Colonial Tool's Rigidity at Speed Precision Spindles engineering philosophy is to maximize rigidity at the operating speed to ensure the highest quality manufactured part for the customer.

From this philosophy an optimization program is instituted on receipt of the customer's requirements to ensure spindle compatibility with the proposed tooling chosen.

The optimization considers tooling loads, speeds, type of bearing, lubrication and envelope size to maximize rigidity, life and cost.

It is then more appropriate to recognize the spindle capabilities in terms of angular contact bearing size, type, configuration, preload and lubrication.

Angular Contact Bearings                                                                                                                                                                             

1. 15 degree has good radial capacity and stiffness
2. very high speeds
3. moderate cost
4. design simplicity
5. cross sectional variations available
6. no preload adjustment required
7. 25 degree has good axial capacity and stiffness
8. good availability
9. low power consumption
10. possible s[ring preload
11. ultra high precision

Double Row Taper Bore Roller Bearings advantages;

1. very high radial load and stiffness capacity
2. moderate to high speeds
3. preloads adjustable by maintenance personnel (not recommended)
4. good availability
5. low cost
6. high precision

Taper Roller Bearings advantages;

1. high axial and radial stiffness combined
2. low cost precision
3. design simplicity
4. spring load possible

1. Moderate to low thermal instability when fixed preloaded

1. Moderate power loss
2. Individual preload gauge required for each size
3. Design complex
4. Requires thrust bearings

1. Low speeds
2. Sensitive to thermal instability
3. Poor availability