Micro precision workholding

The latest development in precision, stable sub-spindle clamping of small workpieces from Floyd Automatic Tooling has been the Masa Microconic precision workholding system introduced in 2017.

Now, the system has been expanded with new additions launched at the recent IMTS Chicago and AMB Stuttgart exhibitions.

To understand the Masa Microconic’s benefits, manufacturers should consider that only three things are in physical contact with the workpiece during production: the cutting tool; coolant/cutting fluid and the workholding. The limitations of traditional collet systems are so firmly ingrained in the experience of most machinists that they consider them as part of the process rather than an obstacle. Every force applied by every cutting tool must be accurately countered by the workholding.

The Microconic workholding system consists of a cartridge and precision collet. The collet fits inside the cartridge and can be accurately adjusted before it is fitted directly into the existing collet sleeve meaning no machine adaptations are required.

Available with clamping diameters from 0.2mm to 10mm, the collets can clamp the most fragile parts precisely and with concentricity levels between 3 to 5µm, the Masa Microconic system is ideal for sliding head lathes. Until now, the system was only available for F20 and F25 style collets but now Masa has extended this line-up to add F37 (1536E) cartridges for 32mm diameter capacity machine tools. This has also been joined by the new F20-201 (136E) system that is specific to Tornos machine tools.

The Microconic cartridge system from Floyd incorporates a solid extended nose that is rigid and robust for high precision, repeatability and concentricity. Additionally, the new device has the facility for micron adjustment of the collet closure, ensuring that even the most fragile of components can be securely clamped. To confirm precision levels, the hardened and ground cartridges can be used as gauges to verify machine spindle accuracy.

The system also includes ‘over clamping’ collets. (i.e. to clamp behind a shoulder). The cartridge/collet combination can accommodate openings (depending on the application) beyond 4mm larger than the clamping diameter. This flexibility can give the production engineer the possibility of machining the part the other way around which can often help improve cycle times significantly.

Claimed to be one of the most accurate workholding collets for the micro-machining industry, the Masa Microconic collets are available in 0.05mm increments from 0.22mm up to 10mm diameter. Each collet has a nominal clamping range from 0.05 to 0.1mm depending upon the chosen collet diameter.

Regarding the over-grip collets, the nominal clamping diameter starts at 0.5mm with a maximum clamping diameter of 7.2mm. Fatigue tested to over 250,000 full-load cycles, the over-grip collets include a part-ejection guide sleeve blank.

Floyd Automatic Tooling www.floydautomatic.co.uk

Company

Floyd Automatic

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