OTT ‘power check’ pull force gauge provides accurate diagnosis

The OTT pull force gauge is used for checking the force at which a tool is pulled into the machine tool taper, providing precise levels of diagnostic data that could prevent a fall off in machining quality or even potentially catastrophic spindle failure. Gewefa UK’s sales manager Keith Warner says: “Establishing the precise pull force has always been something of a black art but now, with these OTT instruments that work to an accuracy of 0.1 kN, when an engineer is undertaking a machine tool service he can provide the customer with its complete and totally accurate pull force status.” Degradation of the pulling force value is usually a consequence of failure of the Bellville disc spring stack or component breakage in the spindle. Typical consequences of a fall off in pull force will be significantly increased tool wear, tool vibration resulting in poor surface finish, fretting in the spindle taper and toolholders and incidence of unexpected tool breakage. The OTT power check is a universal unit suitable for all types of clamping systems, regardless of manufacturer. Battery powered by a 9 V DC battery, the unit can be used for all tapered standards with adaptors available for HSK, SK, ANSI, BT and MAS. Two versions are available, one with a pull force of 10-75 kN or an alternative unit for smaller machines with a pull force of 2-15 kN.