Home / Put On Hold

Put On Hold

The increase in higher precision machining is creating demand for stronger, more durable, faster acting, closer tolerance chucks and collets that can grip and hold the parts and the tools being used. Here is a review of some of the latest chuck and collet solutions that meet that demand.

Posted: February 27, 2015

For precise serial production, the ROTA NCO lathe chuck from SCHUNK has the highest clamping force, lowest jaw stroke and lowest height of any chuck in its class, ensuring more space in the engine room, shorter cycle times, and higher versatility.
The TB2 Chuck from SCHUNK meets the increased demands of machining rods and pipes for the oil industry, including more parts in less time, less maintenance, longer life, increased and more efficient cycles, as well as safety. It actuates faster with an innovative exhaust system that allows the quickest venting to ensure shorter cycle times.
The Unilock ESA 120/70 automation chuck from BIG Kaiser allows robots to pick and place fixtured workpieces into the machine by checking for workpiece presence, proper orientation and clamping, then communicating back to the controller when the workpiece is in place and ready to be machined.
The Production Dynamics Full Bore collet chuck from Lexair increases the through-hole capacity of lathe spindles with a self-contained mechanical-grip/air-release actuation system that eliminates the drawtube needed for hydraulic chucks.
Mounted in direct contact with the top jaw, the jaw forming ring from Dillon preloads the chucking system and provides a jaw surface true to the machine centerline to reduce set-up times and increase up-times for running machined parts. This maximizes jaw life for requalifying or reforming by lessening the amount of jaw stock removal required during parts set-up.
The compact power-operated, rotating CAPTIS collet chuck from Röhm is ideal for turning machines, with an innovative quick-change method that converts from external to internal clamping in less than a minute and collet changes made in 15 seconds.
The universal high-precision chuck from WIDIA is a single high-accuracy tool holder for milling, drilling, reaming, or tapping that boosts efficiencies while holding near-perfect runout in aerospace, transportation, die and mold, general engineering and other applications.
The HydroForce HT™ universal hydraulic chuck from WIDIA is a high-performance, high-torque universal hydraulic chuck that cost-effectively simplifies inventory while maximizing tool life and machining results for milling, drilling, reaming, and other rotating applications.
The Hi-Q/ERC 50 collet nut for through-coolant tools from Rego-Fix is used with larger ER 50 tools to replace standard ER 50 non-coolant nuts in applications where coolant through is possible.
For superior clamping to high-speed machining, the micRun clamping system from Rego-Fix is designed with the best combination of TIR, clamping force and ease of use in mind, creating the most accurate collet system for high-speed machining on the market.
Hardinge offers P16C, P20C and P25C collets along with the corresponding P16D, P20D and P25D Long Bearing Carbide Guide Bushings for the Nomura line of CNC Swiss Turning machines.
Low-profile Flex-Grip collet closers from Lexair get a tighter grip on non-uniform workpiece diameters with flexible collet heads. They are ideal for stationary workholding in assembly or machining operations by providing more Z-axis clearance on machine tables, fixture plates, tombstones and trunion tables.
PG-L collets from Rego-Fix accommodate longer tools by providing 3 mm to 6 mm longer engagement than standard collets.
PG-S collets have 3 mm to 6 mm shorter engagement than standard PG collets and permit use of off-the-shelf cutting tools instead of specials and also provide more latitude for regrinding.

Jaw forming rings are available for 5 in, 6 in, 8 in, 10 in and 12 in power chucks. They are capable of a wide range of OD and ID jaw formation. Self-centering action provides equal pressure on all jaws. The Dillon jaw forming ring is the only tool of its kind to compensate for “jaw lift,” even in worn chucks, which results in better parts concentricity.

Dillon Manufacturing manufactures a complete line of standard and custom workholding solutions including chuck jaws, chucks, vises jaws, soft jaws, hard jaws, collet pad jaw systems, chuck lubrication, and more.    With ample production capacities and processes, the company is ISO 9000:2008 registered and can manufacture large production runs of special jaws with the same speed and accuracy as the smaller production lots. All products are made in the U.S.

Dillon Manufacturing, Inc., 2115 Progress Drive, Springfield, OH 45505, 800-428-1133, sales4@dillonmfg.com, www.dillonmfg.com.

 

COLLETS

MODULAR COLLET CHUCK BRINGS FLEXIBILITY TO TURNING
Röhm Products of America (Lawrenceville, GA) offers the modular CAPTIS workpiece clamping system, which provides a wide range of workholding options for turning, milling and drilling applications through different combinations of modular components. An innovative quick-change method permits conversion from external to internal clamping in less than a minute, and collet changes can be made in 15 seconds. It is compatible with the industry standard BZI collet interface. The CAPTIS system produces strong clamping forces without deformation of delicate workpieces while offering high repeatability and minimal run-out.

Different configurations of the CAPTIS system deliver a variety of workholding functions:

  • The power-operated, rotating CAPTIS collet chuck is designed for use in turning machines. Its compact size facilitates full use of a machine’s work envelope.
  • CAPTIS-D is equipped with axial tightening for machining bar stock and can be easily converted to the CAPTIS-A, which is ideal for flange-type workpieces and includes workpiece stop and hold-down features.
  • CAPTIS-AF, with an axially fixed (dead-length) collet and optional workpiece stop, is ideally suited for delicate workpieces, short clamping surfaces and use in counter spindles.
  • The stationary CAPTIS-MS collet chuck is intended for use in drilling, milling and machining centers and for manual machining. Operated manually with hydraulic power intensification, the chuck can be optionally equipped with a front or internal stop.

Headquartered in Lawrenceville, Röhm Products of America, a division of the Röhm Group, has been a leading provider of high-quality clamping and gripping technologies to the North American metalworking industry since 1978, with a broad and powerful product portfolio of drill chucks, live centers, lathe chucks, vises, automation technology, power chuck technology, mandrels, tool clamping systems and customized solutions for turning, milling, drilling and grinding applications. The company also provides world-class support and services to ensure trouble-free machining processes within the aerospace, automotive, energy, engineering, micro technology and rail vehicle manufacturing sectors.

Röhm Products of America, Inc., 5155 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite K, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, 770-963-8440, Fax: 770-963-8407, www.rohm-products.com.

UNIVERSAL HIGH-PRECISION COLLET CHUCK
Manufacturers of high-precision components in aerospace, transportation, die and mold, general engineering and other industries wage a constant battle between producing high-tolerance parts and a “we-have-to-have-it-tomorrow” reality. WIDIA Products Group and Services (Latrobe, PA) offers a significant weapon to bring shops closer to victory with a universal high-precision collet chuck that can be used in milling, drilling, reaming, and tapping applications while maintaining runout accuracies of 0.003 mm (0.0001 in) at 3xD.

Shops looking to upgrade performance and final part tolerance will welcome this chuck’s features:

  • Added versatility – the ability to continue using standard ER collets while upgrading to precision collets.
  • Thicker chuck walls and a stronger outer form for added rigidity and lower vibration for longer spindle and tool life.
  • Unique sealed-by-design precision collets (6 mm to 20 mm or 0.24 in to 0.79 in) for excellent coolant delivery and longer tool life.
  • Better and repeatable balancing, all contributing to higher accuracy.

Aerospace, die/mold and many other industries regularly encounter high-strength, difficult-to-machine materials requiring high torques, feeds, and forces. The danger of milling cutters being pulled out of the tool holder at these extreme forces has significantly increased. This is at least true for tool holders that offer precision clamping with good concentricity such as shrink-fit. Such toolholders work with frictional locking, but their clamping force is often not sufficient for roughing.

In response, this universal precision collet is available with Safe-Lock™ pull-out protection from Haimer. Helical grooves are ground into the shank of the milling tool that, together with the respective pin drivers in the chuck, prevent the tool from spinning or being pulled out of the holder altogether under extreme machining conditions. The helical path of the Safe-Lock grooves also allows for adjusting tool length, meaning tools can be reground and pre-set as usual.

Extreme challenges require the right tools, and the highest-performing tools require the best components. The HydroForce HT™ universal hydraulic chuck is a high-performance, high-torque universal hydraulic chuck. “The right chuck maximizes tool life, workpiece surface quality and production flexibility, and this is the most advanced hydraulic chuck available – a first-choice solution for all rotating applications,” says Doug Ewald, a global product manager at WIDIA.

With a more compact and stable design, featuring a 40 percent thicker front wall cross-section, HydroForce HT provides the increased rigidity necessary for improved cutting parameters and better results. Clamping force is up to three times better than regular hydraulic chucks, and with improved vibration dampening, runout is three microns at 2X diameter overhang. Balance quality of G2.5 is achieved at speeds up to 25,000 rpm. “All of this robust performance is available in a high-torque chuck requiring only two sizes for all your rotating tooling tasks,” adds Ewald. “Direct clamping is available for 20 mm and 32 mm (0.75 in and 1.5 in) diameters and reducer sleeves are applied for all other diameters.”

More cost-effective than expensive thermo shrink-fitting operations, up to four times more clamping force compared with collet chucks, and higher balancing quality performance than power milling chucks, HydroForce HT is a cost-effective universal chuck solution that simplifies inventory while maximizing tool life and machining results for milling, drilling, reaming, and other rotating applications.

WIDIA Products Group and Services, 1600 Technology Way, Latrobe, PA 15650, 724-539-5000, Fax: 800-323-7259, www.widia.com.

COLLETS ACCOMMODATE SHORT AND LONG TOOLS
Rego-Fix Tool Corporation (Indianapolis, IN), the inventor of the original ER collet system and a world leader in the manufacture of Swiss precision tooling, has expanded its powRgrip® product line with the introduction of PG-S short shank and PG-L long shank powRgrip collets. The additions facilitate use of shorter and longer-length carbide cutting tools. To conserve carbide, many U.S. toolmakers are producing tools that are shorter than European/DIN equivalents. At the same time, some Asia-region and other customers prefer tools that are longer than European tools.

For the shorter tools, PG-S collets have 3 mm to 6 mm shorter engagement than standard PG collets. PG-S collets permit use of off-the-shelf cutting tools instead of specials and also provide more latitude for regrinding. PG-L collets accommodate longer tools by providing 3 mm to 6 mm longer engagement than standard collets. PG-S collets are available in PG 6, 10, 15, 25 and 32 sizes, while PG-L collets are available in PG 15, 25 and 32.

Subscribe to learn the latest in manufacturing.

Calendar & Events
Southeast Design – 2-Part Show
September 11 - 12, 2013
Greenville, SC
Mid-Atlantic Design – 2-Part Show
September 25 - 26, 2013
Phoenixville, PA
CMTS of Canada
September 30 - October 3, 2013
Mississauga, Canada
Wisconsin Manufacturing and Technology Show
October 8 - 10, 2013
Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center Halls B&C
DISCOVER 2013
October 8 - 16, 2013
Florence, KY
WESTEC 2013
October 15 - 17, 2013
Los Angeles, CA
SOUTH-TEC
October 29 - 31, 2013
Greenville, SC
New England Design-2-Part Show
October 30 - 31, 2013
Marlborough, MA
DMG / Mori Seiki Manufacturing Days
November 12 - 15, 2013
Mori Seiki Manufacturing – Davis, CA
FABTECH
November 18 - 21, 2013
McCormick Place – Chicago, IL
Midwest Design-2-Part Show
November 20 - 21, 2013
Northern Kentucky Convention Center – Covington, KY
PCD Tool Manufacturing
November 20, 2013
United Grinding North America – Fredricksburg, VA