Manufacturing requires cost control — which usually takes the form of control over lot size, setup, and changeover times. Lot sizes affect the costs of parts. Setup and changeover times dictate how long a machine stays running and how much it’s subject to downtime. The last cost driver is machine cost, and it’s been in the spotlight lately as machines get more costly to run and upgrade.
As the machines are trending to more sophistication with combined functions and capabilities, it’s paramount to keep machines running. Lot sizes can also be a cost factor, unless combined with the right workholding to counter the costs. Here, modern workholding with quicker setup changes and changeover times a given cost per part even at much smaller lot sizes. So it’s smart to upgrade workholding to make full use of all machine flexibility.
Most machines come equipped with conventional lathe chucks. One essential upgrade is to move to quick-change chucks such as the SCHUNK ROTA NCX. This power lathe chuck has a quick jaw-change system. It boasts a large through-hole and reduced weight.
Upgrading to the ROTA NCX is more straightforward than ever as it fits perfectly on machines that are equipped with short stroke cylinders. It can replace conventional lathe chucks easily, even as easy as using the internal parts of an existing chuck such as the same draw tube adapter, adapter plate, and retaining ring. With the ROTA NCX, a jaw set can be changed out with a repeat accuracy of 0.02 mm, while decreasing set up time by up to 80%. Get the most potential out of your machine and increase machine uptime.
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