What is the difference between a spindle kit and a spindle system from PwnCNC?
Hey Dave,
do you mean what is the difference between “normal” ATC spindles and the RapidChange ATC?
Welcome to the forum!
A true ATC spindle does not differ from a manual tool change spindle regarding its need to be run by a variable frequency drive (VFD). A spindle is a three-phase induction motor and the VFD is the device that transforms your AC power into a frequency-controlled three-phase current which can drive the spindle. The spindle speed is controlled by the frequency of the three-phase current (usually 100 - 400 Hz for speeds from 6,000 to 24,000 rpm). This is induced by the appropriate spindle speed command in your g-code program. A VFD is a device that is intended to be mounted into a control cabinet together with some other components like a EMI filter, a safety relay, and relays to automatically switch your dust collection on and off etc. The VFD usually also comes with the ability to switch the spindle coolant on and off by an internal relay (in case it is a water-cooled spindle. There are also air-cooled spindles). PwnCNC’s spindle kit includes an enclosure that contains the VFD and the other components and is intended to provide a plug-and-play experience. Usually a VFD control cabinet is to be assembled and wired by an electrician. Daniel Moran’s PwnCNC kit avoids that. It can be taken into operation by an ordinary user.
A true ATC spindle differs from a manual tool change spindle in that the collets that hold the end mills are ejectable. There are two types of ejectable tool holders, ISO tool holders and the more modern and more compact HSK tool holders. The latter are safer at extremely high speeds. With a true ATC spindle, you provide a variety of tool holders with different pre-mounted end mills. The CNC controller holds a tool table internally and knows the length of each tool. A tool change is induced by the appropriate tool selection command in the g-code programm.
In order to have automatic tool change (ATC) capability, beides electric current, the spindle also needs compressed air. You need a compressor.
RapidChange ATC is something totally different. It provides automatic tool change capability but with ordinary manual tool change spindles, with usual ER collets. By making use of the counter-clockwise rotation capability of the spindle, on a tool change event, it simply unscrews the collet, and screws on another prepared ER collet, loaded with the appropriate tool. As with “normal” ATC, the CNC controller holds a tool table internally.
RapidChange ATC is relatively new (while true ATC is already old). Its main advantage is that you avoid buying an expensive ATC spindle and a compressor.
Daniel Moran’s PwnCNC ATC spindle kit is a true ATC spindle system. It uses ISO ejectable tool holders. It needs compressed air.
No I mean they sell a spindle kit and a spindle system. The kit is cheaper then the system but what is the difference?
Hey Dave,
the spindle system includes the latest PwnCNC v5 VFD enclosure with important components like EMI filter and all connections for all cables. If you don’t have the enclosure, you got to build your VFD control cabinet yourself.
Here is the list of what the spindle system contains:
The kit is nearly equivalent to buying a spindle on Amazon. You have to wire everything to the vfd up, and program it.
The system is as plug and play as it can be made based on the questions at the drop down.
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I’ve got the whole team working on a super simple table comparison chart. This would help everyone understand the difference and why our “system” is $300 more and why it’s that much.
Super simple answer is the System’s VFD is enclosed in a custom enclosure that has various wired inlets making the whole thing as plug-n-play as we can make it.
The $300 goes to the enclosure parts, 3d printing, anodized aluminum panels, various wiring inlets, EMI filtering Power Inlet and what-not.
This enclosure easily adds 3+ hours to the assembly of the final product, but in the end gives a far cleaner experience for our end-users.
Our “kit” is basically a collection of very reliable parts. Specifically the motor, VFD, and wiring to make it all work. I don’t consider this “plug-n-play” because you have to attach spade or ferruled wires into phoenix connectors. This means it is not fully protected from dust and what-not reaching the terminals like a fully enclosed VFD is.
With the “kit” our expectation and recommendation is that you enclose the vfd into an enclosure that you supply. This is what’s mentioned within the included VFD manual. It has details on how to enclose the VFD.
Ultimately… if you’re wanting an out-of-the-box experience go with the Spindle System. If you’re wanting to put in the work to properly enclose the VFD, and maybe other components of your CNC machine… then save the money on the front end and get our Spindle Kit.
Both the System and Kit come with proper warranties that you deal with us directly… not some random person/company in china. You work with us… we get you up and running and we’ll work with the vendor on the backend out-of-band. You get the best experience and even the ability to voice-talk to people right here in the US… who also hobby in CNC woodworking and carving.
We are a part of the community and trying very hard to build a company that benefits that community.
Sorry.. I’m in full salesman mode right now… LOL. It’s the weekend and if you can’t tell… I’m very passionate about helping folks in our hobby CNC community.
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Daniel it’s so nice what you offer and who you are.
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