Several recently developed workholding technologies from ROHM may help reduce changeover times down to 60 seconds or less. These innovations include a face driver system that handles a wider range of diameters, both manual and power chucks with special quick-change jaws, modular high-tech zero-point clamping technology, a single system for both external and internal workpiece clamping and advanced chucks specifically for gear production.
While most face drivers require a new body each time there is more than a half-inch change in workpiece diameter, advanced systems enable the use of one body for a much wider range of diameters. COE and COA face driver systems from RÖHM have one body that accommodates a workpiece diameter range from 9 mm to 160 mm - an 18 times diameter difference through range of interchangeable driving discs. If a change of driving disc is needed, a simple wedge tool is put underneath the driving disc that pops it off quickly.
Quick-change jaw technology is the key to 60-second set-up times for both manual and power lathe chucks. With the push of a button, manual quick-change chucks - such as those in ROHM's DURO-T, DURO-TA and DURO-TA XT lines - release their jaws which can then be flipped 180° and reinstalled backwards for more workholding size flexibility. Many older systems still involve the laborious process of loosening T-nuts and Allen bolts and counting the number of jaw teeth for installation, then having to repeat the entire process if not done right the first time.
Another main advantage are built-in safety indicators. If the jaws are improperly adjusted or there is insufficient clamping force, a stop indicator will trigger and users can simply push a button to make the proper adjustments.
Today's quick-change manual lathe chucks are also lighter in weight. The DURO-TA XT chuck from RÖHM weighs 75% less than other older competitive models. It features extended and easily detachable guideways that allow for an enhanced clamping range and quick conversion between small and large workpieces.
In the power lathe chuck arena, an increasing number of shops incorporate systems that not only provide quick and simple jaw interchangeability, but also allow for switching from mandrels to collet chucks to face drivers and centers - all without having to remove the power chuck from the machine tool. Such capabilities have made these systems, like RÖHM's DURO-NCSE Flex Power, practically industry standards, with many chucks currently in use throughout the U.S.
Many ROHM DURO-NCSE Flex Power customers choose to buy mono block jaws (the base and top jaw in one) in batches and "kit" them. They can run their jobs, tear down, then put the jaws in a bin on the shelf, already bored to size. Next time they are ready to run the same job, these pre-bored jaws enable them to reduce set-up times since they eliminated the need bore the jaws a second time.
"For manufacturers that need strong clamping forces in addition to short set-up times, modular zero-point clamping systems such as RÖHM's Power Grip Zero-Point Clamping System have proven particularly effective, especially in industries that demand extreme precision and high-quality surface finishes. These systems have revolutionized the alignment process and can reduce set-up times by as much as 90%," said a company spokesperson.
The clamping system uses a single locating point in the center of its base unit as the absolute zero reference point for the whole system. This center position always remains constant, and even remains unaffected by thermal deviations.
Whether used in high-volume/low-mix or low-volume/high-mix environments, zero-point clamping systems streamline production. With short run parts, shops can waste a lot of time setting up multiple machines, each with a different type of workholding. Modular zero-point clamping systems enable those shops to set-up parts offline to increase overall spindle utilization.
Another type of modular system with quick-change capabilities are those that provide a wide range of workholding options for turning, milling and drilling applications through different combinations of modular components. RÖHM's CAPTIS System permits conversion from external to internal clamping in less than a minute, and collet changes in about 15 seconds.
The system is compatible with the industry standard BZI collet interface. Operators benefit from strong clamping forces without deformation of delicate workpieces while gaining high repeatability and minimal run-out.
To deliver secure holding for grinding or hard turning gears, quick-change collet systems, such as the RÖHM compact KZF-S chuck, deliver high clamping forces, optimal workpiece stability and maximum axial accuracy. The workholding system enables users to quickly retrofit clamping sleeves to different diameters with a simple bayonet connector.
Available in three sizes, the KZF-S chucks accommodate diameters ranging from 30 mm to 180 mm. Manufacturers with different gears in different sizes can quickly change collets within a 50 mm diameter size range to save shop time.
Also for gear grinding and hardturning, newer lightweight, compact power-operated cartridge mandrel clamping systems like RÖHM's AGILIS deliver high gripping force and provide quick-change options. One such option employs adapter plates to accommodate RMS quick-clamping screws.
With quick-clamping screws, operators can complete manual clamping changes in approximately 30 seconds, all while maintaining positioning accuracy within 0.005 mm. This manual quick-change technology also enables the use of central lubrication and airflow measurement devices.
For more information contact:
RÖHM Products of America
2500 Northlake Drive
Suwanee, GA 30024
800-445-7646
rohmusa@roehm.biz
www.rohm-products.com