The Top Brass – Custom Brass Top Tooling
Brief
A CNC and process automation customer required custom work holding solution for Grinding the outer diameter of their unique sapphire rods.
Challenge
The main challenge for the Northfield team is holding the rods well enough without damaging them or creating micro fractures in the material. Additionally, delivering the trademark repeatability and accuracy.
Brass Work Holding - Total Indicator Reading[/caption]
Solution
The work holding solution is a Northfield model DPH-400, with custom Brass Work Holding Jaws. The top tooling consists of three parts.
- Hardened and ground sub jaws
- A separate center button stop
- Precision ground brass inserts mounted to the sub jaws
This setup ensures accuracy and repeatability whilst grinding the outer diameter to the required size.
Custom Brass Jaws Chuck[/caption]
The use of brass answers the customers need to hold their unique sapphire rod without damaging it. Brass chuck jaws prevent sliding and are very corrosion resistance, meaning there are also tough enough to operate in a grinding environment.
Do you work with delicate or uncommon material? Get in touch and see how Northfield can support you.