What is a hydraulic chuck?
A hydraulic chuck is a type of spindle tooling, which are typically used on CNC milling machines to hold cutting tools. Hydraulic chucks are designed to be used in applications where high accuracy and rigidity is needed.
Hydraulic chucks are filled with hydraulic fluid which is pressurised when the grub screw (on the side of the holder) is engaged. This process closes the bore of the tool holder, clamping the tool in place with forces up to 890kN (commonly found in high torque hydraulic chucks).
When would you use a Hydraulic Chuck?
Hydraulic chucks are becoming more popular due to their higher levels of versatility over shrink fit chucks. You would opt for a hydraulic chuck when you want unbeatable performance for tooling. The combination of high clamping forces and low run-out work hand in hand, giving your tooling the best chance of success.
Not only this, but due to the increased confidence given by a hydraulic chuck, you will be able to push your tooling faster and harder. Higher productivity is achieved, as well as making you more competitive through improved tool life, greater metal removal rates and slashed cycle times. Tools can also be changed in the machine spindle, a feature not present in shrink fit chucks. Over time, the initial cost of a hydraulic chuck will be more than covered by these benefits.
Next generation tooling is manufactured with advanced geometries that push machines much further than before. A standard side lock arbor or collet chuck would not compliment these new tooling innovations appropriately. Instead, you’d be underperforming in your cutting data whilst achieving a poor surface finish (due to vibrations/run-out) which may even cause your cutting tool to chip or break.
When machining materials like Titanium, Inconel and Stainless Steel, tool pull-out is common in collet systems, especially when using advanced machining techniques like high feed or trochoidal milling. Having exceptionally high clamping forces from a hydraulic chuck eliminates tool pull-out, hence preventing scrapped jobs and damaged tools in these difficult machining conditions.
Summary
Hydraulic chucks are the best option for HPC and HSC machining using high performance tooling (e.g. YG-1’s V7 Plus or Titanox milling cutters). High torque clamping means a very little chance of pull-out when machining at high speeds and feeds. High radial rigidity provides a superior runout accuracy and better tool life compared with other tool holding options.
For more information or for any advice on tool holding solutions please get in touch with Cutwel today on 01924 869610, email sales@cutwel.net or visit our website at www.cutwel.co.uk.
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