Achieving a secure workholding grip on a funnel-shaped part
Introduction:
In the realm of manufacturing, precision is paramount. To achieve the highest levels of accuracy, Northfield engineers play a pivotal role in developing custom solutions. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Northfield Precision consistently demonstrate their expertise in delivering custom workholding solutions, surpassing client expectations.
Client Brief:
Recently, a customer approached Northfield Precision with a challenging project. Their process demanded gripping the outer diameter (OD) of a funnel-shaped part, but in an upside-down configuration. Accomplishing this task while maintaining face runout within .0001" TIR on the annular face of the Hard Stop presented a significant challenge.
The Problem to Be Solved:
The critical problem to solve was achieving a secure grip on the OD of the funnel-shaped part in an inverted orientation. This required the workholding system to exhibit minimal face runout, ensuring the annular face of the Hard Stop maintained precision within .0001" TIR. The task demanded expert engineering and innovative solutions to achieve the desired outcome.
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Custom Northfield DPH-500[/caption]
Northfield Precision's Solution:
Leveraging their extensive experience in custom workholding, Northfield Precision went to work. Their skilled engineers devised a solution that began with the Northfield DPH-500 Diaphragm Chuck. This chuck is renowned for its exceptional accuracy, boasting an impressive .000010" TIR. The chuck's special extended Top Jaws were the key to securely gripping the flange OD of the funnel-shaped part.
To tackle the challenge of maintaining face runout within .0001" TIR, Northfield Precision engineered a Hard Stop. This has an annular face designed for superior precision. The annular face achieved the required level of accuracy, ensuring minimal variation in perpendicularity relative to the chuck's rotation axis.
Results and Conclusion:
The combination of:
- The Northfield DPH-500 Diaphragm Chuck,
- Special extended Top Jaws,
- The precision-engineered Hard Stop
Enabled Northfield Precision to deliver a tailored workholding solution that surpassed the client's expectations. The upside-down gripping of the funnel-shaped part was achieved flawlessly, while face runout was maintained within the critical tolerance of .0001" TIR on the annular face of the Hard Stop.
When it comes to challenging workholding requirements, clients can trust Northfield Precision to provide innovative, reliable, and custom solutions that meet their unique needs. With their extensive experience and unwavering commitment to precision, Northfield Precision continues to be a leader in the field of custom workholding. Click here to reach out to the team.