Regardless of a part’s shape or size, Pronto prism jaws from Newport Pagnell-based Schunk Intec Ltd (www.schunk.com) are said to allow different geometries to be clamped fast, flexibly and safely.

This quick-change jaw system can be retrofitted to any lathe chuck, regardless of make or design. Moreover, Schunk says that set-up times of just 15sec can be achieved for a complete jaw set.

Operators can mill the required workpiece contour into the soft Pronto prism jaws themselves; alternatively, Schunk can machine jaws (based on the workpiece data) and deliver them at short notice.

For ‘raw part’ clamping, the prism jaws are equipped with Schunk claw inserts. When used with Pronto support jaws, Pronto prism jaws offer fast jaw change (by simply using an Allen key) and a repeat accuracy of 0.02mm.

Meanwhile, six-sided form-fit locking allows high force and torques to be accommodated.

Pronto supporting jaws are available in two mounting variants: fine-serrated (1/16in x 90deg or 1.5mm x 60deg) for conventional lathe chucks, or with straight or angled serrations for use with modern quick-change chucks.

By using the quick-change inserts, the clamping insert can be enlarged by up to 55mm when using soft jaws, or by up to 45mm when using claw jaws — without having to change the base jaw’s position.

With the Pronto configuration tool (available free), the selection and positioning of the supporting and ‘changing’ inserts is quick and easy, says Schunk.

The tool automatically determines the required inserts and correct position of the supporting jaws after inputting the chuck type and workpiece diameter.

Schunk’s quick-change jaw system can be retrofitted onto any 200, 250/260 or 315mm three-jaw chuck, as well as various two-, four- and six-jaw chucks.