Shipment

You save time even before your spindle arrives at FISCHER PRECISE. There is no need to wait for a return authorization number. Simply state the reason your spindle is having issues on the packing documentation, or fill out and print our basic spindle repair form and ship it along with the spindle to our subsidieary nearest you.

If you would like to provide us advance notice of your incoming spindle, you can also fax in this form. For troubleshooting purposes we ask that any tooling that was in the spindle when problems occurred also be returned. This way we can best diagnose the issues that you were having.

Incoming Inspection

Solving your spindle application issue is our focus. When a spindle arrives, we should already know what the issue is by documentation included with the spindle, or a prior phone call providing a description.

Here a spindle will have its cabling and motor output checked, its quillshaft and taper run-out measured, and tooling inspected using the latest in test equipment that is scaled for micron-level tolerances. Photographs are also taken. This information is then logged into our analysis form that is tracked with the spindle.

Spindle Test Operation

If a spindle can be operated, depending on its condition, it will be run through its entire speed range, noise levels will be recorded, and all spindle sensors will be checked. FISCHERPRECISE will then contact you with the issues, if any, that were found before continuing any further in the repair process.

If a spindle cannot be operated, then it will be necessary for it to be taken to the next step in the repair process to be disassembled as this is the only way we can further diagnose what the issue might be.

Spindle Disassembly

The Disassembly area is operated by a team of dedicated technicians focused strictly on just spindle disassembly. Every individual spindle component is checked and inspected. Photographs are taken and recorded. Prints and checklist process instructions are followed to assure a consistently high level of examination. Components are then cleaned and re-inspected to see what can be re-used in the repair. Those components then needing replacement or refurbishment are recorded, and kept with the other spindle components.

Failure Analysis

Once our spindle disassembly technicians have completed their inspection, our Applications Engineering staff gets involved to assess the components and to put together a failure analysis report for your review. This report includes photos, measurements, and component descriptions. And at FISCHER PRECISE we take things a step further: we provide a summary of our findings to explain the issues the spindle had, and expand on this with our recommendations. Our goal is to not just solve your existing issue, but avoid any repeat situation in the future.

Price Quote

Our repair quotes are firm, and are presented in tandem with the failure analysis report. The repair invoice lists the individual components necessary for the spindle to operate per its initial performance specification. FISCHER PRECISE will then await your approval before progressing further on the repair. Significant time and effort are put into this so that you will be given an explanation of what may have occurred for the spindle to require service.

Component Inspection and Refurbishment

At FISCHER PRECISE great care is taken with your spindle to assure like-new performance. We have our own in-house machine shop with some of the latest CNC machines to handle a wide variety of parts. Individual components are checked for balance. Housings and quillshafts are form-scanned with the latest equipment to record cam angle lengths, taper diameters, and run-outs. If needed, internal rotating components are reground to meet micron tolerances. Our primary focus is to save you time and cost by making sure that the quality of the components is first-rate and limited to the replacement of components necessary.

Reassembly

Every spindle is an assembly of many components requiring tolerance fits on a micron scale. Bearings are replaced and bearing preload is carefully checked. Electrical sensors are calibrated and motors are tested. Components are individually balanced. Pressure readings are taken to assure proper coolant flow. When applicable, toolchange springs, pistons, and hydraulics are cycled repeatedly to assure proper movement and resistance force. All of this is taking place in a dust-free cleanroom environment with a monitored ambient air temperature. When assembly is finished, assemblies are double-checked again for balance, in addition to all electrical cabling and connections. After all reassembly inspections are complete, the responsible technician will sign off on the spindle's performance.

Run-In

Following every spindle reassembly, our testing process is identical to that of our new spindle products to make sure it performs in like-new condition. As part of that process, reassembled spindles are placed in our automated Run-In room. While in this location, your spindle will be operated for multiple hours throughout the spindle's operating range. During this time multiple parameters are recorded including amperage, temperature, and coolant flow.

Final Test Inspection

Where most others end their repair process, we go further. From years of experience, at FISCHER PRECISE USA we know that regardless of how good any automated testing sequence might be, it is still worthwhile to do a final inspection with trained personnel. The human ear and eye can pick up things that no sophisticated test station alone ever can.

This is why after our run-in sequence every spindle is given an additional final test inspection. Run-outs, temperatures, and vibration levels are measured by hand. Sensors and toolchange operations are repeated and checked. All of these results are recorded in our database. If this inspection meets our stringent performance standards, only then will our technicians sign off on an inspection card that is physically attached to the spindle and forward the spindle to our shipping department.

Shipment

In our shipping department, your spindle is packaged securely to make its trip back to your facility. Caps are placed on all tube fittings to prevent any possible contaminants from getting inside. We also wrap your spindle in special rustproofing paper, and where possible place the spindle in a plastic bag to avoid any exposure to moisture. Your spindle is then placed in either a contoured container or bolted in place inside a tailored wooden crate to prevent movement. As in every step along our repair process, your spindle is treated with the best care in the industry so you can get back up and running.