# Overview

## Task

Spindles are machine elements with an electric drive. Their purpose is to engage a tool (milling cutter, drill bit, countersink drill, thread tapping drills, etc.) or a workpiece and set it rotating for the purpose of machining. Spindles are used to machine all types of materials such as metal, wood or plastic. Spindles are also a major component of CNC-controlled machine tools. These machines include lathe or milling machines, machining centres and grinding machines.

## Properties

Basically, spindles are distinguished by the different kinds of control. The spindle type can also be determined by its machining task. This document distinguishes between 4 types of spindles:

1. NC spindle
2. PLC spindle
3. Main spindle
4. Controlled spindle

Only spindles which are known to the channel by their configuration can be used in the NC program. This means that a spindle can also be addressed by several channels if it is configured appropriately.

## Parameter definition

Depending on its inclusion in the control topology, the type of spindle used and its machining task must be defined as parameters in various configuration data.

- Channel parameters
- Axis parameters
- Tool parameters