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Quick jaw changes help small batch machining

Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team Mar 15, 2001

Kitagawa Europe has launched the QJ series of Quick Jaw change chucks - designed to dramatically reduce downtime and maximise productivity in short batch or flexible manufacturing cell operations.

Workholding and productivity solutions specialist, Kitagawa Europe has launched the QJ series of Quick Jaw change chucks - designed to dramatically reduce downtime and maximise productivity in short batch or flexible manufacturing cell operations.

With jaws that can be removed and replaced in as little as 30 seconds, QJ chucks typically cut machine set-up times by between 10 and 30 minutes - boosting productivity and providing payback on investment in just a few months.

Their bodies feature a spring-loaded ball mechanism that provides an audible click as the jaws snap into position, making installation both simple and effective.

Additionally, the new chucks incorporate a built-in safety feature that prevents the jaw key from being removed unless the base jaw serrations are correctly engaged.

The new units' proven wedge bar configuration provides high clamping forces, while the precision jaw mounting system guarantees positional accuracy and repeatability to less than 0.0005in TIR for five years from the date of purchase.

This eliminates the need for jaws to be re-bored on change-overs and, in combination with the chucks' self-equalising gripping mechanism, ensures workpieces are centred extremely accurately.

Available in seven sizes from 165 mm to 630 mm diameter, QJ chucks are fully interchangeable with most standard chucks and can be fitted easily to existing machines in around 15 minutes; without the need for special purpose adapters or long stroke cylinders.

Each QJ model offers generous through-hole diameters - up to 160 mm on 630 mm diameter models - and, due to their compact size and low mass, can be used at speeds of up to 6300 rev/min.

As a result, they are particularly suitable for use with sub-spindle machines or applications where jaws need to be changed more than three times per week.

Kitagawa Quick Jaw change chucks can be used with a wide variety of jaw types - including soft, stepped hard, monoblock and serrated base versions.

Their bodies and wearing parts are hardened and ground for long service life and their front faces carry a series of tapped holes for fixturing applications.

Also available in two-jaw versions, up to 315 mm diameter to special order, QJ series chucks are supplied ready for use, complete with all mounting bolts, spanners and a jaw key.

Based in Salisbury, Wiltshire, Kitagawa Europe offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of workholding and productivity solutions in the UK.

The company draws on over 60 years chuck development and manufacturing experience - and has established its B-series units as the world's most popular power chuck range.

Other principal products include Kitagawa rotary tables, IEMCA bar feeders, Chick workholding solutions, CoolJet high pressure coolant technology, Absolent oil mist filtration systems and Darex drill and tool sharpening equipment.