Chucks
Chucks comprise a category of universal holding devices used in turning applications, capable of interior diameter or outer diameter (ID or OD) clamping. Chucks feature two to eight jaws, catered to fit the shape of the workpiece. Lathe chucks can be mounted vertically, horizontally, or inverted, and are operated either manually, electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically. Along with standard jawed chucks, magnetic, electrostatic, and vacuum chucks also exist for custom applications.
To Balance, Or Not To Balance? Toolholders, That Is

It’s time for machine tool builders and machining companies to shelf the long-standing ISO 1940-1 standard in favor of ISO 16084:2017. Not only is balancing tools rarely necessary, it can also be risky.
It’s time for machine tool builders and machining companies to shelf the long-standing ISO 1940-1 standard in favor of ISO 16084:2017. Not only is balancing tools rarely necessary, it can also be risky.
Just as the right workholding can improve your bottom line, inappropriate workholding can eat into profits. Make sure the chuck that came with your lathe isn’t keeping the machine from delivering the throughput and increased capacity it’s capable of.
By using special drive keys in the tool holder that perfectly match the spiral-shaped grooves on the cutting tool shank to create frictional clamping forces and a positive locking form-fit, the Safe-Lock system from Haimer effectively prevents the cutting tool from pulling out of the tool holder, increases the productivity through faster permissible speeds, and increases tool life.
Did you realize that the G2.5 balance specification in ISO 1940-1 is no longer practical, technically possible or economically feasible in today’s advanced manufacturing environment? Here’s the good news: A new standard is now being developed that applies to all of today’s relevant variables for safe and productive machining. Say hello to ISO 16084.
The next time you think about setting up a tapping operation with a collet chuck the same old way you always have, you may want to think again. There are now tap holders designed specifically to mitigate the load imposed on the tap by essentially absorbing synchronization error.
An increasingly popular alternative to standard mechanical workholders, magnetic chucks lower setup time and provide access to all sides of a workpiece. They’re particularly helpful for holding circular workpieces during hard turning and free state grinding.
SMW Autoblok’s versatile four-in-one Centco4 2+2 self-centering and compensating chuck minimizes downtime by reducing changeouts and minimizes waste by reducing part deformation.
Featuring a compact outer diameter and shorter than conventional compensating chucks, MicroCentric’s chuck has a collet with a floating seat that enables the holder to compensate up to 0.060-inch (1.5 mm).