Centering clamps, mandrel collets, machinable collets
The key role of centering clamps, mandrel collets and machinable collets in metal processing
Why precision clamping fixtures are crucial for high-quality machining processes!
Centering clamps in detail: Precision and adaptability
Mandrel collets - the basis for stable machining processes
Machinable collets - Clamping irregular workpieces
Find the perfect clamping solution at norelem!
The key role of centering clamps in metal processing
To begin with, it should be noted that centering clamps and mandrel collets are used in metalworking. Machinable collets are used more specifically for holding irregular shaped or contoured workpieces. Each clamping fixture has its own advantages depending on the requirements of the machining process and the type of workpiece.
A centering clamp is a special clamping device used in the metalworking industry. The centering clamp ensures that workpieces are precisely positioned and secured during the machining process. Once the workpiece is correctly centered, precise machining can take place.
Mandrel collets are used to hold workpieces in position. They are often used in lathes to hold workpieces during the turning process. Mandrel collets are usually cylindrical fixtures that are inserted into the workpiece and hold it in place on the machine.
A machinable collet is a special type of clamping device. Conventional clamping fixtures are suitable for regularly shaped workpieces. In contrast, machinable collets offer the possibility of securely holding workpieces that have complex or non-linear contours.
Why precision clamping fixtures are crucial for high-quality machining processes!
There are a number of reasons for this. Precise clamping fixtures ensure exact positioning and clamping of the workpieces during the machining process. This ensures consistent and precise machining, resulting in high-quality end products. They also offer high repeat accuracy. This means that once settings have been made, they can be retained for repeated usage. This is particularly important for series production and consistent product quality.
Precision clamping not only makes machining processes more efficient. The risk of manufacturing errors and rejects is also minimized. Accidental displacement or damage are therefore a thing of the past. The overall machining time is also reduced, as less post-processing or manual adjustments are required.
Precision clamping fixtures are an essential component of high-quality manufacturing processes. They create the basis for precise, efficient and reliable machining of workpieces. And, they ultimately help to improve product quality, increase productivity and reduce overall costs.
Centering clamps in detail: Precision and adaptability
In the norelem range there are five different types of centering clamp.
The centering clamps with ball or hexagon segments are particularly noteworthy. Made from high-quality materials such as 1.2842 for the body, 1.4112 for ball and hexagon segments and 1.4310 for the springs, the centering clamps with ball or hexagon segments from norelem have a robust and reliable design. The body is hardened and black oxidized, while the ball and hex segments are hardened and ground. The choice of appropriate materials ensures a long service life and optimum performance.
With an impressive repeat accuracy of ±0.025 and a concentricity of ±0.05, the centering clamps ensure precision machining. Reliable clamping is possible even in demanding manufacturing environments.
The standard centering clamp with a steel body must be considered separately. This clamp has a generous travel which enables a workpiece to be centered and clamped in a bore with a wide tolerance. The norelem series covers a bore range of Ø12 to Ø30 mm. If the clamp is mounted via the centering spigot, the centering accuracy can be increased.
Mandrel collets - the basis for stable machining processes
In addition to the standard mandrel collets, which are particularly suitable for the secondary machining of turned parts, the norelem range also includes other types of mandrel collets.
- Mandrel collets with side lock: are particularly suitable for secondary machining of turned and milled parts with blind holes due to their lateral locking feature. The lateral manual tightening is carried out using a hex key. The product is available in two versions, Style A is suitable for machining centeres and for drilling and milling machines. Style B has a clamping spigot for lathes.
- Mandrel collets for small bores: are tightened manually from above using a hex key. They are easy to use, as the design is compact and they only require a small installation space. The diameter can easily be ground to meet requirements.
- Mandrel collets for small bores for automated clamping: can be used in through or blind holes. The clamping process can be automated (pneumatic / hydraulic) or manual. These mandrel collets can be used for bores from Ø5 to Ø12.5 mm and can be ground to the required diameter.
- Steel mandrel collets with cam levers: clamp two components together tool-free. The mandrel is fitted into bores in the components which are then held together when the collet is expanded. The clamping force of the mandrel collet is individually adjustable. Due to the compact design, the mandrel collet can also be used in blind holes.
The accessories for the mandrel collets include a replacement screw. These are conical head screws made from case-hardening steel.
Machinable collets - Clamping irregular workpieces
In addition to the standard machinable collets, the six machinable collets in the norelem range also include square machinable collets, machinable collet systems for self-installation or for tooling plates.
Particularly noteworthy is the machinable collet for external clamping. The machinable collet for external clamping is supplied with cap screws for mounting the collet and is available in two Styles.
- Style A consists of clamping nut and collet
- Style B consists only of the collet
The great advantage of machinable collets for external clamping is that both free-form geometries and asymmetrical contours can be clamped. Different workpieces can be clamped quickly and securely by changing the collet. The engraved degree numbers enables the same tightening torque to be achieved. This can even be realized without a torque wrench.
The pneumatic machinable collet should also be mentioned. This consists of a clamping body, which is screwed onto fixtures, and a collet. To open the pneumatic machinable collet, compressed air must be applied to the "open" port. To close the machinable collet, compressed air must be applied to the "close" port. The clamping forces are based on 0.5 MPa. The repeat accuracy for workpieces is ± 0.03, and even ± 0.02 after changing the collet.
The norelem product range also includes accessories for the individual machinable collets. An important accessory is the mounting plate for machinable collets. These are made of Q&T steel 1.7262, are black oxidized and case-hardened. The mounting plates are meant for these machinable collets. This machinable collet is the most suitable clamping element for machining workpieces on milling or machining centeres and 5-axis machines.
Other products in the standard parts category
In addition to mandrel collets, machinable collets and centering clamps, the norelem range also has the following clamping elements:
- Centering V plates: are guide elements that position tools in relation to each other. Both centering V plates are made from Q&T steel 1.1181 and are black oxidized. For the adjustable centering V plate grub screws or T-thrust screws can be used as spindles.
- Adapter for collets: This adapter can accept collets for internal or external clamping. Collets are positioned on the adapter for collets via the dowel pins. The clamping screw on the side is used to operate the adapter and ultimately clamp the workpiece.
- Collet for external clamping: offers an effective solution for clamping workpieces with free-form or asymmetrical contours. The workpiece repeat accuracy is ±0.03, while the collet repeat accuracy is ±0.02. For optimum use, we recommend using the appropriate adapter. The adapter enables seamless integration and compatibility with the collet for external clamping.
- Collet for internal clamping: enables the machining of free-form and asymmetrical contours. The contour of the workpiece to be clamped is simply machined into the collet. The workpiece repeat accuracy for the collet for internal clamping is ± 0.03. An accessory por this product is a traction cone made from Q&T steel.
- Stainless steel clamping pins: can be screwed into locating adapters or locating adapters with flange. The clamping pin is screwed into the thread and tightened.
Find the perfect clamping solution at norelem!
In the modern manufacturing industry, precision clamping fixtures are crucial for high-quality production processes. The optimum clamping solution can make the difference between successful production and quality problems. At norelem, we offer a wide range of clamping devices, including centering clamps, mandrel collets and machinable collets, to meet your various requirements.
As a renowned supplier of quality products to industry, norelem offers a carefully curated selection of clamping solutions. These are sourced from first-class manufacturers to ensure that you receive the correct tools for your production. The clamping fixtures are made from high-quality materials and are designed for a long service life.
At norelem, we attach great importance to quality and reliability. Our range covers a multitude of sizes, designs and clamping mechanisms.