Precision Machining Technology Review May 2022: Workholding

Every month, we’re putting together a Technology Showcase, highlighting some of the product information that PM received from supplier companies. For May, we focused on workholding, including a spindle designed to generate smaller, more manageable chips to improve chip flow and spindle accuracy; collet chucks and standard collets that are modified to mate exactly with unique die cast part configurations; jaws designed to bite into the workpiece, providing increased holding power during turning operations; and more as described below.

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Read PM’s April Technology Review.

Click on each link below to read the full product post:

NSK’s High-Speed Spindle with Coolant-Through Capability

Photo Credit: NSK America

NSK Americas’ CTS-3030 spindle with coolant-through technology is designed for extra-length, solid carbide drilling. It is said to eliminate the need for pecking, thereby enabling greater accuracy and reduced cycle times. This high-speed, ultra-precision spindle was developed to seamlessly transport coolant through the cutting tool, resulting in improved hole quality and increased productivity for small-diameter, deep hole drilling, the company says.

CNC Collet Chucks, Modified Standard Collets for Unique Part Geometries

Photo Credit: Zagar

Zagar Inc. is increasing its design and engineering services for customers that would otherwise seek custom workholding for lathe operations. This includes its 22c CNC collet chucks and its standard collets that are modified to mate exactly with unique die cast part configurations. The parts can be held securely on either ID or OD surfaces, providing increased machining access.

Dillon Claw Jaws for Secure Workpiece Gripping

Photo Credit: Dillon Manufacturing

Dillon Manufacturing’s Claw Jaws have an optimized contour which is said to provide a secure grip on the workpiece, and the jaws’ weight, center of gravity and cutting forces combine to minimize jaw clamping force loss, the company says. The company says the jaws are designed to bite into the workpiece, providing increased holding power during turning operations.

Adhesive Workholding Pallet System Designed for Complex Parts

Photo Credit: Blue Photon

Blue Photon has added five Grip Pallets and three new inserts for 52- and 96-mm quick-change receiver systems. The addition enables more applications using existing fixturing systems in machining centers. These grip pallets are designed to simplify how parts are loaded, reduce scrap and increase spindle uptime. Available in 150-, 225- and 300-mm square pallets, the pallets are designed for quick-change and adhesive workholding of complex and hard-to-hold parts for EDM, grinding, inspection, laser and milling operations.

Quick-Change Collet Chuck Doubles as Mandrel

Photo Credit: SMW Autoblok

SMW Autoblok’s hybrid Comot-AZ quick-change collet chuck features industry-standard diameter capacities of 42, 65 and 100 mm to accommodate a variety of workpiece sizes. The company says it is well-suited for bar and tubular stock machining that requires multiple changeovers daily.