The ROTA-ML flex 2+2 four-jaw manual lathe chuck from Schunk has received a comprehensive facelift. The result is a lower, lighter and even more flexible product.

With the centrically compensating ROTA-ML flex 2+2, Schunk has had a low-maintenance manual lathe chuck in its portfolio since 2020. It allows almost all workpiece geometries – whether round, cubic or geometrically unshaped – to clamp precisely and efficiently on turn-mill centres. Its patented drive concept has a particularly large compensation stroke at 12 mm per jaw.

With a structural facelift starting from the 500 mm diameter model, the tool-holding and work-holding expert reduced the chuck’s height by up to 30%. This design change also reduces the chuck’s weight by up to 40%. The lower mass allows higher table rotation speeds, as well as the process-reliable machining of even larger and heavier workpieces. Users will discover that this revision increases the variety of applications available from a single chuck, while simultaneously enhancing machining efficiency.

The updated base plate of the chuck also supports more flexibility. Users can set-up ROTA-ML flex 2+2 lathe chucks quickly and easily on almost any machine table.

The lathe chuck continues to feature special seals on the guiding rails. The seals prevent grease wash-out and reduce the gradual loss of clamping force. Users therefore enjoy precise functioning of the lathe chuck, even when applying low clamping forces. A patented sealing concept protects the drive kinematics against dust and chips, thereby enhancing process reliability and extending maintenance intervals. Moreover, an indicator pin at each jaw signals the optimal clamping range for secure workpiece clamping.

Schunk offers the flexible manual lathe chuck in eight sizes, ranging from diameters of 260 to 1200 mm.

More information www.schunk.com

Taichung-based Hota Industrial, the largest manufacturer of drive components in Taiwan, is now using the Mando G211 mandrel from Hainbuch for producing transmission parts for electric cars. Made from low-alloy case-hardening steel at a monthly production volume of 20,000 units, the parts place high demands on both machines and tools. However, Hainbuch was able to meet Hota’s requirements, delivering in a 20% increase in productivity.

Hota and Hainbuch began collaborating in May 2021. The gear manufacturer planned to change the clamping configuration for all process steps before hardening in order to achieve higher process reliability and production quality. Drive gear manufacturing takes place on a Hartech HGH-250 gear hobbing machine. Previously, Hota used collets in the production of its helical drive gears.

“For our manufacturing process, the collets did not meet the requirements for concentricity and repeatability,” says Alex Chao, deputy head of design at Hota Industrial.

The selected Mando G211 mandrel clamps workpieces radially with pull-back effect. Depending on the mandrel size, the radial clamping force of the mandrel is 42 to 150 kN. This extremely rigid ID clamping provides the required accuracy. Integrated flushing channels keep the clamping device free of chips. Importantly, the improved process reduces the machining time per part, while simultaneously increasing tool service life.

Selecting the right work-holding technology has significantly improved the entire production process.

“We are very satisfied with the service and advice provided by the Hainbuch employees,” confirms Chao. The Mando G211 mandrel impressed with its stability, service life and good price-performance ratio. Moving forward, Hota plans to introduce the Hainbuch Mando G211 as an option for all new machines.

More information www.hainbuch.com