Safety & Maintenance
CNC Machining: Problem Solving Spindle Repair Shops Boost the Bottom Line
Working with an expert partner that goes beyond mere part replacement can optimize the machining process, cost-effectively improving quality and production
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ith CNC machine tool spindles essential to any drilling, milling, boring, grinding, routing, cutting, or sawing process, many manufacturers and machine shops rely on rebuilders to get production back online as quickly as possible when problems arise, and replacement is required. However, rebuilding a spindle is not always as simple as shipping off a problematic unit to have its parts replaced. Every industry and shop floor has specific even unique factors that involve the materials machined, cut depths, required speeds, volumes, and precision for a range of applications. Failing to take these factors into account can lead to a host of unresolved issues that can degrade quality, consistency, and productivity. At times the problems can be subtle such as intermittent variability or a faint sound indicating an issue that even a routine rebuild will not sufficiently resolve. Sometimes the problem can be serious and immediate. That is when additional expertise is required. To cost-effectively ensure superior outcomes for challenges the best spindle repair shops will provide a true problem-solving approach. This includes understanding all requirements of the application, consulting with the machine shop operators, and even utilizing some expert detective work.
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“The goal is to machine high precision parts as soon as possible at the facilities I oversee. Because our operators run spindles at very high speeds, very fast I need to be a problem solver and want to work with [spindle rebuilder and] repair shops that can problem solve, says Eduardo Flores, maintenance manager at GAMMA Aerospace, a specialized, end-to-end provider of engineered airframe and flight components for leading original equipment manufacturers and Tier I suppliers in the aerospace and defense industries.
Problem Solving Boosts Profitability GAMMA Aerospace’s facilities in Mansfield, Texas; Gardena and Los Angeles, California; and Mexicali, Mexico manufacture a diverse offering of components utilizing advanced, in-house special processes that encompass machining, forming, assembly and wet chemical special processing. As the maintenance manager of two facilities, Flores oversees the use of about 50 CNC machines in Gardena and about 35 in Mexicali. His role is to keep the facilities efficiently running and involves ordering parts, troubleshooting, and problem solving. According to Flores, optimizing spindle reliability including repairs and rebuilds is the “bread and butter of the business” even when using softer metals like aluminum.
