Product category:
Chucks and collets for rotational work
News Release from: Pratt Burnerd International | Subject: PPC programmable powered chuck
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 05 March 2002
Program chuck jaw movements and gripping
force
Patented programmable powered chuck at MACH 2002, allows the control of jaw stroke, jaw engagement/ retraction start/stop, gripping force and speed of movement to be program-controlled.
600 Group company Pratt Burnerd International of Halifax, West Yorkshire, launches its patented Programmable Powered Chuck (PPC) at MACH 2002, delivering to the workplace a radically new concept in advanced workholding that might well make all other contemporary power chuck designs obsolete The PPC will be demonstrated on a Colchester Tornado 220 CNC lathe at MACH 2002, and will be initially offered as an option on the whole 220 range
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 23 Jun 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Programmable power chuck reduces set-up times
Programmable power chuck, that provides far greater versatility and a significant reduction in setting up times, will be shown at the UK's Productivity Partnership in the North exhibition.
One chuck does the work of many
Latest chuck developments for automotive use include one that eliminates the requirement to use several different chucks in one operation and one for milling crankshafts.
The PPC is set to bring massive productivity gains and increased safety for operators, through the infinite control and flexibility that the system offers.
The PPC is unlike any other power chucking system, allowing control of jaw stroke, jaw engagement/retraction start/stop, gripping force and speed of movement to be program-controlled.
The innovative engineering behind the PPC utilises a mechanism capable of disengaging the spindle drive under operator command and redirecting the power to drive the chucking system.
Further reading
Chuck offers wider versatility and shorter set-ups
Offering a jaw stroke of more than 50mm per jaw, when compared with the typical power chuck of 5mm, a programmable power chuck provides greater versatility and reduction in setting up times.
Machine CNC controls chuck clamping force
Clamping force is controlled through the machine tool's controller in a geared programmable power chuck allowing the safe operating speed can be more than twice that of a conventional chuck.
High speed power chuck is programmable
The production version of a radical new programmable power chuck is equipped with a high ratio gear box that enables it to operate at high spindle speeds and low torque.
It is completely integrated with the parent machine tool's CNC controller (in the case of the Tornado a GE Fanuc 21i-t control system) therefore there are no additional controllers, data links or power packs to go wrong.
The system comprises a specially designed power chuck combined with a double-sided clutch assembly that locks the spindle drive pulley to the spindle - or alternatively locks the spindle to the headstock and drives the chuck by means of a torque tube.
With the power chuck engaged, the spindle drive control is able to govern the speed, distance and force that the jaws apply, with all parameters completely programmable by the machine builder.
The power chuck is of a scroll design, simplified and strengthened to accommodate the requirements of power chucking.
A major feature of the chuck is its stroke of more than 50mm per jaw, an increase ten-fold over a typical o250mm power chuck.
The ability to program workholding parameters and the chuck's extended stroke capacity offer significant advantages to the user.
No operator intervention is necessary to adjust the clamping diameters or force, enabling a broad-based product mix to be machined without re-chucking - therefore some previously uneconomical small batch sizes become instantly profitable.
Components with flanges can be comfortably gripped for machining, and easily turned around for second operations, without the need for costly sub-spindles.
Also, by adjusting clamping pressure, even during lathe operation, delicate components and surfaces can be machined without deformation or damage.
Cycle times are further reduced due to improved acceleration and deceleration of the chuck assembly because of its lower inertia, while reduced power losses are also a contributory factor.
Increased productivity and full robot integration are also possible due to the chuck's 'key-less' quick-change jaw system.
The PPC has major safety advantages over other power chucks in that it is intrinsically 'fail-safe,' with the assembly utilising a mechanical grip rather than relying on less efficient hydraulic clamping.
Longer product life and reduced maintenance are also assured, chiefly through the absence of rotary seals in the mechanical assembly.
600 Group Product Strategy and Marketing Director Dr Stephen LeBeau said of the new system: 'The Programmable Power Chuck represents a true milestone in workholding development and its productivity benefits could mean a total revision of the way we view the contribution that workholding makes to the production equation.' He adds: 'In time, the PPC could well become "standard fit" on the majority of the world's leading lathes and turning centres.' Visitors to MACH 2002 will be able to examine other innovative, high specification products from Pratt Burnerd International including the company's High Speed Quick Change Chuck and Radio Frequency Gripmeter.
Pratt Burnerd International is a world leader in the design and manufacture of manual and power chucks (from 80 to 1200mm diameter), and other workholding equipment.
Hall 5.
Stand 5380.
MACH 2002 - NEC Birmingham.
April 29 - May 3 2 .
(This was Manufacturingtalk's Top Story on 4 March 2002).
(This was Manufacturingtalk's Top Story on 4 March 2002).
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