To cater for the on-going increase in sliding-head turning-centre sales, BIG Kaiser has introduced a hydraulic chuck designed specifically for Swiss-type automatic lathes.

Available in the UK from Tamworth-based Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC — www.itc-ltd.co.uk), this new chuck over-comes problems frequently encountered when using ER collet chucks.

For example, it greatly simplifies the replacement process by using just a single T-wrench — and it features the highly accurate run-out and repeatability offered by all the other hydraulic chucks from BIG Kaiser; and while ER collet chucks are commonly used on Swiss-type machines, operators can encounter difficulties when replacing cutting tools, as the compact work envelope affords very little space for clamping the nut.

However, the new hydraulic chuck resolves this issue by enabling clamping using a single T-wrench adjustment; it also allows a coolant tube to be connected to the under-side.

Christian Spicher, head of sales and marketing at BIG Kaiser, said: “This new hydraulic chuck provides a simple easy-to-use solution for all Swiss-type machines, including those from Citizen, Star, Tornos and Tsugami. Our customers can now simplify and speed up tool replacement, while achieving even better levels of precision.”

The chuck is available in six sizes.