50 Taper assembly solution

[fpworks]

Although pricey, I recommend using hydraulic CAT50 holders. The tool can be clamped/unclamped with a setscrew, usually a 5mm or 6mm hex. Very low actuating torque, typically 4-5 ft*lbs, but quite strong clamping torque. If you buy some large bore holders, you can sleeve them down with intermediate sleeves.

You can also get them with an arbor interface.

Your assembly guy will be MUCH faster and far less fatigued...additionally, the clamping will most likely be more accurate than your current method.

[slavetothemetal]

Thanks fp,

The accuracy isn't an issue, you can see in one of the photos that I put up where we are probing the part. I have a calculation that automatically compensates for the o.d. runout as the part runs. The dilemma I have is we already purchased the holders(about 300 pcs in all) so I doubt we would be able to trade them in. Also, where could I find an arbor type hydraulic holder? I have yet to see one of these.

[fpworks]

The following are links to companies that make these. Depending on your application specifics, you may be able to purchase something off the shelf, but you may have to have them special made. I'll warn you, they are very expensive. If you require special made arbors, you're looking at $3-4k a piece. Luckily, you probably won't need as many holders...you can change a part in 15-20 seconds without rushing.

Typical runout is 2-5 microns. The big problem with hydraulics is that they require tight tolerances on the part they are clamping. Hydraulic clamping arbors/chucks can only expand/contract about 3-5% of their clamping diameter. Having said that, your parts must be better than +/- 0.001" on a 1" clamping diameter. With larger diameters, your tolerances can be looser, for smaller diameters, your tolerances must be better.

Here is a list of companies that can do it. I used to design hydraulic chucks and arbors for one of them.

http://www.mytec.de/en/produkt.htm

http://www.schunk.com

http://www.hydralock.com

http://www.koenigdorn.com/frameset_englisch.php

http://www.kuroda-precision.com/

[broby]

Have a look on the Iscar tool site, I seem to recall several years ago being shown a unit in the book that would allow you to assemble a tool holder and have this unit torque up the tool ready for use, obviously if it can do up the tool it should be able to undo the tool also.
I will see if I can find the reference in the books when I get back to work tommorow.
Cheers
Brian.

[slavetothemetal]

Thanks, Brian. I have an Iscar rep coming out Friday. I will have to make some modifications, but it is prtty much exactly what I was looking for!

[broby]

Hey Kyle,
Finally managed to find the page in the Iscar Rotating Tools catalogue!
In the latest book the unit I am talking about is on page F116 (last page in the Tooling Systems section).
It is called "Electrical Nut-Clamp Torque Control Device"
I hope this is what you want?!?
Cheers
Brian.