MACH 2014 - Self-centring, 4-jaw chucks from Thame cut setting times
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Thame Workholding will be exhibiting the new range of HWR 4-jaw compensating chucks on stand 5359, Hall 5 at MACH 2014 (Birmingham NEC, 7-11 April). The HWR InoFlex chucks have a patented mechanism which automatically centres the part to be clamped within 7 micron using a single lead screw, says Thame. Available for both milling and turning applications, the InoFlex range goes from 160-630 mm for the type VD turning chuck and 310-630 mm for the type VF milling version.
To centre the part, tightening the single lead screw moves the jaws in or out as appropriate through the patented slide and lever mechanism to bring the centre of the part into the centre of the chuck. With conventional 4-jaw chucks, four lead screws have to be adjusted individually and the part clocked to make sure it is centred accurately. Alternatively, special fixtures have to be designed and manufactured, and the chuck drilled and tapped to hold the fixture before machining can commence.
InoFlex is said to lend itself to irregular shaped parts as well as round, square and rectangular shapes, saving a considerable amount of setting time, especially where single parts or low volumes are being produced. In addition, Thame says that the four jaws apply lower and evenly spread clamping forces to the part, thus reducing the chance of deformation on delicate workpieces. Thame Workholding has a range of around 30 standard top jaws to suit InoFlex chucks.
MACH 2014 - Birmingham NEC, 7-11 April
