Karstens spindle and motor spindle repair
Brochexpress is an independent workshop specialising in the repair, maintenance and diagnostics of Karstens spindles and motor spindles — a historic German manufacturer specialising in external cylindrical grinding of shaft parts, now part of the grinding division of the EMAG group.
Karstens, German expertise in external cylindrical grinding of shafts
TLDR: Karstens is a historic German manufacturer specialising in external cylindrical grinding of shaft parts in large series, now integrated into the grinding division of the EMAG group alongside Reinecker and Kopp, with the option of refurbishing existing Karstens machine beds to build new machines.
Karstens built a recognised expertise in large-series external grinding of all kinds of shaft parts, know-how now integrated into the grinding division of the EMAG group, alongside Reinecker (internal/external grinding of chucked parts) and Kopp (grinding of cams and camshafts). This technological continuity is reflected concretely in the EMAG Weiss offer, which provides on request the option of using an existing Karstens machine bed in order to build a new machine in refurbishment mode, alongside cylindrical grinding machines developed and built in-house. The range of external cylindrical grinding machines derived from this technology (HG series) covers shafts up to 800 mm in length, with configurations dedicated to cylindrical grinding of medium to large series.
A range of twin spindles on a B axis for combined external and internal grinding
TLDR: Grinding machines using Karstens technology feature a B axis able to carry up to three external grinding spindles, or a combination of internal and external spindles, with grinding wheels up to 500 mm in diameter and high-precision linear roller guides on every axis.
On external cylindrical grinding machines derived from Karstens technology, the B axis can carry one external grinding spindle for wheels up to 500 mm in diameter combined with two internal grinding spindles, or up to three external grinding spindles for wheels up to 400 mm in diameter. On centre-headstock configurations (such as the HG 208 CD model, dedicated to hollow shafts up to 400 mm in length), two internal and external spindles are arranged on two cross slides each fitted with a B axis, allowing internal machining of bore diameters, flat faces and tapers in addition to the main external grinding operation. The workhead can be fitted with a motorised spindle or a belt-driven spindle depending on the configuration, with high-precision, rigid linear roller guides on every axis guaranteeing a long service life.
Karstens spindles and motor spindles covered (non-exhaustive list)
- External grinding spindles on the B axis, wheels up to 500 mm
- Multiple spindles (up to 3 external spindles) on the B axis, wheels up to 400 mm
- Combined internal and external spindles on cross slides, centre headstock
- Motorised or belt-driven workhead spindles
- Spindles of HG series cylindrical grinding machines (HG 204, HG 208)
Interfaces and specifications
The Karstens spindles and motor spindles we repair cover single, twin or triple spindle configurations on the B axis, with grinding wheels up to 500 mm in diameter and shafts up to 800 mm in length — exact specifications to be confirmed on quotation according to the reference of your machine.
Our expertise on your Karstens spindles and motor spindles
TLDR: Brochexpress works across the entire life cycle of your Karstens spindles and motor spindles, with the same rigour as for the other brands in our portfolio.
On-site customer service
- Diagnostics and service directly on your machine, in your production workshop, to limit downtime on your grinding line
Full diagnostics
- Inspection of clearances, balancing, bearing condition, sealing and the synchronisation of multiple spindles on the B axis, with a detailed technical report
Preventive and corrective maintenance
- Maintenance programme tailored to the production rates of large-series shaft grinding, together with corrective action in the event of a breakdown
Overhaul and refurbishment
- Grinding, bearing replacement, sealing refurbishment and rotation testing in the workshop, restoring the manufacturer's original tolerances
Why choose Brochexpress for your Karstens spindles and motor spindles
- An independent workshop, with no capital ties to manufacturers, guaranteeing an objective diagnosis
- Expertise in multiple-spindle configurations on the B axis and combined internal/external spindles
- Two service sites: Beaurepaire (France) and Lussery-Villars (Switzerland)
- Support from the first intervention through to return to production
Turnaround and warranty
- On-site service within 48h
- Workshop repair: around 20 working days depending on parts availability
- 12-month warranty on all our repairs
Frequently asked questions
Do you repair the multiple spindles on the B axis of Karstens grinding machines (up to three spindles)?
Yes, we work on these spindles, taking care to preserve their synchronisation on the B axis.
Do you work on the combined internal and external spindles of centre-headstock configurations?
Yes, we diagnose and repair these spindles, whatever the cross-slide configuration.
How long does a full overhaul take?
Allow around 20 working days in the workshop, depending on the condition of the spindle and the availability of parts (bearings, seals, specific components).
Do you work on historic Karstens grinding machines or on refurbished beds?
Yes, we diagnose and repair the spindles whatever the age of the machine, including refurbishment configurations.
Do you offer a preventive maintenance contract for a fleet of Karstens machines?
Yes, we set up preventive maintenance programmes tailored to your production rate.
A reliable partner for your industrial performance
Whether it is an emergency on-site intervention, a full workshop overhaul or a preventive maintenance programme, Brochexpress brings its expertise to your production. As an independent workshop, we work across all Karstens spindles and motor spindles — spindles for external cylindrical grinding of shafts — with the responsiveness and rigour demanded by the most exacting industrial environments.
Our teams are at your disposal from our sites in Beaurepaire (France) and Lussery-Villars (Switzerland) for a study of your needs, a diagnosis or a personalised quotation.
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Karstens® is a registered trademark of the EMAG group. Brochexpress is neither affiliated with, nor a partner of, nor an authorised distributor of the EMAG group. Our business covers independent repair and maintenance of industrial equipment, permitted under the principle of referential trademark use (EU Trademark Directive 2015/2436 / French Intellectual Property Code, art. L.713-6).