Expanding collets, Expanding mandrels

[Roger]

Anyone using expanding collets, or expanding mandrels?  If so, what brand do you recommend?  What is the application, mill, lathe?

 

I was thinking about this part.

 

 

[Allan]

I would think a shaft with shoulder and a keyway and nut washer to tighten it all down would be best for this part.

 

My experience with expanding mandrels on turning applications taught me:

 

1) not a rigid setup (I would not try milling)

2) bore diameter variations are problematic

3) good for blind hole where nothing else will work 

 

Allan

[Mike@Lustre]

x2 to what Allan said , IMO too much work involved to rigidly support that part with a expanding mandrel.

[BNFab]

I've used the MItee Bite expansion clamps on quite a few different parts. They work well when they are needed.. Generally ive used more than one at a time though, not a single one. 

 

Used them on horizontal parts, 5 axis mill turn machines (40" mill - turned parts) etc.. 

[Guest]

If only a lathe, i'very used Hainbuch with very good reaults. Like what Allen's aid though, you HAVE to hold close bore size. I held around 10 microns and was able to produce reliable results.

 

Milling... you'really going to have to be REAL gentle.

[gcode]

I've built tens of thousands of parts using Rovi expanding collets

If you hold a tight ID bore size, machine the expanding collet properly and understand

their limitations they work very well

I used 5C for smaller parts and 3J for bigger parts

 

http://www.roviproducts.com/products.htm

 

google also turned up Youtube videos showin gthe proper way to machine the collets 

[GoetzInd]

Take a look at Hardinge true grip, Good system.

 

Mike

[bd41612]

These guys have some impressive products:

 

http://www.ringspann.com/en/Products/Precision-Clamping-Mandrels/Products__751/