FAQ

Specifications

• Is it safe to run a motor spindle in wet conditions using machining coolants and oils?

  Yes. All Nakanishi motor spindles have an IP57 Rating by using purging air. However, the coolant should be directed to the cutting tool and not directly towards the motor spindles.

• What is the proper procedure to maintain spindle accuracy under normal operating conditions?

  Any time a tool or collet is being replaced, it is recommended to remove the collet and collet nut, then clean them as well as the spindle taper with an alcohol swab to remove any cutting debris. This will help maintain spindle accuracy and improve longevity.

• What is the advantage of an integral motor/spindle?

  Nakanishi motor spindles have no gears. Gears generate heat, vibration and thermal growth, all of which are a deterrent to high speed rotation.

• What is the difference between Nakanishi motor spindles and other companies' spindle speeders?

  Nakanishi motor spindles are integrated motor and spindle that do not use the machine spindle rotation.
  Other companies’ spindle speeders are driven by the machine spindle with gears to increase or decrease the rotation speed.

• What is the difference between electric micro grinders and air micro grinders?

  

   

  We recommend the electric system because it can maintain the set rotation speed even under processing load.
  The air system is less expensive in terms of initial cost, but the electric system is more economical in terms of operating cost, considering the power consumption of the compressor that produces the air.
  In addition, the electric system is also an energy-saving and environmentally friendly measure.

• What is the difference between electric motor spindles and air motor spindles?

  

   

  We recommend the electric system for its rotation speed control function, load factor visualization, excellent automation compatibility, and stable processing performance.
  The air system is less expensive in terms of initial cost, but the electric system is more economical in terms of operating cost, considering the power consumption of the compressor that produces the air.
  In addition, the electric system is also an energy-saving and environmentally friendly measure.

• Is micron diamond powder monocrystalline or polycrystalline?

  It is a monocrystalline diamond. Most synthetic industrial diamonds are monocrystalline.

• What is the difference between water soluble and oil based diamond compounds?

  The water soluble diamond compounds are easy to clean after use.
  The oil based diamond compounds have excellent lubricity and lapping is smooth.

• Do the felt bobs themselves have polishing ability?

  No. The felt bobs do not have polishing ability, so they should be used in combination with polishing compounds.

• What is the difference between soft felt bobs and hard felt bobs?

  Soft felt bobs absorb oil and moisture, preventing abrasive from sticking to the surface for a beautiful finish.
  Hard felt bobs absorb less oil and moisture than the soft type, enabling the abrasive to stay on the felt surface for speedy polishing.

• What are ceramic fibers?

  Ceramic fibers are a fibrous abrasive material composed mainly of alumina and silica. Unlike the abrasive grains used in general grindstones, new cutting edges are continuously produced, maintaining a consistent and stable polishing performance over time. Various shapes and sizes are available.
  　
  For finish polishing of molds
  • Ceramic fiber grindstones (for ultrasonic and manual use)
  For automated deburring
  • Ceramic stones with elastic shaft
  • Ceramic fiber brushes: end type, cup type, for bore and cross hole, and cup type with special sleeve

• What is the difference between single cut and double cut carbide cutters?

  Single cut is a spiral cut type. It produces a large amount of cut volume and a clean finished surface. The chips are needle-like.
  Double cut is a reticulated cut type. Compared with the single cut, it reduces cutting resistance and is easier to handle. The chips are safe because they are in powder form.

• What is titanium coating?

  Titanium coating is a technology that improves tool performance by coating the surface of carbide cutters with titanium nitride (TiN). The coating increases wear resistance, heat resistance, corrosion resistance and extends tool life.

• What is the feature of carbide shafts?

  Its high rigidity minimizes runout during processing, enabling more precise processing. The rigidity is more than three times that of a standard stainless steel shaft.

• What is electrodeposition?

  Electrodeposition is a technology that bonds diamond or CBN to a base metal surface by electroplating. It has excellent cost performance and is suitable for small batch processing. In addition, the cutting edge is sharp due to the large amount of abrasive grains protrusion.

• What is CBN?

  CBN is a compound of boron and nitrogen that is second only to diamond in hardness. CBN is suitable for high temperature processing, because it is thermally stable up to 1300°C, whereas diamond begins to oxidize at 700°C.

• What is the rated output of each controller?

  E4000: AC 48 V, 0–0.66 kHz, 3 phase, 7.8 A
  E3000:AC 33 V, 0–1 kHz, 3 phase, 2.4 A
  E2000:AC 28 V, 0–0.83 kHz, 3 phase, 2.3 A
  iSpeed3: AC 23.4 V, 0–1.33 kHz, 3 phase, 2.0 A

• What is the phase relationship of the mounting holes on the AQC spindles (NR4040-AQC/NR3060-AQC)?

  The NR4040-AQC and NR3060-AQC have four mounting holes each on the side A and side B. The positions of the mounting holes are not as shown in the figure. They vary from product to product.

   

  

• What types of parameters are available on the controllers?

  Refer to the list below.

  

   

  

• What is the material of the grip ring?

  It is stainless steel 303 without quenching.
  The material of the washer is stainless steel 420.

• Can multiple motor spindles be operated simultaneously with a connectable controller (E3000 selector/E2280/iSpeed3)?

  No. Simultaneous operation is not possible. Switch the motor to be used.
  For simultaneous operation, the number of controllers required is equal to the number of motor spindles.

• What is the maintenance period and expected life of motor spindles?

  Motor spindles are used under a variety of conditions, such as processing method, processing load, workpiece material, and tools used. For this reason, we do not specify a specific maintenance period and expected life. The internal parts, especially the bearings, will wear out gradually. Have your motor spindles overhauled regularly.

• What is the minimum bending radius for each motor cord?

  Refer to the list below.

  

• What is the flow rate for each controller?

  Refer to the list below.

   

  

• What are the high precision type AA collets?

  The runout accuracy of the high precision type AA collets are within 2 μm.
  Only the CHK and CHA groups have the high precision type AA collets as listed below.

   

  

• How do I use grease for reducers?

  Be sure to use our specified greases as listed below. Inject approximately 0.5 mL of grease at every 70–100 hours.

   

  

• What is the IP rating (protection class for dustproof and waterproof performance) of the products?

  • Electric motor spindles
  It is IP57 when air is supplied for dustproofing and cooling.

  • Air motor spindles
  It is equivalent to IP57 when air is supplied to the air motor (when the air motor is rotating).

   

  Coolant should be directed at the cutting tool and not directly at the electric/air motor spindles.

• What is the definition of motor rotation direction?

  It is defined by the motor model as follows:

  • Motor model R/RA: forward rotation (clockwise)

  • Motor model L/LA: reverse rotation (counterclockwise)

  

• What is the compatibility between the E250/E2530 series and the E2000 series?

  The E250 series (Control unit NE72) has been discontinued and the E2530 series was recommended as its successor. However, the E2530 controller (NE236) has also been discontinued.
  The E2280 controller (NE314) of the E2000 series is fully compatible with the E2530 controller.
  The E2000 series is not compatible with the E250 series (Control unit NE72), in terms of the external dimensions of the controller, the external control method, the connection method with an external controller, the motor, etc. are not compatible (refer to the figure below).

  Each spindle is compatible and can continue to be used.
  Refer to the catalog and operation manuals for details.
  ＞Link to catalog
  ＞Link to operation manuals

   

  

• What is the compatibility between the E500Z series and the E3000 series?

  The E500Z series (Control unit NE147) has been discontinued and the E3000 series is recommended as its successor. However, the external dimensions of the controller, external control method, motor, etc. are not compatible.
  Refer to the catalog and operation manuals for details.
  ＞Link to catalog
  ＞Link to operation manuals

• Why do electric motor spindles need air?

  Providing clean, dry air has the following effects:

  • It has a cooling effect on electric motors, enabling them to be used for longer periods of time.

  • It has a dustproofing effect on spindles as an air purge, enabling the use of coolant and oil during processing.

• What lubricating oil is used in the air line kit?

  Be sure to use ISO VG 15 liquid paraffin (Shell Ondina Oil 15). To purchase it, contact our distributor near you.
  For USA specification, use FUCHS Superla #9 White Oil.

   

  

• What is oil mist lubrication?

  Air motor spindles require an oil mist supply from the air line kit with lubricator. The function of the lubricator in the air line kit is to suspend lubricating oil in the compressed air in the form of a mist. This oil mist lubricates the inside of the air motor, greatly extending the life of the air motor.
  Our recommended lubricator is used with the drop volume set at approximately 1–3 drops per minute, as well as commercially available lubricators.

• How do I connect the air motor to the air line kit?

  The filter joint is attached to the end of the air motor’s air intake hose (on the side that connects to the air line kit). The tip of the filter joint is φ6 mm and can be easily connected to the quick air fitting of the air line kit.
  The length of the air intake hose for the air motor is set to 2 m. Changing the length of the air intake hose may reduce performance.

  

• What are the specifications (outer and inner diameter) of the air intake and exhaust hose for the air motor?

  Hose sizes are detailed in the Air-Speed catalog.
  ＞Link to catalog
  Depending on the model of air motor, there are two types of hose sizes: commercially available and our original.
  Our original sizes are as follows (O.D. × I.D.):
  • φ5.7 mm × φ3.7 mm and φ6.5 mm × φ5.0 mm: K-221 Hose (Code No. 2049)
  • φ6.7 mm × φ4.5 mm and φ7.5 mm × φ5.5 mm: K-204 Hose (Code No. 2030)

• What is the tightening torque for the collet?

  It varies depending on the type and size of the collet.
  For CHK collet φ3.0–6.35, the appropriate tightening torque is 7.0 N·m. For the other sizes, refer to the chart below.
  For CHA collet φ3.0–4.0, the appropriate tightening torque is 6.0 N·m. For the other sizes, refer to the chart below.
  For CH16 collet, the appropriate tightening torque is 8.0 N·m.

   

  

• How can I obtain the product dimensions?

  Refer to the each catalog.
  ＞Link to catalogs

  As for the motor spindles, CAD drawings (DXF/STEP) can be downloaded from the products list page.
  ＞Link to products list

• What is the external control method of the controller?

  Refer to the each operation manual for detailed external control methods.
  ＞Link to operation manuals

• What are the advantages of electric motors compared with air motors?

  Electric motors are driven by electricity. The rotation speed can be adjusted in a wide range by a high-performance microcomputer. In addition, the rotation speed can be accurately displayed by a high-precision rotation detector.
  　
  Air motors are driven by air pressure from 0.3 MPa to 0.5 MPa. The rotation speed can be adjusted, but it cannot be fine-tuned and displayed.

• What is the difference between motor spindles and micro grinders?

  Motor spindles are designed to be mounted on machines. Be sure to use them mounted on the machines.
  Micro grinders are designed to be used by hand. Be sure to use them as hand tools.

• What is the allowable rotation speed of spindles and reducers?

  It is the maximum input speed of spindles and reducers. It is marked MAX xxxxx min^-1 on the housing of each product. Be sure to use them within the allowable rotation speed.

  

• What is the spindle accuracy?

  It is the runout value measured at the tapered inner diameter of the collet mating part of the spindle.
   
  

Purpose of Use

• Are there any products suitable for rust removal?

  We recommend fiber sanders and polishing nylon brushes.
  Select the product most suitable for the workpiece material and processing conditions.

• Are there any products that can grind and polish at the same time?

  We recommend high power polishers and power polishers.
  Select the product most suitable for the workpiece material and processing conditions.

• Are there any products suitable for dressing of grinding wheels?

  We recommend diamond hand dressers and diamond block dressers.
  These dressers are also suitable for shaping and runout removal of grinding wheels, rubber wheels, felt bobs, ceramic fibers, stick wheels, etc.

• Are there any products suitable for deburring difficult-to-cut materials?

  We recommend carbide cutters for titanium alloy and electroplated CBN burs.
  Select the product most suitable for the workpiece material and processing conditions.

• Are there any products suitable for grinding glass and stone?

  We recommend electroplated diamond burs and mounted points (GC abrasive).
  Select the product most suitable for the workpiece material and processing conditions.

• Are there any products suitable for deburring cross holes?

  We recommend ceramic stones with elastic shafts, ceramic fiber brushes for inner diameter and cross hole, and diamond wire deburring tools.
  Select the product most suitable for the workpiece material and processing conditions.

• Are there any products suitable for cutting?

  We recommend electroplated diamond discs, metal saw blades, and cut off discs.
  Select the product most suitable for the workpiece material and processing conditions.

• Are there any products suitable for processing uneven surfaces and complex shapes?

  We recommend spiral abrasive rubber discs and slit flap wheels.
  Select the product most suitable for the workpiece material and processing conditions.

• Should I use WA or GC abrasives?

  Select by workpiece material.
  WA abrasives are suitable for general grinding of raw materials such as general steel, alloy steel, tool steel, and carbon steel.
  GC abrasives are suitable for general grinding of ceramics, glass, FRP, stone, and carbide.

• Should I use diamond or CBN?

  Select by workpiece material.
  Diamond is suitable for hard and brittle materials such as carbide, glass, ceramics, and stone.
  CBN is suitable for hardened steel materials (60 HRC or higher).

• What is the purpose of a reducer?

  It is used to reduce the rotation speed and increase the torque. By attaching a reducer, the rotation speed is reduced and the torque is increased by the reduction ratio.
  For example, if a 1/4 ratio reducer is attached to a 30,000 min^-1 motor, the rotation speed is reduced to approximately 7,500 min^-1 and the torque is increased approximately 4 times.

How to Use

• Can my machine controller communicate with the Nakanishi controller?

  Yes. The Nakanishi controller has input and output functions to communicate with the CNC controller.
  You can download the operation manual from the following link.
  ＞Link to operation manuals

• Can I use brushes with air micro grinders?

  No. Air micro grinders have difficulty controlling the rotation speed, which can damage the brushes. Be sure to use brushes with electric micro grinders that can control the rotation speed and always use them within the maximum rotation speed.

• How do I operate the Sonic Cutter ZERO?

  ＞Click here for details.

• How do I operate the Sheenus ZERO?

  ＞Click here for details.

• How do I operate the Emax EVOlution?

  ＞Click here for details.

• How do I replace collets and tools for the spindles?

  ＞Click here for details.

• How do I install the grip ring to the spindle?

  ＞Click here for details.

• How do I replace tools for the ultrasonic polisher Sheenus ZERO?

• How do I replace tools for the polishing attachment LS-100, NLS-110, and ELS-100?

• How do I replace tools for the belt sander attachment KBS-101 and EBS-101?

• How do I replace tools for the pencil type polishing attachment ML-8 and EML-8?

• How do I replace tools for the 90° angle type attachment IC-300 and EIC-300?

• How do I replace tools for the ring type attachment IR-310 and EHR-500?

• How do I fabricate the split type holder?

  1. Rough processing the inner diameter of the holder.
  2. Make a slit in the holder (e.g., 2 mm slit).
  3. Tighten the screw for removal and widen the slit.
  4. Insert the spacer (e.g., 2 mm thick) into the slit.
  5. Loosen the screw for removal, and tighten the fastening bolt to the specified torque.
  6. Finish the inner diameter of the holder to a tolerance of -0.01 to -0.015 mm to the outer diameter of the spindle, and the surface of the inner diameter to a roundness and cylindricity of 5 µm or less.
  7. Loosen the fastening bolt and tighten the screw for removal. Then widen the slit to insert the motor spindle.

  *Due to the wide variety of dimensions and materials of the holders to be fabricated, the suitability of the holders should be determined by the system designer or specifier after analysis and testing as necessary. The suitability of the holder, the desired characteristics of the motor spindle, and the safety assurance are the responsibility of the person determining the suitability of the system, so these should be carefully considered prior to fabricate.

   

  

• How do I mount the spindle?

  We have the grip rings for spindle sizes φ22.8, φ30, φ40, and φ50, which eliminate failure due to overtightening of screws and greatly reduce setup time.
  If the grip rings cannot be used due to dimensional or space limitations, we recommend mounting as shown in Figure A. If this is not possible, try mounting as shown in Figure B.
  Do not mount the spindle directly with screws as shown in Figures C-1 and C-2. The outer housing of the spindle will be deformed, resulting in rotation failure and overheating.

   

  

   

  ＞ Click here for details.

Support

• How do I discuss the selection of Nakanishi products?

  Contact our distributor near you.

  ＞Link to sales network

• How can I try Nakanishi products before purchase?

  Contact our distributor near you to check availability.

  ＞Link to sales network

• How can I obtain operation manuals?

  Contact the dealer which you purchased.
  You can also download it from the links below.
  ＞Link to products list

• How can I obtain the latest catalog?

  You can download it from the link below.
  ＞Link to catalogs

• How can I purchase Nakanishi products?

  Contact our distributor near you, as we do not sell our products directly.

  ＞Link to sales network

Others

• What is the warranty on Nakanishi products?

  Our products have a limited warranty. We will replace or repair the products free of charge under the following conditions:

  1. If there is a manufacturing defect.
  2. If there is a shortage of contents.
  3. If the product is damaged when the package is opened. This does not apply if the damage was caused by the customer’s negligence.

  　
  Please contact us or the dealer which you purchased.
  NAKANISHI INC.
  Industrial Sales Dept.
  Business hours: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. JST
  Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
  TEL: +81 289 64 3520
  webmaster-ie@nsk-nakanishi.co.jp

• How do I send my Nakanishi product for repair?

  Send your product through the dealer which you purchased. If this is not possible, contact our distributor near you.

  ＞Link to sales network