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EXSYS Tool Inc. says its PRECI-FLEX Compensating Clutch system for Okuma CNC turning centers enables users to "float" away misalignment between turret drive motors and toolholders, leading to smoother operation, better surface finishes and longer tool life.
The PRECI-FLEX Compensating Clutch provides a floating coupling between turret drive motor tangs and toolholders that self-compensates for any misalignment, resulting in high-precision alignment that reduces vibration and tool chatter. Okuma machine owners get a connection that is twice the size of a standard spindle, which not only provides more surface area for a strong and precise connection, but also allows for greater torque transfer and eliminates any loss of power between motors and tool holders.
The Compensating Clutch also eliminates wear to turret drive motor connections by filling the gaps at the top and bottom of drive motor tangs when engaged with the toolholder. Thus, the system provides a complete fit all the way around the drivetrain of the motor, eliminating backlash while delivering much quieter operation when compared to similar systems cutting the same workpiece materials at the same speeds and feeds.
"Whether for simple or complex applications, this new system delivers greater accuracy and much better performance," said Scott Leitch, a representative for EXSYS Tool. "The Compensating Clutch ensures precise alignment, which will both improve part surfaces and extend tool life, two absolute necessities in the machine tool business."
The PRECI-FLEX Compensating Clutch also lessens the severity of damage that can occur as a result of a machine crash. A machine crash usually results in a bent tool holder spindle and a costly repair. With the Compensating Clutch in place, the resulting damage is usually confined to the system's coupling, which machine shops can replace quickly and easily themselves, and at a much lower cost than an expensive replacement spindle.
The PRECI-FLEX Adapter System for lathe tooling changeovers, which includes the Compensating Clutch, is the first tooling system on the market with a single-base holder and multiple tooling adapters that utilize the ER collet pocket. The compact product ensures maximum torque transmission and rigidity, resulting in increased machining accuracy and improved productivity. Additionally, the system's conical and flat face planar interface allows the use of either an adapter or a standard ER collet, and enables collets, endmill holders, expanding collet chucks and shrink-fit tooling to be mounted on a single-base holder.
Available in a range of sizes and styles, PRECI-FLEX provides unsurpassed repeatability, with every toolholder offering repeatability within threeµm. The system also virtually eliminates machine downtime, and allows tooling adapters to be interchanged between fixed and rotary base holders for fast, economical machining.
Related Glossary Terms
- backlash
backlash
Reaction in dynamic motion systems where potential energy that was created while the object was in motion is released when the object stops. Release of this potential energy or inertia causes the device to quickly snap backward relative to the last direction of motion. Backlash can cause a system’s final resting position to be different from what was intended and from where the control system intended to stop the device.
- centers
centers
Cone-shaped pins that support a workpiece by one or two ends during machining. The centers fit into holes drilled in the workpiece ends. Centers that turn with the workpiece are called “live” centers; those that do not are called “dead” centers.
- chatter
chatter
Condition of vibration involving the machine, workpiece and cutting tool. Once this condition arises, it is often self-sustaining until the problem is corrected. Chatter can be identified when lines or grooves appear at regular intervals in the workpiece. These lines or grooves are caused by the teeth of the cutter as they vibrate in and out of the workpiece and their spacing depends on the frequency of vibration.
- collet
collet
Flexible-sided device that secures a tool or workpiece. Similar in function to a chuck, but can accommodate only a narrow size range. Typically provides greater gripping force and precision than a chuck. See chuck.
- computer numerical control ( CNC)
computer numerical control ( CNC)
Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- endmill
endmill
Milling cutter held by its shank that cuts on its periphery and, if so configured, on its free end. Takes a variety of shapes (single- and double-end, roughing, ballnose and cup-end) and sizes (stub, medium, long and extra-long). Also comes with differing numbers of flutes.
- flat ( screw flat)
flat ( screw flat)
Flat surface machined into the shank of a cutting tool for enhanced holding of the tool.
- lathe
lathe
Turning machine capable of sawing, milling, grinding, gear-cutting, drilling, reaming, boring, threading, facing, chamfering, grooving, knurling, spinning, parting, necking, taper-cutting, and cam- and eccentric-cutting, as well as step- and straight-turning. Comes in a variety of forms, ranging from manual to semiautomatic to fully automatic, with major types being engine lathes, turning and contouring lathes, turret lathes and numerical-control lathes. The engine lathe consists of a headstock and spindle, tailstock, bed, carriage (complete with apron) and cross slides. Features include gear- (speed) and feed-selector levers, toolpost, compound rest, lead screw and reversing lead screw, threading dial and rapid-traverse lever. Special lathe types include through-the-spindle, camshaft and crankshaft, brake drum and rotor, spinning and gun-barrel machines. Toolroom and bench lathes are used for precision work; the former for tool-and-die work and similar tasks, the latter for small workpieces (instruments, watches), normally without a power feed. Models are typically designated according to their “swing,” or the largest-diameter workpiece that can be rotated; bed length, or the distance between centers; and horsepower generated. See turning machine.
- toolholder
toolholder
Secures a cutting tool during a machining operation. Basic types include block, cartridge, chuck, collet, fixed, modular, quick-change and rotating.
- turning
turning
Workpiece is held in a chuck, mounted on a face plate or secured between centers and rotated while a cutting tool, normally a single-point tool, is fed into it along its periphery or across its end or face. Takes the form of straight turning (cutting along the periphery of the workpiece); taper turning (creating a taper); step turning (turning different-size diameters on the same work); chamfering (beveling an edge or shoulder); facing (cutting on an end); turning threads (usually external but can be internal); roughing (high-volume metal removal); and finishing (final light cuts). Performed on lathes, turning centers, chucking machines, automatic screw machines and similar machines.
