MAPAL has expanded its program of narrow-contour HTC (High-Torque Chuck) clamping chucks, whose narrow shapes are produced without a restrictive brazed joint thanks to additive manufacturing. These new chucks can directly clamp diameters of 3, 4 and 5 mm, also allowing hydraulic clamping chucks to be used on the microscale, for example in medical technology or the timepiece and jewelry industry.

Until now, reduction sleeves were usually required to clamp diameters below 6 mm: with the new chuck, these are no longer needed. Moreover, the advantages of combining hydraulic clamping technology with the contour of a narrow shrink chuck can now also be enjoyed on the microscale. Like its counterpart for diameters above 6 mm, the new HTC is made using additive manufacturing. The reason: as of yet, it has not been possible to produce either the narrow contour or diameters less than or equal to 6 mm for direct-clamping hydraulic clamping chucks using conventional manufacturing methods.

The clamping area is very close to the front of the chuck, which is not possible in conventional manufacturing. This provides an ideal concentricity of less than 3 µm at the locating bore and less than 5 µm at 2.5 x diameter, plus high geometrical accuracy along with good vibration damping. The damping built into the system reduces micro-outbreaks at the cutting edge, giving the tool a longer life and reducing wear on the machine spindle.

The HTC with a narrow contour offers all the advantages of the proven MAPAL HTC technology, with the "T" standing not only for "torque" but also for "temperature-resistance." The wide operating temperature range of up to 170° C ensures additional process reliability, according to the company. The balancing quality is G = 2.5 at a turning speed of 25,000 rpm. The chuck is suitable for all machining in contour-critical areas. It allows the tool to be clamped easily and quickly. In other words, no training courses are required on its implementation, and no high set-up costs or expensive peripheral devices are needed.