Digital Grip Force Analyzer Software and Kit

Kitagawa NorthTech, Inc. has introduced its (PC version) for machine tool users and machine shops. "The gripping force provided by the workholding and chucking solution is paramount to successfully machining high quality parts. It is often the single largest reason why a machine tool user encounters a variety of issues hindering productivity, performance, reliability and accuracy of the workholding," said a company spokesperson.

"One common issue is parts slipping in the chuck, which in turn reduces cycle times, productivity and profits and causes safety issues. Determining gripping force of the workholding in CNC lathes and turning centers has always been difficult for machine tool users," said the spokesperson. The Digital Grip Force Analyzer software and kit allows users to accurately and quickly analyze and measure grip force performance of CNC lathes and turning centers via a desktop PC, laptop or tablet. If gripping force issues exist, users can take proactive and corrective measures to identify and solve these problems. Users can download a free version of the Digital Grip Force Analyzer off Kitagawa NorthTech's website at: kitagawa.com/chucks/chuck-accessories-chucks/wireless-grip-force-meter/.

In addition to the Analyzer software package, Kitagawa NorthTech provides a total solution for machine tool users to simplify performing process and service diagnostics on the machining equipment. The Digital Grip Force Analyzer software PC version from Kitagawa NorthTech comes bundled as a complete kit with carrying case, Bluetooth dongle loaded with PC analyzer software, digital load meter and a handheld pendant for manual diagnostics, testing and measurement. The company offers the complete kit available for purchase from a distributor or channel partner.

The Digital Grip Force Analyzer software can be easily installed onto a PC or laptop via the Bluetooth dongle. Once installed, the user clicks the Bluetooth icon on the laptop screen and then pushes the Bluetooth icon on the Kitagawa Digital Grip Force Load Meter to initiate connectivity. The Digital Load Meter will start flashing and, once found by the laptop, it will then connect as indicated via the button on the screen. This is confirmation that the Digital Grip Force Load Meter is now successfully connected to the laptop via the USB.

A ring magnet is mounted to the mag base and centered on the load meter in the CNC machine. This communicates that the tachometer on the machine is now active and the user can proceed with testing. Once the user inputs the required data and commences run test, the software will compile a G-code program to run the test on the machine. Once the test has run and is completed the software will then plot on the PC screen the actual gripping force of the machine at all RPMs you have entered.

Features of the Digital Grip Force Analyzer include:

• Home Page Tab: This is the software's main screen for operators with easy to navigate tabs, which includes Machine Parameters, Settings, Diagnostics and an About section tab
• Machine Parameters Tab: Machine Parameters tab lets users input information regarding the specific machine and application, such as number of spindles, gear pages, maximum RPM settings and G-code addresses for dwells
• Settings Tab: The Settings Tab displays grip force in newtons, kilograms force or pound force. It also has settings to disable or enable data collection and create and save a sensor log file
• Diagnostics Tab: This Diagnostics tab provides users the actual live reading of the software connected to the sensor. This is where communication from the sensor and software takes place.

For more information contact:

Kitagawa-Northtech, Inc.

301 E. Commerce Drive

Schaumburg, IL 60173

800-222-4138

info@kitagawa.com

www.kitagawa.com