Powerful, Versatile Solutions for Demanding Applications

The mid-size diameter and adaptability to custom fixture designs make the Unilock 138 series the best-selling round chuck workholding solution for BIG KAISER Precision Tooling Inc. (Hoffman Estates, IL). Now come two new additions to the 138 series that make it an even more powerful and versatile solution for demanding workholding scenarios: the ESM 138 Turbo and the ERGO 138. These new versions share the same fundamental body dimensions – diameter, bolt-hole pattern, open port orientation, knob type, etc. – making them direct swaps for the original ESM 138 that operators have come to rely on. The ESM 138 Turbo and ERGO 138 also boast all of Unilock’s core features, including quick and easy setup and loading, self-guided top-side mounting, and the strength and consistency of zero-point clamping.

This improved version of the ESM 138 chuck has a closed back that gives the chuck turbo capability, which more than doubles the spring-only clamping force, up to roughly 3,520 lb, by simply connecting an air source to either the 1/8G turbo port on the OD or the underside O-ring port. The sealed back also protects the chuck’s piston from contaminants, reducing maintenance while improving consistency. Another new design feature in the ESM 138 Turbo is slotted pin actuation. The dual-angled slot allows for faster and stronger transfer of clamping force upon closing, as well as a quicker, even release of the knob.

The ERGO 138 also has a sealed back, protecting the internal mechanics from contamination and making it turbo-capable. In another effort to help maintain clean operations, the back cover has an air blast port which cleans the knob upon entry. By connecting an air source, operators can clean the chuck and knob before locking it, ensuring firm and consistent positioning during loading/unloading and preserving the equipment. It’s ideal for fine-particle materials like cast iron. The ERGO 138 is 11 mm shorter than the standard ESM 138, featuring a new body height of 28 mm that provides more workable area. Rectangular clamping pins are substituted for standard round pins and now lock the knob more securely with a knee-type lock to reduce the chance of slippage. The inner contact ring has been expanded to Ø 80 mm, offering a larger contact surface area than the ESM 138’s Ø 60 mm. These features add improved characteristics, but do not affect the ability to exchange with original ESM 138 chucks on a 1-for-1 basis.

BIG KAISER Precision Tooling Inc., 2600 Huntington Boulevard, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192, 224-770-2999, Fax: 224-770-2997, bigkaiser@us.bigkaiser.com, us.bigkaiser.com.