Category Archive: Blog
When it comes to chuck maintenance in the world of workholding, one of the most common questions is whether to use oil or grease. Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer—it really depends on your specific application, environment, and operational preferences. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision.
The Benefits of Using Oil
Oil is a go-to lubricant for many workholding applications because of its natural ability to flow into tight spaces between the moving components of a chuck. It seeps into areas that might otherwise go untreated, ensuring that all surfaces are properly lubricated. This is particularly advantageous in high-speed operations, where friction and heat build-up can cause wear and tear on sliding surfaces.
Advantages of Oil:
- Penetration: Oil’s low viscosity allows it to flow easily into small crevices, ensuring coverage without requiring precise manual application.
- Reduced Maintenance: Since oil automatically flows into tight spaces, there’s often less concern about missed areas, reducing the chance of parts wearing out prematurely.
- Heat Resistance: Oil can handle high temperatures better than some greases, making it a good choice for high-speed operations where heat build-up is a concern.
However, oil has its downsides. One of the main issues with oil is that it tends to fling off the chuck when rotating at high speeds, especially in fast-turning applications like CNC machining. As a result, oil needs to be replenished frequently, increasing downtime for maintenance.
The Case for Grease
Grease, on the other hand, tends to stay put. It doesn’t fling off as easily during operation, meaning that it offers a longer-lasting solution. Once applied, grease clings to surfaces, providing consistent lubrication over extended periods. This reduces the frequency of reapplication, saving time and effort.
Advantages of Grease:
- Longer Lifespan: Grease stays in place, offering better protection against wear in rotating applications, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
- Adhesion: Grease sticks to surfaces, offering protection even in high-stress situations, such as heavy loads or extreme pressure.
- Sealing Properties: Grease acts as a barrier to moisture and contaminants, which can help protect chuck components from corrosion or damage.
However, grease has its own set of challenges. Its sticky nature can cause it to attract debris such as chips and swarf. Over time, these particles can become embedded in the grease and cause wear or even damage to the chuck components. Regular cleaning and inspection become more critical when using grease to ensure these contaminants don’t build up.
The Convenience Factor: Oil vs. Grease
Choosing between oil and grease often comes down to a matter of convenience. Oil may require more frequent reapplication but is easier to apply and seeps into tight spaces. Grease, while long-lasting, demands a more hands-on approach to ensure it is applied where needed and isn’t trapping debris that could harm your chuck in the long run.
Ultimately, the decision boils down to your specific needs:
- For high-speed applications: Oil is often the better choice due to its ability to withstand heat and penetrate small spaces.
- For heavy-duty or long-lasting protection: Grease offers durability and resistance to wear but requires attention to ensure it stays free from contaminants.
The Auto-Lube Option: A Game-Changer for Chuck Maintenance
At MicroCentric, we understand that balancing the pros and cons of oil vs. grease can be time-consuming and sometimes tricky. That’s why we offer a solution to take the guesswork out of chuck lubrication: the Auto-Lube Option.
With Auto-Lube, your chuck’s lubrication system is managed automatically, applying the right amount of lubrication when and where it’s needed without manual intervention. This ensures consistent lubrication throughout the operation cycle, prolongs the life of your chuck, and frees your team from the hassle of regular maintenance.
Not only does Auto-Lube reduce downtime, but it also minimizes the risk of human error in lubrication application, ensuring your chuck is always optimally lubricated. Whether you’re dealing with the frequent reapplication needs of oil or the potential debris build-up with grease, the Auto-Lube system takes care of it all.
Conclusion: What’s Right for Your Application?
Both oil and grease have their places in chuck maintenance. If you prioritize ease of application and are working in high-speed environments, oil may be the way to go. If you need a longer-lasting solution and are willing to manage the potential for debris build-up, grease could be your best option.
Fortunately, with MicroCentric’s Auto-Lube Option, you don’t have to worry about choosing between oil or grease. You can let the system automatically handle lubrication for optimal performance and longevity. No matter what you choose, proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the long-term efficiency and reliability of your workholding systems.
Contact us to learn more about how the Auto-Lube Option can benefit your operations.
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Welcome to another chapter in our journey at MicroCentric. As we celebrate our anniversary, we’re excited to share the fascinating evolution of our company—from our humble beginnings with precision gear testers to becoming a leading name in high-precision Workholding solutions.
MicroCentric’s story began not with the chucks we’re known for today, but with a groundbreaking invention in precision measurement. Founded by Anton Fink, an Austrian mechanical engineer who relocated to Montreal and later to New York, the early days of MicroCentric were focused on refining measurement tools. Anton’s first patent, a precision gear tester, showcased his commitment to accuracy, even before he founded the company.
Before MicroCentric, Anton’s inventions, including his precision gear tester, were marketed through a company called Alina (see the old catalogs on the right).
Following this, he secured a second patent for a height gauge. These early innovations set the stage for what would become MicroCentric, originally known as Metrology Systems Corporation—a name that reflected our dedication to precision measurement.
Drawing from the Height Gauge Patent
The Shift to Workholding: Enter the Air Chuck
Our transition from measurement to workholding was driven by another innovative idea. In the 1970s, Air Chucks were common but faced frequent maintenance issues due to their complex design and inconsistent repeatability. Anton Fink, ever the innovator, sought to address these challenges. His redesign resulted in the MicroCentric High Precision Air Chuck—a product that would become a game changer in precision workholding.
With standard Total Indicator Readings (TIR) of 0.00005″ (0.0012mm) and, in some cases, an impressive 0.00002″ (0.0005mm), the MicroCentric Air Chuck set new standards for accuracy. This innovation not only cemented our reputation but also led to the establishment of two distinct departments within Metrology Systems Corp: one focused on measurement systems and the other on our pioneering Air Chucks. The evolution continued with the development of high-precision Hand Chucks, further reflecting our shift towards a new market.
The Name Change: Embracing the MicroCentric Identity
The name “MicroCentric” originated from our Air Chuck product line. As chucks became the core of our business, the name MicroCentric perfectly encapsulated our focus and expertise. Thus, Metrology Systems Corporation officially became MicroCentric—a name that signifies our unwavering commitment to high-precision workholding.
The Impact of CNC Technology in the 1970s
To truly appreciate our journey, it’s important to understand the broader context of the 1970s. This era marked the rise of the third industrial revolution, with the advent of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) systems. Before CNC, machining systems relied on Numerical Control (NC) using punch cards—a method that was cumbersome and prone to errors.
The introduction of CNC systems revolutionized machining by storing code directly within the machine, eliminating the need for punch cards and manual entry. This advancement brought unprecedented speed, precision, and efficiency to machining processes. However, even with these technological strides, the quality of workholding systems remained crucial. The greatest machines are only as effective as the chucks that hold their workpieces.
Reflecting on Progress and Precision
Looking back, the days when engineers manually drafted designs on large drawing tables highlight the remarkable progress we’ve made. Each drawing was a testament to human skill and precision, with every mistake potentially leading to hours of lost work. Today, we benefit from advanced tools like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, which streamline the design process and enhance accuracy.
As we reflect on our past, we appreciate the strides we’ve made and the innovative spirit that has guided us from precision measurement to high-precision workholding. Our journey is a reminder of how far we’ve come and the importance of continual innovation in the ever-evolving world of machining.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through MicroCentric’s history. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the milestones and innovations that have shaped our company. Here’s to many more years of precision and progress!
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What do a French cannon, a wooden chair and a car have in common?
Don`t worry they are not walking into a bar. But if they were it probably would end with all of them ordering the same drink and swapping it around because what unites them is the concept of interchangeability.
Now before you start throwing chairs at castle walls during your next siege let me explain it a little further.
Whilst the products are not interchangeable with each other the parts each product is made of are.
Each of those products marks an important step during the industrialization to go from handmade single parts to mass produced interchangeable ones. This concept is also known as the interchangeable manufacture.
One of the first people to advertise for this was Lieutenant General Jean- Baptiste Vaquette de Gribeauval, a French artillery officer. His concept laid the groundwork for the de Vallière system, which was essential for the success of the Napoleonic Wars.
While he did not achieve true interchangeability, he did inspire others who would.
Jean- Baptistes idea of standardization spread not only all over Europe but also to America where in the early 19th century multiple engineers, including Captain John H. Hall, Simeon North and Eli Whitney, were tasked with finding a way to quickly produce weapons for the newly formed American army.
They eventually managed to achieve true interchangeability and mechanization- two essential parts of what became known as the American system of manufacturing.
Before we move on there is one more name that is noteworthy in this endeavor: Eli Terry Sr.
While he did not manufacture guns (he was a clockmaker) he is considered the first person in American history to accomplish interchangeable parts with no government funding.
But when do the chairs come into play?
The answer can be found in a small town in the Czech Republic, called “Koryčany”. Back in the day this city belonged to a region called “Moravia” and was a part of the Austrian- Hungarian Empire.
But neither a Moravian nor an Austrian or Hungarian would become famous here. It was in fact a German called Michael Thonet, who obviously loved to travel all over Europe.
The design of Thonets chairs is still around today. But it wasn’t just the look that made them the talk of the town at the Great London Exposition in 1851. It was how he made them. Thonet was the first person to ever successfully mass- produce furniture. But he didn`t stop there. Unlike every other piece of furniture Thonets chairs could be dismantled for transport and quickly and easily be assembled after. Kind of like a 19th century version of Ikea.
The key that made all this possible once again was the standardization and interchangeability of parts.
The fact that furniture was now mass-producible made it cheaper, which meant that larger portions of the population were able to decorate and re-decorate their homes with new furniture. Safe to say once mass production made its way to consumer goods it never left. The American system of manufacturing had officially arrived in Europe.
But there was one guy who took mass production even further: Henry Ford.
Henry Ford did a lot of great things in his life- he pioneered the five-day work week; he created the franchise system – but more than anything he believed in lowering production cost.
Ford saw the American system of manufacturing and took it one step further.
But how did he do it? By the time the Ford Motor Company was founded the concept of standardization and interchangeability was over 100 years old. Factories with different production lines were also common at this point. What is it that made Ford the true Master of Mass Production?
The answer is in his tools. It was always in the tools.
Back in 1816 Simeon North managed to get ahead of his competition after inventing milling machines.
Thonet invented a special machine to form and quickly bend wood into the furniture shape.
And Henry Ford? He created tools for every step of his production. Every single part of the production line had its own special purpose machine tool. From multi spindle drill presses to multiple head milling machines. Everything was planned out. Every step was truly standardized. Therefore, every piece was 100% interchangeable.
This made the price of the Ford T model drop from 825$ (26,870$ today) in the first year to 360$ (10,131$ today) only 8 years later. Which meant that nearly every American was able to afford a car and drive. For comparison the average cost of a car back then was 1000$ (28,141$ today). This means simply by using better and specialized tools Ford
was able to save over 10,000$ production cost per car.
Standardization and Interchangeability might have been the key ingredient to mass production, but it was the machine tools that made these two things possible.
The machine tools paved the way for tight tolerances and a high repeating accuracy, which allowed us to produce the same part over and over again.
To say Ford was right for believing and investing in these tools might be an understatement.
Investing in the right machine tools is an investment in the future of your company.
The big question that remains is: what are the right tools for your specific production line?
Today there are a thousand different tooling companies and machine manufacturers to choose from. This is a whole article in its own, but the short answer is:
The key to success lies in interchangeability. Therefore, look for a tool that offers you a high repeating accuracy (TIR).
In conclusion, it doesn’t matter what it is, you want to build the key to success always stays the same. No matter if it’s cannons, chairs, cars or something different like airplanes. The right tools will not only save you money but also time and help you achieve a better standard of quality.
Whatever challenges your specific use case might bring, with over 50 years of experience we at MicroCentric Corporation will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem.
No matter if it`s turning, milling, drilling, grinding or anything else– each MicroCentric product is backed by superior design and precision workmanship for reliable, long-term performance and unmatched accuracy.
Contact us today at 800.573.1139 – 516.349.7220 for more information or read more about different tooling solutions here: https://bit.ly/44cp4td
In the realm of machining and manufacturing, every second counts. Efficiency isn’t just a desirable trait; it’s a necessity for staying competitive in today’s fast-paced industries. One area where efficiency can be significantly improved is in the process of changing jaws on chucks. Traditional methods involving dowel pins are time-consuming and often require meticulous adjustments. However, the advent of the Precision Change Jaw System has transformed this process, making it faster, easier, and more cost-effective.
The traditional method of mounting top jaws onto a chuck involves the use of dowel pins, typically around five per jaw. These pins must be removed individually before the jaws can be changed. With three jaws per chuck, this adds up to a total of fifteen dowel pins per chuck. Not only is this process time-consuming, but it also introduces opportunities for error and requires careful attention to detail.
Enter the Precision Change Jaw System, which replaces dowel pins with QC buttons per jaw, reducing the total number of screws to just six for the entire chuck (for a standard 3 jaw Chuck). This streamlined approach cuts the time required to change jaws by more than half, significantly improving workflow efficiency.
One of the most significant advantages of Quick Change Jaws is their ability to maintain repeatability and tolerance after jaw changes. Unlike traditional dowel pin jaws, which often require sending back to the manufacturer for adjustments, Quick Change Jaws allow users to make changes themselves. This not only saves time but also gives operators greater control over their machining processes.
Furthermore, Quick Change Jaws come in various heights and configurations, including pie jaws, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether it’s a standard chuck or a specialized chuck like a Diaphragm Chuck, Quick Change Jaws offer versatility without compromising on accuracy.
In comparison, the drawbacks of dowel pin jaws become apparent. Not only is the process of changing them time-consuming, but it also compromises accuracy. When dowel pin jaws are changed, more than half of the accuracy can be lost. To regain this accuracy, the jaws often need to be finished on the chuck, which often times involves sending the whole chuck back to the manufacturer. This results in downtime and adds costs, as the chuck is not available for use during this time and therefore replacement Chucks need to be kept ready.
The flexibility offered by the Precision Change Jaw System extends beyond time savings. Being able to change jaws quickly and easily means more flexibility in workflow. Moreover, using the same chuck body for multiple applications is now possible, saving both time and money. This adaptability is especially crucial in environments where rapid changes are the norm.
One key feature of Quick Change Jaws is their patented design, ensuring reliability and performance. Unlike dowel pins, QC buttons eliminate play, as they are tapered into the chuck, providing a secure and stable grip on the workpiece.
The ease of use and ergonomic benefits of Quick Change Jaws cannot be overstated. With just two screws to tighten to the recommended torque, changing jaws becomes a straightforward task, reducing strain on operators and improving overall efficiency.
In conclusion, the Precision Change Jaw System represents a significant advancement in chuck technology, revolutionizing the way jaws are changed in machining and manufacturing. With its time-saving benefits, improved repeatability, and versatility, Quick Change Jaws are a must-have for any modern workshop looking to stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape.
Want to know how your shop could benefit from the QC System? Get in touch with our Sales Department and request a quote today!
