Challenge

The work piece was going to be mass produced and a robot needed to be integrated in the loading process. There was a need to come up with one clamping solution to

overcome those challenges and reduce time.

Solution

PML-PAL engineering using newer methodologies, worked closely with the customer to design a unique chuck that clamped the work piece from the long inner diameter.

The solution provided a long clamping system to support the work piece from both ends and hold it stable far from the chuck's face. The chuck provided one clamping

solution that allowed the customer to finish the part in a single machine.

Results

The customer is now able to produce parts continuously without human intervention. The process is completely automated. The chuck is able to spin at relatively high

speed of 2000 RPM while turning. It allows an independent robot to access the work piece to replace it with another for continuous operation. The PML-PAL solution cuts

the process to one operation in one turning machine and reduces the total machining time to one minute. Overall, the savings is approximately 50%. As a result of their

high satisfaction with this job, the customer asked PML-PAL to produce two more identical chucks for two additional machines. Today, the plant runs three machines,

three shifts, 24/6.