How Diligent Are You About Toolholder, Spindle Cleanliness?

Maintaining a clean interface between machine spindle and toolholder as well as toolholder and cutting tool is imperative to help maximize machining rigidity, precision and tool and toolholder life. Unfortunately, many shops are not proactive about cleaning spindles or tool holders, according to Alan Miller, engineering and product manager for Big Kaiser.

He notes that if toolholders and spindles are not properly or frequently cleaned, that can lead to increased runout and shorten the life of cutting tools. “And, in extreme situations, large swarf particles can be trapped in the mating surfaces and cause physical damage to a spindle or holder,” Miller says. “A good process would entail cleaning the spindles at the start and end of every shift. Tool holders should be completely disassembled and cleaned during the next tool setup. Each point of contact must be kept clean to maintain performance and avoid scrap or poor finishes which can result from misalignment or chatter.”

This cleaning is the responsibility of both machine operators and maintenance staff. “Machine operators should take a role in cleaning before and after each shift,” Miller says. “If there is a tool crib, the attendant should be taking the time to clean each tool holder and accessories with every setup.”

Cleaning accessories can make these processes easier and more effective, such as the cleaning devices for toolholder tapers and tool clamping bores as well as machine spindles that Big Kaiser offers. “Cleaning with shop rags can be done, but it’s more difficult to get them properly into spindles or small collet bores,” Miller adds. “Also, cleaners with silicone wipers will move oil and dirt, but may not remove them from the surfaces.”

Big Kaiser’s devices require no cleaning agents. Instead, they use strips of absorbant synthetic leather to collect dirt and oil. Miller says while the devices might look dirty after the first use, they can continue to be used for as much as six months. If the cleaning surfaces become heavily contaminated or pick up swarf, they should be replaced.

Also, dry machining cast iron and graphite can leave more residue on machines, tools and spindles. Miller suggests that extra systems such as vacuums and filters can reduce this issue. Cleaning toolholders in these situations would still be the same, but spindles may need more frequent attention.

Miller recommends that shops shouldn’t wait until they experience process consistency problems before looking for cleaning solutions. “These cleaning products can help, as will developing a shopwide cleaning process,” Miller says. “Once they figure out how difficult it is to use rags to get into tight places, they start looking for other options.”

What’s not an option is ignoring toolholder and spindle cleanliness. Maintaining a rigorous cleaning schedule is essential for sustaining performance and extending the tool life to maintain consistency. Cleaning accessories can help shops perform those chores quickly, easily and successfully every time to help improve productivity and maintain equipment.