GMN will present three innovations for powerful and process-safe spindle technology at AMB 2026. The Edge Device IDEA-4E is the new central component of the digital spindle ecosystem IDEA-4x. It analyzes the condition of grinding and milling spindles, determines and names the optimal maintenance time. This helps to better plan service interventions and avoid unforeseen machine downtimes.
Also new are two spindle series: a robust version for aluminum high-volume machining in aerospace and a compact high-speed spindle for micromilling.
GMN will exhibit at AMB from September 15 to 19 in Stuttgart in Hall 6 at Stand B16. There, the machine builder will showcase a selection of its products alongside the new spindle innovations. Additionally, the company will demonstrate the Edge Device IDEA-4E with installed apps on an IDEA-4x demonstrator, which makes sensor data visible and provides maintenance forecasts.
IDEA-4E: Predictive Maintenance for grinding and milling spindles
With the Edge Device IDEA-4E, GMN expands its digital ecosystem IDEA-4x with the ability to create maintenance forecasts. It manages the data collected by the embedded systems IDEA-4S for spindles and IDEA-4Lub for lubrication units. The interface of the Edge PC can be installed independently of the manufacturer on all common controls, including those from Siemens, Fanuc, Heidenhain, and Mitsubishi.
From the measurement data, IDEA-4E determines the status of the spindle, identifies the best service time, and provides a concrete action recommendation. Sensors installed in the motor spindle continuously collect data on temperature, speed, tool clamping state, vibrations, and axial shaft displacement.
According to the principle of 'Customized Digitalization', users choose the desired scope of services – from integrating individual components to a turnkey full-service integration.
The sovereignty of information lies with the customer: The data remains on their machine; optionally, they can use it for hybrid and cloud solutions.
An example calculation illustrates the benefit: Without the Edge Device, a machine is down for about two days due to a spindle failure; with IDEA-4x, the interruption can be reliably reduced to a planned half day.
Robust aerospace spindle for high-volume machining
For aluminum high-volume machining of integral components, GMN presents the high-frequency motor spindle HCS 230i-30000/150 at AMB. It offers 150 kW S1, speeds up to 30,000 rpm, and an HSK-63 tool holder. An advanced rotor with a simplified design reduces the installation size by 30 mm and lowers the weight.
High dynamic stiffness and thermal robustness ensure stable processes even at high temperatures; for aluminum, removal volumes of around 12 to 14 l/min are possible. The series includes six types with 80, 120, and 150 kW – optionally HSK-63 at 30,000 rpm or HSK-100 at 20,000 rpm.
At the stand, the spindle type with integrated IDEA-4S and the lubrication unit PRELUB GP PLUS can be seen.
Micromilling: High precision at the highest speeds
The third innovation is aimed at machinists in micro machining: The UHC 120-45000/18 is a compact high-frequency spindle for automatic tool change with HSK-E 40 holder. It delivers 18 kW S1 power at up to 45,000 rpm.
With only 120 mm outer diameter, the innovation combines high stiffness and speeds with great thermal stability and a highly precise dynamic runout – with minimal tolerances. An inductive sensor operating on the eddy current principle monitors spindle nose growth during the process. An optionally connectable external vibration sensor additionally detects instabilities in the process and warns of collisions.
The series is aimed at users from tool and mold making, microelectronics, medical technology, and the optics industry.
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