ECM Conversion of High Speed Spindle

[inapickle]

hi,
i'm currently trying to convert a 40,000 rpm Faemat spindle to allow it to be used in an ECM process. The spindle has ceramic bearings and so the current will have to applied direct to the shaft, (although passing a current through metallic bearings would wear out the tool in no time at all anyway!). It seems likely that an extention to the shaft may be necessary, but due to the speed this will require very accurate balancing.

has anyone carried out a similar conversion? know of anyone i could refer to? Any input would be much appreciated.

thanks

 

[EdDanzer]

Please define better what you are wanting to do. ECM, do you mean electro chemical machining? If so please define the operating parameters better, as describe the proposed tooling, tool interface and if a tool changer is present.

 

[inapickle]

ok, perhaps not enough details!
the machine is being converted for research purposes, the tool will be used to cut profiles in nickel based super alloys using a hybrid of the Electrochemical machining process. the machine is very simple and is being converted for the sole use of this project, hence no tool changing will be required.

There is currently a 5000 rpm spindle in situ, - to this we applied a current to the very rear of the shaft as there was an overhang from the rear bearing - this is not the case with the 40,000 rpm spindle.

Due to the nature of the ecm process the tool should never come into contact with the workpiece and so load on the spindle need not be an issue.
thanks

 

[EdDanzer]

Can a slip ring be attached to the drawbar? If not maybe a large through hole slip ring could be installed over the tool holder.