Browse by Editorial Category
Browse by Edition Date

December 2013

Skip Navigation Links.
Expand Applying TechnologyApplying Technology
Expand Automation-Robotics-Mfg SystemsAutomation-Robotics-Mfg Systems
Expand ControlsControls
Collapse Current NewsCurrent News
Advanced Machining Showcases New Facility and Technology
EMAG Supports Training Programs in Michigan
SPEC Engineering Software for Conveyor Applications
High-Temp Belt Conveyor Oven
Hurco and Lincoln Tech Open CNC Technology Center
Multi-Task System Adds Functionality
Digital Intelligence to Accelerate Productivity
Kessler USA Opens New Service Center
Lincoln College Trains Future CNC Machinists
Workspace Solutions for Manufacturing Facilities
Inert Atmosphere Furnace for Stress Relieving Springs
Laser Align Mobile Application
Aqueous Cleaning System for Parts with Internal Bores
Methods Machine Tools Expands Operations in Southern California
Mitsui Seiki USA Increases Capacity
MSC Announces Grand Opening of Co-Headquarters in Davidson NC
Okuma Technology Showcase December 10-12
Productivitys Oktoberfest Tool Show
Rattunde Building Facility to Manufacture in America
Supersonic Car Turns to Renishaw 3D Printing Expertise
Repairing Reconditioning or Replacing of Chucks
Samsung Brings Machine Assembly to the United States
SCHUNK Hosted NCTAP Meeting
Compact High-Speed Machining Center
SWI TRAK EventOpen House Dec. 4th and 5th
SURFCAM Names Texas Reseller
Texas Manufacturers Rep Signs Lexington Cutter
Tom Paine Group to Represent Vargus Ltd.
Okuma Technology Showcase December 10-12
Delcam Illinois to Host Release Seminar
Prism Engineering Office and Training Center Open House
SWI TRAK EventOpen House Dec. 4th and 5th
Mazak to Showcase at PRI 2013
Expand Literature-Web TutorialsLiterature-Web Tutorials
Expand Metalforming-Fabricating-WaterjetMetalforming-Fabricating-Waterjet

show all editions →

Click here to watch Tutorial Videos >

Repairing, Reconditioning or Replacing of Chucks



Before deciding whether to repair, recondition or replace a defective chuck, companies can contact Royal Machine & Tool for suggestions. It may be recommended to have the chuck forwarded to the factory, where the company provides a free evaluation and proposal.

After evaluating the defective original chuck, reconditioning was recommended to provide new chuck standards, a one-year warranty (the same as a new chuck) and a cost advantage of 60% or less of the cost of a new chuck.

The decision to repair, recondition or replace a chuck must be made on the results one intends to achieve. Obviously, safety considerations are first and foremost. Additionally, does the chuck have to operate for a short period of time or for a long period of trouble-free use? Also, does the cost difference affect the decision?

Next, consider the four specific reasons for repairing, reconditioning or replacing chucks:

  • Does the chuck appear to be worn?
  • Has an accident broken something in the chuck?
  • Has the chuck begun to lose its gripping force or its accuracy?
  • Is the chuck design incapable of holding a part specifically designed to meet the part's process and tolerances?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then the three Rs - repairing, reconditioning or replacing - should be considered.

Repairing

Usually, this is the least expensive service. If the chuck were in an accident with a broken master jaw or a broken wedge, then replacing the broken part and cleaning up some damaged surfaces can make the chuck serviceable at little expense. The exception to this service is if the broken part is a special part, in which case it may have to be reverse engineered and manufactured. Repairing provides a serviceable chuck returned to its original condition prior to breaking. However, this leaves a chuck with a warranty only on the replaced parts and workmanship. Also, replacement parts may not have the same fit with worn parts and may not provide the best results for holding the part.

Reconditioning

This is the midrange of expense. A correctly maintained and lubricated chuck will usually age gracefully and will only show wear by loss of accuracy and/or gripping force. When all the major wear surfaces are worn and require rebuilding of one form or another, it is time to send it in for evaluation. Reconditioning is recommended if the cost of reconditioning is 60% or less of the price of purchasing a new chuck.

Chrome plating forms are used for building up slightly worn surfaces, and welding is used for badly worn surfaces. After the worn surfaces are built up and the parts are checked for cracks, the new surfaces are ground to new chuck tolerances. Master jaws are also qualified to new chuck tolerances. A reconditioned chuck usually has a one-year warranty (the same as a new chuck), and for most situations are as good as a new chuck.

Once the original chuck has been reconditioned to new chuck standards, the one negative is that the chuck will retain any problems and/or deficiencies inherent to the old design. Any desired changes usually require replacement.

Replacing

Sometimes the cost of reconditioning exceeds 60% of the cost of a new chuck, or it is simply time to update and replace with a new design. The new chuck in sizes up to 84" will have all the advantages of the latest designs and materials. Many times operations will have changed and require redesigns to improve performance. In addition to receiving a full one-year factory warranty, possible considerations for selecting new chucks are the ability to operate chucks at a higher RPM, additional travel in master jaw strokes and the ability to mount locators on chuck facings. Other special features that may require new chucks are options such as part sensing, chip blasting and automation.

The final decision must be based on what is functionally and financially best for the situation.

Authored by John Darling, Chief Application Engineer, Royal Machine & Tool Corp.

For more information contact:

Bernie McAloon, Sales Manager

Royal Machine & Tool Corp.

P.O. Box Y

4 Willow Brook Drive

Berlin, CT 06037

860-828-6555

royal@royalworkholding.com

www.royalworkholding.com

< back