Quick-Change Systems Save Time And Manpower

In a world where faster production rates mean more profits, shops strive to find the quickest way to meet deadlines without sacrificing quality. One way to do this is to convert to quick-change workholding and tooling systems.

Quick-change workholding systems. Changing collets to accommodate variations in barstock diameters can have an impact on the time it takes to complete a part. A quick-change collet system is designed to allow faster change-over than standard collets. On a system with parallel clamping capability, stock pull-back is eliminated. The quick-change system can be changed from one size collet to another in less than 20 seconds. The wrench compresses the collet, allowing for quick removal and installation of a different size collet head.

Read more about the HQC quick-change collet system from Hardinge Workholding Division at “The Change To Quick-Change Collets."

Quick-change tooling systems. To eliminate downtime, long setup times and hiring skilled employees for night shifts, a quick-change tool system for ER collets was developed that allows tools to be preset off the machine, during the first shift and while the machines are running. The tool change involves simply unscrewing a nut, taking the toolholder out and replacing it with one that has been preset offline. Once the tool is preset, it doesn’t move during a tool change. With this system, a drill change takes about 20 to 30 seconds.

For more information about this quick-change tooling system and the shop that developed this system, go to “No Touch Up Needed For ER Collet Tools.”