Setco's High-Speed Robotic Spindle Featured at IMTS 2026

At the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2026, Setco is showcasing its high-speed robotic spindle, a solution designed to meet the needs of machine tool original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and system integrators. The event, running from September 14 to 19 at McCormick Place in Chicago, highlights the growing trend of integrating robotic machining with precision spindles.

Setco's robotic spindle, mounted on a FANUC robotic arm, is part of a FANUC robotic machining system. This setup is ideal for applications that do not require the ultra-tight tolerances of dedicated CNC equipment. Visitors to the show can see Setco's booth 432423 and view the spindle in action at FANUC's booth 338900.

The development of high-speed robotic spindles is significant because they enable a wider range of machining tasks to be automated. These spindles can match the precision of dedicated CNC machines while offering the flexibility of robotic systems. Setco engineers its spindles to be compact and lightweight, ensuring they do not exceed the payload capacity of the robotic arm they are mounted on.

According to Setco, the key to a spindle's high-speed performance lies in its ability to deliver the required rotational speeds without adding unnecessary weight. The company's engineers carefully balance the motor and drive system to match the robot's payload, speed, torque, and cutting requirements. This ensures that the robotic system remains efficient and effective.

Setco's partnership with FANUC, the global leader in CNC systems and robotics, is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation. FANUC has installed over 40 million products worldwide, providing a familiar platform for system integrators to build around. Setco supports this partnership with its own robotic spindle engineering, manufacturing, and service capabilities, operating from nine global locations.

Reliability is another critical factor in the success of high-speed robotic spindles. Setco emphasizes the importance of maintaining spindles to prevent performance bottlenecks. Spindle bearing wear is one of the most common causes of failure, as bearings operate under extreme conditions. Setco offers a thorough maintenance plan to diagnose and address spindle performance issues, ensuring smooth operation.

Setco supplies new and rebuilt spindles to machine tool OEMs and manufacturers worldwide. Its extensive experience in the machine tool industry makes it a trusted provider of spindle solutions for both CNC and robotic applications. The company has manufactured or rebuilt over 310,000 spindles and supported over 350 spindle OEMs, providing buyers with a proven track record.

At IMTS 2026, Setco is demonstrating the capabilities of its high-speed robotic spindle in a FANUC robotic machining system. This showcase is part of the company's ongoing efforts to expand the range of machining tasks that can be automated. By integrating robotic systems with precision spindles, Setco is helping to drive the future of manufacturing technology.