High-speed milling machines require precise and robust control of coolant supply to reliably manage thermal loads. For a multi-spindle machining system, a dirt-resistant and automated valve solution was implemented in cooperation with the machine manufacturer, which also operates reliably in continuous operation.
At a glance
Industry: Mechanical engineering / machine tool engineering
Application: High-speed milling machine with multi-spindle technology
Medium / Process: Coolant supply at high tool speeds and changing pressure conditions
Challenge: Reliable, dirt-insensitive valve technology for precise coolant control at high switching frequencies
STASTO solution: Coaxial valves in a compact valve manifold, pneumatically actuated and designed for multi-spindle applications
Result: High operational reliability, compact integration, reduced lead times through coordinated logistics and service support
The challenge
In high-speed milling machines, very high tool speeds lead to increased friction and thus to significantly rising temperatures on the tool and the workpiece. To ensure process stability, surface quality and tool life, continuous and precisely controlled cooling is absolutely essential.
A central component of this cooling system is solenoid valves that control the coolant flow for each spindle. These valves must operate reliably under demanding conditions: contaminated media, high switching frequencies, and varying pressure conditions are part of normal operation. Standard valves are often only partially suitable for this combination of loads and can lead to malfunctions or increased maintenance requirements. In addition, the multi-spindle technology imposed high demands on a space-saving and clearly arranged valve layout.
The STASTO solution
Due to the process-related pressure conditions as well as the requirements for flow stability and insensitivity to contamination, the decision was made to use coaxial valves. This valve design is particularly suitable for demanding media and offers a high level of functional reliability even under changing operating conditions.
For the multi-spindle version of the milling machine, a valve manifold was implemented that combines several coaxial valves in a compact unit. This made it possible to achieve short switching paths, a clear structuring of the cooling circuits, and simple integration into the machine control system. The pneumatic actuation enabled precise adaptation to the respective spindle requirements.
STASTO not only supported the machine manufacturer with the technical design, but also took over a large part of the warehousing. This was complemented by a structured ServicePackage with active deadline tracking in order to keep the throughput times up to the finished machine plannable and stable.
The result
The valve solution used ensures reliable coolant control even at high speeds and in continuous operation. The coaxial valves are insensitive to contamination and thus make a significant contribution to the operational reliability of the entire machine.
The compact valve manifold made it possible to increase the degree of automation while at the same time reducing assembly and maintenance effort. The logistical support provided by STASTO enabled short delivery times and relieved the machine builder in project execution.
Added value for machine builders
- High process and operational reliability in demanding machining processes
- Reduced integration and maintenance effort thanks to compact valve manifolds
- Planning reliability through coordinated logistics and service support
- Technical consulting already in the design phase
This solution is particularly suitable for
- High-speed milling machines and machine tools
- Multi-spindle machining centers
- Applications with contaminated cooling media
- Machine concepts with a high degree of automation and continuous operation
Contact
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