Air Turbine Technology’s powerful 650 Series spindle

US-based Air Turbine Technology Inc, a leading manufacturer of revolutionary high-speed turbine products, has highighted the success of its 650 Series spindles, which are engineered to deliver constant high speeds under load, ranging from 25,000 to 40,000rev/min with power up to 0.88hp (0.66kW).

Designed for versatility and reliability, the series is suited for a wide range of applications, from micro milling to heavy-duty operations using larger tools. These spindles excel in all materials, including tool steel, titanium and ceramics, making them an optimal choice for industrial sectors demanding robust performance and precision.

The powerful 650 Series is rigid in cut with power rated at 0.8hp. This spindle is called the ‘Workhorse’ for its robust construction, and it can mill while maintaining high speed with tools up to 6mm capacity. For manufacturers requiring even greater power, the 650X Series within the 650 family features a patented double-turbine design, delivering up to 1.4hp (1.04kW) and maintaining constant high speed and torque for demanding operations such as trochoidal milling in hard materials.

The 650’s unique patented governor developed by Air Turbine Tools increases air flow to match the cutting load, maintaining rated speed on a tool path. This is a major difference from nominal high-speed technologies that drop speed as soon as a tool engages. The 650’s governor-controlled turbine maintains a high speed rating of up to 40,000rev/min throughout the cut, optimising both tool performance and lifespan. Now, power is not sacrificed for speed.

Optimising small tool performance
Adding the 650 Series to the magazine enables machinists to dramatically increase cutting rates and reduce cycle times, significantly increasing productivity and optimising small tool performance. Since CNC spindles quickly wear out when operated at their maximum speed, machinists can save substantial amounts on spindle repairs and avoid costly machine downtime by keeping Air Turbine tools in their magazines for detail work.

There is another significant difference between the 650 Series and tools with gears, high frequency brushes or vanes — the latter often overheat or burn out, resulting in downtime and costly repairs. In contrast, the 650 Series operates at 40,000rev/min with just two moving parts, generating no heat and eliminating thermal growth, a key cause of inaccurate milling. As a result, consistent 24/7 operation without duty cycle limitations is now possible.

Furthermore, the 650’s grease-packed ceramic bearings are cooled by turbine air, ensuring exceptional reliability. This spindle certifies a 2µm TIR and uses ultra-precision ER11 collet systems as standard, ensuring great accuracy. This turbine’s design results in ultra-low vibration of less than 0.4 mm/s², which enhances accuracy, and its quiet operation at under 78dBA is appreciated. The 650 Series adds high speed to any CNC machine and is available with all popular shank configurations, including JS, HSK, CAT, BT and DIN, and options for fully automated loading on any CNC.

With the 650 Series, Air Turbine Technology delivers a solution for higher productivity, providing non-stop power, precision and reliability for continuous production. The 650 stands out as a proven innovative high-speed spindle, enabling manufacturers to achieve superior surface finishes, six to 10-times reduced cycle times and increased productivity across a wide range of machining applications.