Jaw quick-change chucks from SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems particularly pay off very quickly for turning smaller and medium-sized series. After the success of the SCHUNK ROTA THW plus wedge bar power chucks, SCHUNK, the family-owned company transfers the principle of the fast jaw change to CNC lathes with short stroke cylinders. The universal SCHUNK ROTA NCX power chuck can replace conventional lathe chucks of Asian manufacturers without jaw quick-change system 1:1 without any conversion on the machine and without an adapter. It minimizes the effort for set-up up to 80 percent, and extends the productive machine running times. Within 60 seconds, a new jaw set is retrofitted with a repeat accuracy of 0.02 mm.

The ROTA NCX is suitable for finishing, and volume metal cutting.  For ensuring maximum operational safety, it is equipped with a jaw locking system, and a jaw presence monitoring. Due to the in-dividual base jaw system, it is particularly interesting for users who do not yet work with a jaw quick-change chuck. Every type of standard top jaws with tongue and groove can be used as top jaws. The universal SCHUNK ROTA NCX chuck will be available from fall 2015 in the sizes 165, 215, 260, and 315 with a through-hole of diameter 53 to 106 mm, and a clamping force from 55 to 155 kN. It can be used for I.D. and O.D. clamping.

The patented SCHUNK chuck quick-change system ROTA FSW promises a fast chuck change in less than five minutes. Instead of using fastening screws and a drawbar adapter, the ROTA FSW is process-reliably loosened and locked with one single clamping screw. By a flexible adapter, the drawbar of the lathe is automatically connected with the rotary table, and is precisely centered by the patented flexible taper. A patented, extended and power jaw stroke ensure enormous pull-in forces, optimal location face, and an optimal rigidity of the connection. Locking is carried out form-fit and is self-locking. In order to exclude operating errors, a display continuously informs about the individual locking status.

Versatile in use
The SCHUNK quick-change system can be retrofitted to almost every lathe. It is suitable for manual as well as power chucks. Their actuating force and maximum rotational speed remain fully preserved. Due to the low height, there are few restrictions in installation space. With its large through-hole, the SCHUNK ROTA FSW can be also used in modern turning centers. Already existing clamping devices can be adapted to the system with little effort and can be repeatedly used. The SCHUNK chuck quick-change system is available in three sizes for lathe chuck diameters 215 to 260 mm, 315 to 400 mm, and 400 to 630 mm.

Extreme challenges require the right tools, and the highest-performing tools require the best components. WIDIA, the world’s leading provider of wear-resistant products and applications engineering, recognizes the foundation for successful machining is built on rock-solid reliability and performance, which is why the company is proudly introducing HydroForce a new high-performance, high-torque universal hydraulic chuck.

“The right chuck maximizes tool life, workpiece surface quality, and production flexibility, and this is the most advanced hydraulic chuck available – a first-choice solution for all rotating applications,” says Doug Ewald, global product manager at WIDIA.

With a more compact and stable design, featuring a 40% thicker front wall cross-section, HydroForce HT provides the increased rigidity necessary for improved cutting parameters and better results. Clamping force is up to three times better than regular hydraulic chucks, and with improved vibration dampening, runout is three microns at 2X diameter overhang. Balance quality of G2.5 is achieved at speeds up to 25,000 rpm.

“All this robust performance is available in a high-torque chuck requiring only two sizes for all your rotating tooling tasks,” Ewald continues. “Direct clamping is available for 20 and 32 mm (0.75 and 1.5 in.) diameters and reducer sleeves are applied for all other diameters.”

More cost-effective than expensive thermo shrink-fitting operations; up to four times more clamping force compared with collet chucks; and higher balancing quality performance than power milling chucks, HydroForce HT is a cost-effective universal chuck solution that simplifies inventory while maximizing tool life and machining results for milling, drilling, reaming, and other rotating applications.