When a CNC lathe processes parts, the bearings need to run at a relatively high rotational speed along with the main shaft, and inevitably, there will be the problem of a temperature rise. The bearings of a normal CNC lathe are all precisely designed, and the temperature will remain stable within a certain range. Once there are phenomena such as abnormal overheating and an increased temperature rise, it may indicate that there is a fault in the bearing part. So, how should we solve this problem?

Solutions for Overheating of Bearings in CNC Lathes

1. Check the lubrication condition of the CNC lathe. If there are problems such as insufficient lubricant, aging, or deterioration, the appropriate lubricating grease should be replaced. The amount of addition should be appropriate to reduce the friction of the bearings and alleviate the overheating phenomenon. For high-speed working conditions, methods such as mist lubrication and oil-air lubrication should be used to enhance the heat dissipation and lubrication effects.

2. Examine the installation condition of the lathe spindle bearings. Adjust the preload force of the bearings, keep the bearings in alignment, and ensure that the fit clearance is within the specified range. This can enable the bearings to fully exert their capabilities while avoiding the problem of overheating.

3. Improve the heat dissipation conditions. If the heat dissipation system of the bearings in the CNC lathe malfunctions and cannot discharge the heat in a timely manner, the temperature will also rise. The spindle cooling device can be added, and an air cooling or water cooling system can be used. In addition, good ventilation of the spindle box should be maintained to prevent heat accumulation.

4. Check whether there are any abnormalities in the bearings. For example, phenomena such as raceway spalling, foreign matter mixing, and rusting will all damage the stability of the bearings and cause overheating problems. In this case, it is recommended to replace the bearings with new ones. According to the actual working conditions and temperature, high-quality bearings should be selected for replacement.

What are the Impacts of Overheating of Bearings in CNC Lathes?

If the temperature of the working environment of the bearings in a CNC lathe is too high, the following serious consequences may occur:

1. Lubrication failure. There is a limit to the operating temperature of the lubricating grease. A high temperature will accelerate the oxidation and deterioration of the lubricating grease, reduce its lubrication performance, and intensify the friction.

2. Tempering of the lathe bearing materials. Generally, high-strength bearing steel is used for precision bearings, and the operating temperature is not extremely high. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures will cause the tempering effect of the bearing materials, resulting in a decrease in their hardness and a reduction in wear resistance.

3. Deformation and damage of the cage. There are cages in the spindle bearings of CNC lathes. Overheating may cause the cages to expand due to heat, affecting the normal operation of the rolling elements and even causing the bearings to seize.

4. Change in preload force. Thermal expansion and contraction of materials are common phenomena. An excessively high temperature may cause thermal expansion, leading to a change in the preload force, affecting the rotation accuracy of the spindle and reducing the machining quality.

Under normal circumstances, if the temperature of the bearings in a CNC lathe exceeds 80 degrees Celsius, it needs to be treated with caution. Check for any other fault phenomena. When necessary, reduce the rotational speed of the lathe to bring the temperature back to the normal level. If the temperature is even higher, do not hesitate and be sure to use appropriate methods to deal with it to avoid significant losses.