How to Choose the Right Collet Chuck

The world of workholding offers nearly as many solutions as there are workpieces, and often, there is no straightforward answer to what the correct solution might be. If you’ve made it to this guide, congratulations on taking the crucial first step: deciding on the type of chuck you need.

Now that you’ve chosen a collet chuck, we’re here to help you find the right one. Thankfully, selecting the correct collet chuck is a relatively straightforward process. A detailed review of all the Chucks and their technical data would make this blog post rival the University Physics with Modern Physics 14^th Edition in length but we will link all Collet Chucks for you to easily take a closer look.

Stationary

The first step in selecting a collet chuck is distinguishing between rotating and non-rotating (stationary) work.

For stationary work, such as milling or drilling, there are two primary options:

CB-NRB Chuck: This hydraulically actuated, self-contained pullback design is ideal for non-rotating applications. The collet is drawn into the tapered seat when actuated, with part stops mounted inside the chuck body.

CB-NRD Chuck: A hydraulically actuated dead length collet chuck for stationary use. The sleeve moves forward under hydraulic pressure to clamp the collet, keeping the part securely in place.

Selecting Chucks for Shaft Work

If your process requires rotating work, it gets a little trickier, but don`t worry we will go through the list together.

The next step is taking a closer look at the Workpiece Type. If what you do is Shaft work, we have 2 more options for you:

CB-AG Chuck: This pullback design features a floating collet seat for machining shafts between centers. The compact design offers greater rigidity, and the floating seat can be locked to clamp parts on-center.

WSF Chuck: Ideal for machining shafts between centers, this chuck allows for complete machining of the shaft’s OD while securely clamping the end.

Choosing Chucks for Bar Work

For bar work, the choice of chuck depends on the bar feed type:

If it’s a Servo Bar Feeder what you need is a Pull to Close Collet Chuck, the CB-NDR is the right choice for you:

CB-NDR Chuck: Designed for use with servo bar feeders, this patented dead length design prevents the bar from being pushed off the servo stop.

On the other hand, if you work with a Hydrostatic Bar Feed Type and the Feed length is not critical the Collet Chuck you need is the

CB-NB Chuck: For hydrostatic bar feeds where feed length isn’t critical, this chuck efficiently translates draw tube force into maximum clamping force.

For situations where feed length is critical:

CB-ND Chuck: Suitable for collet sizes 120mm and larger, the collet remains fixed in the Z-axis, avoiding any pullback effect on the bar stock.

CB-NX Chuck: This low-profile, dead length design features a reduced diameter nose for maximum tool clearance, ensuring no pullback effect during clamping.

Handling Chucking Work

For chucking work, if your setup includes a sub-spindle and requires a dead length chuck, consider:

CB-ND Chuck: Suitable for collet sizes 120mm and larger, the collet remains fixed in the Z-axis, avoiding any pullback effect on the bar stock.

CB-NX Chuck: This low-profile, dead length design features a reduced diameter nose for maximum tool clearance, ensuring no pullback effect during clamping.

Both chucks maintain the collet fixed in the Z-axis, preventing any pullback effect on the workpiece.

For main spindle applications, where dead length chucks are needed, the above chucks are also ideal.

However, if you require a pullback collet chuck, especially for vertical spindles, the CB-NK Chuck is your go-to. This flexible design allows easy conversion from bar to chucking applications with the capability to mount end stops inside the chuck body.

Congratulations on making it through this guide! Now that you’ve identified the right collet chuck, choosing the appropriate collet is the next step—but that’s a topic for another day. If you have further questions about any of the chucks, feel free to contact us anytime.