Hi, have just started using a RedLine spindle on my MASSO Journeyman. I went trough the break in process and cut a bit. But the spindle can be quite noisy. Even at 6000 rpm during warm up, the noise can suddenly appear and continue for a while, may be 5 minutes, then it can disappear and then appear gain later. May be it becomes better with use, but it is still quite unnerving. It is a high pitched squeaky sound, like vibrations and friction at the same time.
I check some references and ceramic bearings are supposed to be more quiet than metal ones. It really does not sound good. Personally, I would say that there is not enough lubrication in the bearings, if judging by the sound.
What do I do?
Noise is normal when starting the warmup cycle every day as this spread the grease to lubricate the bearings.
If you have any questions, please reach out to support@redlinecnc.com
I believe I had the same issue in the beginning, see attached video (turn your volume down, particularly if you don’t like the sounds of nails on a chalkboard).
I found it was obnoxious at 6K, and got progressively less noticeable as the RPM’s increased and the spindle warmed.
From working with equipment for years I had the exact same reaction you did, if something sounds like that, you shut it down and reach out to the manufacturer.
After only about 3 hours or so of time on the spindle, I no longer have any noise when I first warm the spindle, even first thing in the morning when the shop is 55ÂşF.
I received the same advice from Redline as 1F gave you and it seems to be a case of getting the lubricants moved around within the spindle post manufacturing. Redline also let me know if the issue occurs on an ongoing basis at or above production RPM (above 12K), to reach back out.
I believe you’ll find after even a short time of regular use that the spindle will quiet right down.
Yep, this is it. This noise is a clear indication that some material is being destroyed. I think that the ceramic balls are probably grinding against each other and get polished this way…
May be this is OK, but I would prefer it would have been done on the factory. Before we get it as a product.
I really appreciate your response and the video. Thank you very much.
The spindles are indeed tested with a warm-up/run procedure prior to shipping.
Manufacturers that I have had experience with support/require this as an ongoing procedure for the life of their spindles, as already mentioned, to ensure the proper distribution of bearing lubrication.
Thanks for reaching out. We understand your concern. This is normal at speeds below cutting speeds (below 12k RPM’s). It’s a bi product of the ceramic bearings. A bearing has a “dry” friction point and makes noise from the friction. The Warm-Up Cycle will help break up the lubricant to a warm liquid and lubricate the bearings and cut down on the squealing. If you start to hear that same squealing noise at normal cutting speeds (above 12k RPM’s) consistently, then please let us know.