I need to find a quick and easy way to clamp a ER16 Collet (3/16"). I have the dimensions for the collet but I have never really played with Collets before. What is the usual clamping mechanism? The client's current configuration that they hate is a nut type of tightening feature.

This will be a low speed application, less than 60 RPM. Ideally I want to design a lever type of clamp.

Can anyone enlighten me on the mechanics of collets, what features are actually used to reduce the diameter and thus clamp the workpiece?

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Ron
http://www.arken.net Engineering and Design
http://www.arkenstudios.com Professional Photography

The collet is pulled back into a taper, closing it down on the work piece.

http://hardingeus.com/index.asp?pageID=63&prodID=140

These guys make collet blocks that are pneumatically activated.

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Sean Dotson, PE
RND Automation & Engineering
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For ER16 it is... a nut type of tightening feature.

Also, ER16 is usually used for toolholding. Quick change systems that incorporate ER16 are only quick on the "back" end of the apparatus; the end that adapts to the actual ER16 collet still uses the traditional taper and nut for tightening.

If you could switch to a collet style that is designed to be pulled by a drawbar (like a Hardinge C style or even R8), you might find what you need in an off the shelf configuration, or you might have an easier time designing the lever system that you are after.

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George Radcliffe

Thanks George. I am only familiar with C type collets. Did not know ER16s were different...

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Sean Dotson, PE
RND Automation & Engineering
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