The soft jaws of the CNC lathe can ensure the repetitive positioning accuracy of the workpiece, so that the centerline of the machined workpiece can completely coincide with the centerline of the spindle, and the flat surface on the soft jaws can also ensure the length of the workpiece. Importantly, the soft jaws can maximize the fit with the surface of the workpiece to ensure the transmission of greater torque to avoid workpiece clamping, these advantages are incomparable to the hard jaws.
Things to keep in mind when making CNC lathe soft claws
Selection of soft jaw material
Here the “soft” means: good processing performance, does not mean than the workpiece hardness.
For high-volume production, the hardness of the soft jaw will have an impact on the stability of the process, the choice of soft jaw material than the workpiece hardness will improve the service life of the soft jaw, the stability of the process will also have a positive impact.
Selection of CNC lathe soft jaw size
The CNC lathe soft jaws should clamp at least 1/3 of the length of the workpiece.
Mounting position of the soft jaws on the chuck
T-block exceeding the maximum diameter of the chuck are not allowed, which would be a great safety risk.
The use of jaw trimmer pressure and position
The pressure during use is close to the pressure during workpiece machining, the chuck is in the middle of the range of motion during machining, and the direction of the clamping force during jaw trimming is the same as the direction of the workpiece clamping force.
Influence of chuck diameter and speed on clamping force
Due to centrifugal force, the clamping force is greatly reduced when the chuck is operated at high speeds, please refer to the instructions on the chuck.
Inner diameter of soft jaws
Making a bore the same size as the diameter of the workpiece reduces the possibility of pinching the workpiece.
Adding a rebate groove
Ensure repeatable workpiece positioning
Remove burrs and sharp corners from the soft claws.
Be careful not to cut your hands.
