providers can take care of your equipment – and take care of you – like AES can! Here are some specific reasons you should choose AES as your trusted spindle motor repair partner.

Quality Repairs

At AES, quality work is really what we’re all about. We’re committed to delivering the best possible quality of repair services for every spindle motor – along with any other piece of equipment you need repaired – every time. We’ve successfully repaired countless numbers of spindle motors, servos, and stepper motors of every brand for our satisfied clients. We’d be happy to serve your specific equipment repair needs, too.

Quick Turnaround

What’s your repair timetable? Most likely, you’d like to have everything done NOW – who wouldn’t? But also understand that a quality spindle motor repair will require a certain amount of time and attention in order to complete with excellence. Even so, our trained & skilled technicians can get the job done for you quickly, too! We have a fast standard turnaround time of 8-10 business days for most projects, but you can also opt to place a RUSH on your order, if that’s what your timetable dictates.

Experienced Repair Technicians

Spindle motor repair isn’t just some sort of “side job” for us at AES. The fact of the matter is that we have a full team exclusively dedicated to nothing but motor repairs, motor rewinding, and motor rebuilding. Our team possesses decades of combined experience, so it’s fair to say that we know what we’re doing! And we don’t just rest in our wealth of experience alone. We also provide regular training opportunities for our team members, to make sure we’ll always be ready to serve your needs, now and in the future.

A Better, More Cost-Effective Solution

Complete spindle motor systems can be pretty expensive to replace, but replacement really may not be your best option. The AES team can actually service and restore your spindle motor for less, and we can return it to you in like-new (or better-than-new) condition. Our clients appreciate the way AES comes alongside to meet their equipment repair needs, while also saving them lots of time, money, and needless frustrations!

Industry’s Best Warranty!

Don’t miss this important fact about AES, either. Every repair provider will tell you that they do great work, but not every provider will actually put their money where their mouth is. At AES, we’re proud to stand behind everything we do, so we offer an industry-leading 24-Month Limited Warranty for ALL REPAIRS. If a problem should arise within the warranty period that’s deemed to be a repair workmanship issue, we’ll provide a follow-up service for you at NO charge! How’s that for real peace-of-mind service?

Connect with AES for Your Spindle Motor Service Needs

Ready to get your spindle motor spinning again, so that machinery can continue producing the results you need? We can make that happen for you, and more; AES has your needs covered! Reach out today at (866) 386-1001, and let us provide you with your perfect repair solution! We’re standing by to help!