Grinding machine collets changed in under 2 min

Special collet-type driver units that provide a change over time of less than two minutes have been developed for a camshaft and crankshaft grinding machine tool builder.

Otley-based Craftsman Tools has introduced an innovative new range of special collet-type driver units for Landis Lund, world leaders in camshaft and crankshaft grinding technology.

The new units, which provide a change over time of less than two minutes, have been developed in response to customer demand for even faster change over times in order to increase productivity.

Craftsman have been supplying driver units for Landis Lund machines for many years.

The driver, which mounts to the Landis headstock coupling, was specially designed and manufactured for the application by Craftsman's engineers.

Using a combination of special miniature hydraulic pistons and spring packs, the Craftsman driver is able to apply sufficient drive to a component end flange where the component is not of perfect geometry relative to the axis.

Hydraulic power and the air purge is supplied through the machine spindle.

The Craftsman collet type driver is manufactured from aluminium for lightness with hardened elements and bushes to give longevity.

The high precision demands of automotive component production necessitated minimising the rotating mass of the driver body.

The collet-type driver was designed specifically to fit into the limited space available.

Whilst these drivers are being used very successfully throughout the world, and have been for some years, Landis Lund users wanted to achieve an increase in productivity by having quickly interchanged collets.

Landis Lund approached Craftsman for help in improving the change over time on the machines.

The new 3800 series of collet-type driver units is a complete redesign of the existing system but which takes advantage of its proven benefits.

The front end of the driver has been completely rethought to make change over easy and fast.

A double bayonet system for locating both the collet and its actuating cone ensures positional security whilst providing fast fixing.

Relative rotation of the collet and its attendant parts is restricted by lock pins and a special closure ring.

Maximum gripping range of the standard collet is currently 110mm, but a design is now available for gripping diameters of up to 135mm.

Commenting MD of Craftsman Tools, Robert Johnson, said "This development is typical of our work, using the best of our proven, innovative design skills in precision tool and work holding systems.

As a company, we aim to keep ahead of market demand by constantly reassessing production requirements and endeavouring to design and manufacture the systems which will fulfil that need.

In this instance, Landis Lund approached us when the need for a faster change over system was beginning to appear and we were happy to use our experience and skills to meet that requirement".

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