Spindle Repair vs. Spindle Replacement

If your spindle is damaged, you may wonder whether you should repair or replace it. There are several factors to consider when making this decision, including the extent of the damage, the cost of the repairs, and the expected lifetime of the repaired spindle. In many cases, repairing a spindle is preferable to replacing it, particularly in light of the present supply chain problems. Let us explore the comparison between spindle repair and replacement to help you make the best decision for your needs.

Spindle Repair

Spindles are essential to CNC machines and must be in good working order, as damaged spindles can lead to poor machine tool health and decreased product quality. Although spindle replacement can sometimes be unavoidable, repair services can help return the spindle to service in a quick, reliable, and cost-effective manner.

Key benefits of spindle repair include:

• Faster lead time. Waiting for the delivery of a new spindle can take months, bringing your production to a standstill. Repairing your machine tool spindle can often be completed in a matter of days to ensure minimal downtime.
• Lower costs. New spindles can cost up to three times the cost of a repaired spindle. With spindle repair, you only need to pay for the components that need replacing, allowing you to avoid higher costs associated with spindle replacement. In many cases, spindle repair is between 30%-45% of the cost of a new spindle.
• Remanufacture capabilities. The repair option is often preferred because it allows you to remanufacture your spindle several times without adverse consequences.
• Reliability. Working with an experienced spindle repair partner ensures your spindle is rebuilt in the most reliable manner possible. Spindle repair technicians are highly trained to inspect, repair, balance, assemble, and test spindles to restore them to their full operation.

Spindle Replacement

Spindle replacement involves removing the damaged spindle and replacing it with an entirely new one. While spindle replacement typically comes with higher prices and lead times, it is sometimes unavoidable if the spindle is damaged beyond repair.

Completely replacing your spindle is an expensive endeavor that typically costs anywhere between $14,000 and $24,000 with lead times of up to 32 weeks. To avoid the extra expense and operational downtime, it’s important to regularly monitor the health of your spindle and have it repaired when necessary. By holding off on repairing your spindle, you can cause more damage to it and its components, further increasing the cost of replacement.

Reliable Spindle Repair Services From Rubin Engineering & Sales

Choosing between spindle repair and replacement can be challenging. Ultimately, factors such as production schedules, budget, and delivery times will help you determine the correct course of action.

If you’re having trouble determining what is right for your needs, the experts at Rubin Engineering & Sales are here to help. For over 30 years, we’ve been offering reputable spindle repair services as an alternative to replacement. We understand the current supply chain issues and their impact on obtaining new machine parts. Rather than waiting months for a new spindle, Rubin has the necessary knowledge and resources to repair your spindle with much faster lead times and lower costs.

For more information about our CNC spindle repair capabilities, contact us or request a quote today.