There are several different methods to use when machining collets to your desired size. Please note that it’s very important to seat a collet into the spindle prior to machining. Expand the collet between .003”-.005” depending on how much the inside diameter of the part varies. Listed below are a few options to choose from:…
Here’s the advantages of a 5C Collet Chuck vs. a 16C or a 3J: The through hole capacity of a 5C collet chuck is 1-1/16”, whereas a 16C is 1-5/8” and a 3J is 1-3/4”. Now, this may sound like the 16C and 3J may be a better choice due to the larger through hole,…
I received a call today from my customer, John, who needs a stop to locate in his drawtube of his lathe to position a 16” long part on his z-axis. John informed me that this is the first operation of this part and he has a 16C Pullback Style collet chuck. I recommended the following:…
We get a whole lot of inquiries asking about using collets on a 4th axis rotary fixture. We offer several different type of fixtures which can be found by clicking on this link:Â Â Collet Fixtures/ Air and Manual The first thing that you need to determine is whether you want your system to be manually…
For those really big jobs, we have a line of Heavy Duty Expanding Collets that provide greater strength and rigidity. This collet system is designed to work with machines that have either a 16C or 3J spindle. This system works off the same principle as that of the Rovi 5C system. It still includes the…
The style-SÂ master collet, although originally designed for multi-spindle automatic screw machines, has been adapted for CNC lathes. This style collet chuck uses collet pads. These pads can be changed much quicker than a standard collet, the cost is lower, and the pads require much less storage space. Standard S-pads from Hardinge are hardened and ground…
16C and 3J Collet Chucks are very similar. The 3J Collet Chuck has a through hole capacity up to 1.750”, versus the 1.625” for a 16C Collet Chuck. The real difference lies in the oversize collets; what Hardinge calls “Step Chucks.” Hardinge manufactures 16C step chucks that can be purchased from 2” – 6” in…
I come across this question a lot: Â Can you use an Expanding Collet in a True Length or Dead Length Style Collet chuck? The answer to this question is a resounding NO!! The reason being is that Rovi and other Manufacturers of Expanding Collets use a screw that is mounted in the front of the…
