5 Reasons You Should Turn to The OEM When Your Spindle Stops Turning

Members of the machine tool industry understand how important it is to minimize downtime whenever possible. When the spindle is cutting chips, parts are in production. Unfortunately, catastrophic failures can occur causing damage to the spindle or other mechanical components of the machine. When these events transpire, turning to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for assistance should be the primary and preferred path to recovery. Here are five main reasons to turn to the OEM when your spindle stops turning:

1. SHORTEST LEAD TIME THROUGH ADEQUATE INVENTORY SUPPORT

Most OEMs strive to place customer support at their highest level of priority and are willing to carry the inventory to do so. Unlike third-party repair shops, OEMs commonly offer new units and exchanged/refurbished units in addition to a repair and return option. The exchanged/refurbished offering is a competitively priced option that enables them to ship a replacement spindle or mechanical unit before the failed unit has even been taken out of the machine. This means, in most cases, your machine can be back online within 24 hours and core return of the damaged unit can then take place, which is quite valuable considering the average lead time for a repair and return is greater than a week. Okuma America stocks $10,000,000 in 600+ spindle units in our exchange program to serve our customers as efficiently and effectively as possible.

2. OEM CERTIFIED PARTS

There is no need to cross-reference, source like parts, or speculate. During the rebuild process at the OEM, you can rest assured that the exact parts on the engineering drawing that meet quality standards are used. This means they source from the same credible vendor, just as the spindle in a brand new machine tool. You can also be confident that all the necessary parts replacements occur every single time. Okuma even replaces the spindle shaft during rebuilds. No need to GPG - grind, plate, grind. Some may think this approach drives an extreme price point, but Okuma has recalibrated all mechanical exchange and repair prices to be exceedingly competitive in the current market. To help even further, a tiered pricing structure has been implemented to give end-users the ability to receive up to a 30% price reduction.

3. OEM SPECIFICATIONS, UPDATES, AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT

The quest for optimal quality is ongoing, and over time, critical aspects of mechanical components may change. Spindle technology continues to get more sophisticated with enhancements like oil/air mist systems, oil chilling, rotary unions, and high-pressure coolant just to name a few. Understanding the new technology and having access to documentation is now more important than ever. Fortunately, the OEM will always be aware of these developments and changes and have access to critical documentation for reference. They also have the lifeline of factory-certified engineers to rely on. Understanding all up and downstream machine systems and their impact on spindle life helps identify the root cause and eliminate repetitive repairs. Okuma America has on-site advisors from Okuma Japan who aid in delivering the best mechanical unit quality possible. Additionally, Okuma has an award-winning, 40+ year distributor network partnership to support spindle issues in the field. These 400+ certified field service technicians can provide the expertise to support Okuma’s single-source technology quickly and effectively.

4. TESTING EQUIPMENT AND CAPABILITIES

Real-life simulation makes it 100% ready when it hits your dock. The OEM has the ability to test and run a spindle or mechanical unit as it would run in the machine tool. Okuma performs the test run process with an identical control, program/motor data, housing, chiller unit, and chiller jacket. Third-party repair facilities must resort to a generic motor with universal “V” blocks and clamps. Depending on the unit type, Okuma completes a 6 to 20 hour run in simulation and constantly collects temperature data. Each unit is balanced twice during the repair process and confirmed by a final vibration analysis.

5. LONGER WARRANTY TERMS

Everyone prefers maximum coverage and protection. Because of the four reasons listed above, OEMs are confident the repair was completed correctly and as designed. This allows them to honor a longer warranty period on rebuilt products. Okuma America offers an industry-leading 2-year warranty on refurbished/repaired mechanical components, which covers all part defects and craftsmanship errors.

Spindles are the heartbeat of your machine tool, and the OEM is the best specialist. Turn to the OEM and let us help you protect your valuable assets. If your Okuma spindle is in question, contact your distributor and take advantage of our free evaluation program.