Cartridge Spindles for Precision CNC Machines
Our cartridge machine spindles can support OEM equipment, new machine builds and replacement spindle applications. Milwaukee MachineTool can also help evaluate custom cartridge spindle requirements based on machine envelope, speed, torque, loading and mounting needs.
What Is a Cartridge Spindle?
A cartridge spindle uses a cylindrical body designed for mounting inside a precision bore. The mounting bore can be incorporated into a machine bracket or the saddle of a machine slide, giving machine builders a compact way to integrate the spindle into the equipment.
One of the main service advantages is simplified spindle changeout. A replacement cartridge spindle can be installed without tramming the replacement spindle, allowing manufacturers to keep a spare unit available and reduce production downtime when service is required. Milwaukee MachineTool offers seven standard MC Series cartridge spindles.
MC1875 Series
The MC1875 Series is the smallest standard cartridge spindle in Milwaukee MachineTool’s MC lineup. With a 35 in-lb torque capacity and compact bearing package, it provides an option for precision CNC applications requiring a smaller cartridge spindle footprint.
MC1875 Series Features
- Torque Capacity: 35 in-lbs
- Nose Bearings: 17 mm diameter duplex arrangement
- Drive Bearings: 17 mm diameter single arrangement
- Precision Bore Mounting: Cylindrical body integrates into a suitable machine bore
- Replaceable Cartridge Design: Supports spindle changeout without re-tramming
- Performance Options: Available internal configurations provide different speed, thrust, lubrication and sealing capabilities
MC275 Series
The MC275 Series increases torque capacity to 135 in-lbs while retaining a relatively compact cartridge spindle format. It gives machine builders another option for CNC equipment requiring more spindle capacity than the MC1875 without moving into the larger MC Series models.
MC275 Series Features
- Torque Capacity: 135 in-lbs
- Nose Bearings: 30 mm diameter with duplex or triplex arrangements
- Drive Bearings: 25 mm diameter duplex arrangement
- Bearing Configurations: Multiple internal constructions support different loading requirements
- Lubrication Options: Available configurations vary by lubrication method
- Speed Capability: Maximum RPM depends on bearing arrangement, lubrication and internal construction
- Service-Friendly Design: Cartridge construction supports quicker spindle replacement
MC35 Series
The MC35 Series provides a 525 in-lb torque capacity for CNC cartridge spindle applications requiring a larger bearing package and increased load capacity. Its precision-bore mounting design supports integration into machine slides, brackets and other suitable machine structures.
MC35 Series Features
- Torque Capacity: 525 in-lbs
- Nose Bearings: 45 mm diameter with duplex or triplex arrangements
- Drive Bearings: 35 mm diameter duplex arrangement
- Precision Bore Installation: Designed for cylindrical mounting within the machine
- Multiple Internal Configurations: Options accommodate different speed and axial thrust requirements
- Replaceable Design: Spindle changeout can reduce downtime during maintenance or replacement
MC40 Series
The MC40 Series steps up to 1,000 in-lbs of torque capacity for more demanding precision machining applications. The larger spindle size expands available capacity while maintaining the serviceability benefits associated with Milwaukee MachineTool’s cylindrical cartridge spindle design.
MC40 Series Features
- Torque Capacity: 1,000 in-lbs
- Nose Bearings: 55 mm diameter with duplex or triplex arrangements
- Drive Bearings: 45 mm diameter duplex arrangement
- Bearing Options: Multiple arrangements available for different operating requirements
- Lubrication and Sealing: Configuration varies according to spindle construction
- Speed and Thrust Options: Internal construction codes provide different maximum RPM and axial loading capabilities
- Precision Bore Mounting: Supports integration into CNC machine structures
MC55 Series
The MC55 Series provides 2,165 in-lbs of torque capacity for larger cartridge spindle applications. Its increased bearing size and torque capability make it suitable for machine designs requiring greater spindle capacity while retaining precision-bore mounting and replaceable cartridge construction.
MC55 Series
- Torque Capacity: 2,165 in-lbs
- Nose Bearings: 70 mm diameter with duplex or triplex arrangements
- Drive Bearings: 55 mm diameter duplex arrangement
- Multiple Bearing Arrangements: Configurations address different axial and radial loading needs
- Operating Options: Available constructions vary by lubrication, sealing and maximum speed
- Serviceability: Cartridge format allows easier spindle changeout when replacement is required
MC65 Series
The MC65 Series increases torque capacity to 4,100 in-lbs for higher-capacity CNC cartridge spindle applications. Its larger spindle construction provides another step in the MC lineup for machine builders balancing torque, bearing size, speed and available installation space.
MC65 Series Features
- Torque Capacity: 4,100 in-lbs
- Larger Bearing Package: Designed for higher-capacity spindle requirements
- Precision Bore Mounting: Cylindrical cartridge body installs within the machine structure
- Configurable Internal Construction: Available arrangements support different operating conditions
- Reduced Replacement Downtime: Cartridge design simplifies spindle changeout
- Application Flexibility: Suitable for OEM equipment, replacement spindle needs and custom machine designs
MC80 Series
The MC80 Series is the highest-torque standard cartridge spindle in Milwaukee MachineTool’s seven-series MC lineup. With a torque capacity of 7,460 in-lbs, it provides the largest standard cartridge option for machine designs requiring substantial spindle capacity.
MC80 Series Features
- Torque Capacity: 7,460 in-lbs
- Large-Capacity Cartridge Construction: Designed for the upper end of the standard MC Series range
- Precision Bore Mounting: Cylindrical housing integrates into a suitable machine bore
- Multiple Internal Configurations: Available constructions address different speed, loading and lubrication requirements
- Replaceable Spindle Design: Supports faster spindle changeout to help limit machine downtime
- OEM and Replacement Applications: Suitable for new equipment or replacement cartridge spindle requirements
Milwaukee MachineTool Advantage
Milwaukee MachineTool Corporation manufactures cartridge machine spindles for OEM equipment, production machinery and replacement applications requiring precision bore mounting with practical serviceability. Seven standard MC Series sizes give engineers options ranging from compact 35 in-lb designs through 7,460 in-lb cartridge spindles for higher-capacity machining requirements.
Need help selecting a standard CNC cartridge spindle or evaluating a custom spindle requirement? Milwaukee MachineTool can help compare spindle size, torque, bearing arrangement, speed, loading and machine mounting requirements. Contact our team to discuss an OEM or replacement cartridge spindle for your equipment.