For a safe, precise and productive manufacturing process a regular check of the actual clamping force being achieved is indispensable. To address this demand, Hainbuch launched the extremely capable and easy to use TESTit clamping force gauge. Capable of measuring clamping forces greater than 200kN the TESTit is the only device currently capable of measuring internal and external workholding systems, such as mandrels and manual/powered jaw or collet chucks.
Manufacturing process security often requires the maximum permissible holding force of any clamping device be applied during the mechanical machining of any components, whether turning, milling or grinding. While this is straightforward for solid workpieces, where the clamping force should be as high as possible to minimise any centrifugal force losses, an increasing number of thin-walled and sensitive workpieces are being manufactured that can easily be deformed if too much clamping force is applied.
Says Mark Jones, managing director of Hainbuch’s UK agent, Leader Chuck Systems: “Design necessity and optimum material selection means that some components require lighter clamping forces, or manufacturers risk damaging the part. However, if it not clamped securely the machining operation will be compromised. With the margin between clamping too tightly and not tight enough being so narrow it is vital that the actual clamping force is known. Using the TESTit gauge the clamping force can then be calibrated to exactly match the process requirements.”
In operation, the TESTit gauge is completely wireless with all the clamping force values transmitted via Bluetooth to a display device, such as a smart phone, desktop or tablet PC, or PDA with the appropriate software installed. Featuring automatic sensor recognition and a Li-ion rechargeable battery for more than 5 hours of operating time, the TESTit clamping force gauge can be used to measure stationary or rotating holding forces both internally and externally.
“In the face of global competition manufacturers have to optimise every machining process. Using the TESTit clamping force gauge the efficiency of any fixturing will be maximised. If you cannot measure something, you cannot control it – so specific clamping measurement data should be demanded by industry,” concludes Mark Jones.