MicroCentric Diaphragm chucks offer accuracy and consistency

Detailed Specification

The MicroCentric MBS range of diaphragm chucks available exclusively from

Tamworth-based workholding specialist, Leader Chuck Systems, have been designed

and manufactured to support modern high performance machining operations.

Providing process safety, short setup times, high speed and high accuracy, MBS

diaphragm chucks offer manufacturing companies some major advantages.

Traditional 3- and 4-jaw chucks feature sliding jaws that move to clamp and release

the workpiece, in operation diaphragm chucks differ as the jaws are opened, 1.6 mm

on diameter, by deforming the diaphragm plate they are mounted upon. This is

achieved by use of the draw-tube or by an inbuilt air cylinder using pneumatic

pressure. It can be applied to OD machining and ID clamping with a mandrel-type

jaw design.

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Once the pressure required to deform or bend the diaphragm is released it returns

to its normal, clamped condition, making it fail-safe during use. MBS chucks also

‘pull back’ the workpiece to physical stops that help to achieve the <2 micron

accuracy levels attained.

The pneumatically activated MBS-L and -DL ranges extend from 80 to 300 mm and

125 to 300 mm respectively. Clamping forces are from 50 to 3,640 daN consistently

held at speeds up to 11,000 rpm. Operated by draw-tube the MBS-Z and –DZ ranges

cover the same diameters but the clamping forces increase with 1,790 to 6,230 daN

available. Both the –DL and –DZ are through bore chucks.

However the diaphragm is actuated the clamping force can be varied even when the

spindle is turning. So, thin-walled or semi-flexible parts can be securely held while

the very accurate adjustment of the clamping force ensures no deformation of the

part during any machining operations.

Sealed by design without jaw guideways the MicroCentric MBS chucks are virtually

maintenance and lubrication free for a lifetime. Enveloping the raw material to

provide a high degree of surface contact and with the ability to finely adjust the

clamping force they are especially suited to the machining of abrasive and fragile

materials such as pre- (green) and post-sintered carbide metals and ceramics.

MicroCentric MBS diaphragm chucks can be used by engineering companies to

introduce more efficient manufacturing methods, as Leader’s Managing Director,

Mark Jones, explains: “A diaphragm chuck can be used on a CNC turning centre or a

grinding machine, and is the ideal workholding solution for finishing hardened parts

such as rotors and stators. There is a significant cost saving in terms of equipment

and cycle times between grinding and hard turning operations.

“In addition to the machine characteristics, there have been great advances in

turning inserts that can provide the fine micro finish needed for hard turning. So,

there is an increase in productivity with a corresponding decrease in cost achieved

when using a diaphragm chuck.”

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