The newly developed MicroCentric KSF RC (Rapid Change) power chuck is now available in the UK from Tamworth-based Leader Chuck Systems Ltd (
www.leaderchuck.com).
Offered in two diameters, it features MicroCentric’s patented rapid-change jaw system which, the company says, can minimise change-over times on CNC turning machines.
The KSF-08/RC is a 210mm-diameter chuck with a 66mm through-bore, while the larger KSF-10/RC is 254mm in diameter with an 82mm through-bore. Both are rated at up to 5,000rev/min and can be specified with A2-5, A2-6 or A2-8 spindle-mounting plates.
Featuring a bolt-less design, the quick-change jaws are supplied soft as standard (with hard jaws available as an option).
The chucks offer a repeatable accuracy of 0.0025mm; if the top jaws are finish-machined on the chuck, MicroCentric guarantees that parts will then run within 2.5µm for both radial and lateral TIRs (if the top jaws are not removed).
If the top jaws are subsequently removed and replaced, a maximum run-out of 0.025mm TIR is guaranteed. A graduated scale engraved into the master jaw facilitates quick and precise positioning of the top jaws during change-over.
If a higher level of accuracy is required after the top jaws have been changed, the radial-run out of KSF chucks can be adjusted; because the spindle adapter mounts to the spindle nose and the chuck then mounts to the adapter plate, the radial-run out of the clamped part can be corrected to between 10 and 20µm using four adjusting screws on the outer diameter of the chuck body.
Furthermore, a wedge design that securely pulls the jaws down on to serrations minimises jaw lift.
Leader managing director Mark Jones says: “If your machine time is charged out at a very reasonable £40 per hour, and it takes half an hour — on average — to change jaws, that means a jaw change costs you £20. MicroCentric’s rapid-change jaw system cuts the time to under 5min.
“As a result, you get back at least £15 worth of machine time with each jaw change — and that is per machine.”