Why Check Drawbar Force?

Is your power drawbar working correctly?

Improve tool life and part finish

Correct tool holding force ensures that the spindle-tool holder interface is as rigid as possible. A rigid interface will improve tool life by reducing chatter and excess wear, and in turn improve workpiece finish.

Protect your spindles and ensure machining accuracy

Insufficient tool holding force can quickly wear or damage the critical spindle taper resulting in loss of machine accuracy and an expensive repair bill.

For the HSK taper, wear and damage on the spindle taper are even more detrimental. The HSK taper relies on an interference fit between the spindle and tool holder tapers, meaning drawbar force must be sufficient for the tool holder to properly seat. Because the HSK interface seats both on the tool holder taper and flange, dimensional tolerances are extremely tight. For HSK forms E and F, correct clamping force is crucial because there are not drive keys or dogs to transmit torque–the system relies entirely on the power drawbar's holding force.

Predict problems with the spindle's Belleville / disk spring stack

Machining centers with automatic tool clamping systems typically use Belleville/disk spring stack to hold a tool in the spindle, with a hydraulic cylinder used to overcome the spring force to unclamp the tool.

High RPM is often an important design criterion for a spindle, meaning the use of small diameter bearings makes sense from an engineering standpoint. Small bearings necessitate the use of small diameter springs to fit into the spindle arbor. Small-diameter springs lead to highly stressed springs for tool clamping, and even more so during tool unclamp.

A typical drawbar spring stack is designed to last approximately 1 million cycles. This may sound like a big number, but tool changes add up quickly. An example: a process with 3 to 4 tool changes per minute (many do much more), with 2,000 operating hours per year (one shift), means between 360,000 and 480,000 cycles are made per year. In this scenario, the springs have reached the end of the design life cycle and should be replaced after two years. We have found some processes that reach 1 million cycles after 6 months–with the complaint that the "springs break all the time."

Springs will not break all at once. Initially only one spring might break without significant impact on tool holding force. However, soon others will break since they have to do the work of the broken spring (or springs) as well. The rest of the springs will be overloaded and break or take a permanent set.

This failure process can be detected with a clamping force measuring device and action be taken before the clamping system fails completely.

Check for the role that friction plays in the clamping system and for proper lubrication

Some drawbar designs use a mechanical force intensification mechanism to increase tool holding force. When force intensification is used, friction is a factor to be watched. It is difficult to quantify friction without measurement. Machine builders typically provide a tool holding force specification for properly lubricated and adjusted clamping system.

Most power drawbar systems with HSK tapers use force intensification in the gripper design. The mechanical intensification of the force is typically between 3 and 9 times, making friction a major factor in the proper operation of the system.

For systems with manual HSK grippers such as those supplied by Mapal and Guehring, periodic verification of correct tool holding force is also of critical importance. Per manufacturer recommendation, tools should be clamped using a torque wrench to ensure correct force. However, if the gripper is not properly lubricated, tool holding force will be much lower at the specified torque.

Operator safety

Eventually, the tool holding system of a machine will fail catastrophically if left unchecked. There will be lots of mysterious problems such as poor part finish and broken tools, and eventually leading to the tool flying out of the spindle and damaging the workpiece, machine, or worse–injuring the operator.

Standards compliance

• The ISO and DIN HSK standards have recommended minimum clamping forces. The ForceCheck gauge can verify that these are met.
• The "CAT" steep taper standard ASME B5.50 specifically recommends using a drawbar force gauge.
• ISO 9000 compliance requires that critical machine parameters be periodically checked.

HSK Taper

Measuring bars, complete sets, and base sets for all HSK type spindles. Contact us for other wireless and carrying case options.

 Overview

 

Steep Taper (MAS 403 BT)

Measuring bars, complete sets, and base sets for Steep Taper (MAS 403-BT) JIS standard.

 Overview

 

Steep Taper (SK-DIN)

Measuring bars, complete sets, and base sets for Steep Taper (SK) DIN standard. Metric or inch retention knob / pull-stud threading available on each measuring bar.

 Overview

 

Steep Taper (CAT/ANSI)

Measuring bars, complete sets, and base sets for Steep Taper (SK) CAT-ANSI. Metric or inch retention knob / pull-stud threading available on each measuring bar.

 Overview

 

Steep Taper (ISO)

Measuring bars, complete sets, and base units for measuring drawbar force on a Steep Taper (SK) ISO standard spindle.

 Overview

 

PSK Capto

Measuring bars, complete sets, and base units for measuring drawbar force on Coromant Capto spindles (Polygonal Shank Taper - PSK).

 Overview

 

KM Taper

Measuring bars, complete s

ForceCheck Turning-Center Chuck Force Gauges

Turning-center force sensors are designed to measure the holding force of clamp jaws on chucks. This allows manufacturers to make critical adjustments, and improve repeatability and workpiece quality. The wireless version of the chuck force gauge is able to measure RPM along with force.

For more advanced features, such as graphing and testing multiple machines as part of a preventive maintenance plan, a tablet that universally connects to any ForceCheck sensor is also available. Contact us for more specifications and details on advanced machine force measuring.

Wireless Chuck Force Gauges

The ForceCheck wireless chuck force gauge is designed to quickly and accurately measure holding force and speed on chucks. Verifying chuck holding force allows manufacturers to improve the repeatability of a manufacturing process by checking actual holding force under dynamic (rotating) conditions, as well as perform critical preventative maintenance checks. Contact us for other clamping diameters and extension rings, as well as 4+ jaw chucks. 

 Details  PDF (495.320)

Wired Chuck Force Gauges

Designed to quickly check the holding force on a chuck or turning-center. The wired chuck force gauge can be customized for any diameter. 

 Details  PDF (495.205)

The ForceCheck collet force gauge allows tool holder and workholding collet holding force to be quickly and easily measured.

Because it is problematic to measure, this critical holding force is typically not checked, even though it plays an important role in manufacturing repeatability.

TAC Rockford, makers of the ForceCheck drawbar clamping measurement system, offers a simple, efficient, and consistently accurate collet force measurement unit.

With this system you can accurately and consistently measure the clamping forces on collets and hydraulic tool holders to obtain accurate machining specifications while fulfilling your company's or customer's ISO standard requirements.

Complete sets include a durable display with standard 9 volt battery, connecting cable, carrying case, and measuring bar.

Individual measuring bars for any size diameter are available.

Application Example

Workholding 5C Collet Drawbar Force Gauge

ForceCheck collet force gauges measure the drawbar pullback force of a collet workholding system. Measurement of collet drawbar force provides an easy way to ensure correct force from machine to machine, or between setups for different parts. 

Read more

Workholding 5C Collet Drawbar Force Gauge

ForceCheck collet force gauges measure the drawbar pullback force of a collet workholding system. Measurement of collet drawbar force provides an easy way to ensure correct...

 Details

 

Hydraulic Collet Force Application Worksheet

Download PDF for worksheet.

 Details

 PDF (495.056)

 

Hydraulic Collet Gauges

Accurate, quick and simple measuring of the clamping force of hydraulic chucks.

 Details

 PDF (483.038)

 

Wired Chuck Force Gauges (ForceCheck)

Designed to quickly check the holding force on a chuck or turning-center. The wired chuck force gauge can be customized for any diameter.

 Details

 PDF (495.205)

 

Machine-Integrated Drawbar Force Gauges (ForceCheck)

The machine-integrated drawbar force gauge automates drawbar force measurement. With a wireless force sensor stored in the tool changer, a machine can periodically automatically...

 Details

 PDF (461.380)

 

Pallet Clamping Force Gauges(ForceCheck)

Clamping force measuring gauges for pallets are intended to quickly measure the holding force of individual clamping heads. 

Pallet clamping adapters are per-application...

 Details

 PDF (496.000)

 

ForceCheck Drawbar Force Carrying Cases (ForceCheck)

Depending on what gauges you need to keep together, TAC Rockford offers various carrying case configurations.

 Details

 PDF (461.400)

 

ER Collet Taper Plug Gauge Carrying Case

For holding a complete set: ER11, 16, 20, 25, 32, 40 (Gauges not included). Can be customized upon request.

 Details

 PDF (430.100.ERC)

 

Wireless Drawbar Force Gauges(ForceCheck)

The ForceCheck wireless drawbar force gauge is based on the same technology as the industry-leading ForceCheck gauge. With the added convenience of wireless operation, larger...

For measuring the clamping and holding mechanism on various pallet-based applications

Pallet Clamping Head Accessories (BERG)

 

 Details

 PDF (292-PCHACC)

 

NAB Pull Studs (BERG)

Pull studs are the interface between devices, pallets and the clamping systems of the machine tool. For applications with two, four or more clamping heads, solid bolts are...

 Details

 PDF (292-NAB)

 

NSM-HV Zero Point Clamping System(BERG)

NSM-HV series zero point clamping heads are used for workholding pallet clamping as well as other applications on machine tools. With the clamping heads and matching retention...

 Details

 PDF (292-NSM-HV)

 

NSM-PV Zero Point Clamping System(BERG)

NSM PV zero point clamping heads are used for fixture and pallet clamping on machine tools. With the clamping heads and the associated clamping bolts provide for the highest...

 Details

 PDF (292-NSM-PV)

 

SPH Pallet Clamping Heads (BERG)

BERG Spanntechnik series SPH clamping heads are primarily used for horizontal pallet clamping. The heads form the basis of a highly rigid, high precision repeatable workholding...

 Details

 PDF (292-SPH)

 

SPH-V Pallet Clamping Heads (BERG)

Clamping heads of the series SPH-V are principally used in machining centers for vertical pallet clamping. The series SPH-V is based on the basic principle of the SPH. The...

 Details

 PDF (292-SPH-V)

 

SPM-HV Pallet Clamping Heads (BERG)

SPM-HV series pallet clamping heads are used for pallet clamping on single or double axis indexing tables. With the clamping heads and matching tapered rings, maximum workpiece...

 Details

 PDF (292-SPM-HV)

 

Hydrodock System (BERG)

Hydrodock units form the basis of a very compact and flexible clamping system. They were originally conceptualized as for head change systems on large machining centers, but...

Workholding 5C Collet Drawbar Force Gauge

ForceCheck collet force gauges measure the drawbar pullback force of a collet workholding system. Measurement of collet drawbar force provides an easy way to ensure correct...

 Details

 

Drawbar Clamping Force Gauges(ForceCheck)

This critical performance -- the tool clamping force -- is often never measured after a machine is put into service. Regular verification allows problems to be detected early...

 Details

 PDF (461.310)

 

Kennametal (KM Taper) Drawbar Force Gauges (ForceCheck)

Measuring bars, complete sets, and base units for measuring drawbar force on a Kennametal KM spindle.

 Details

 PDF (462.K00)

 

Wireless Drawbar Force Gauges(ForceCheck)

The ForceCheck wireless drawbar force gauge is based on the same technology as the industry-leading ForceCheck gauge. With the added convenience of wireless operation, larger...

 Details

 PDF (461.320)

 

Steep Taper (ISO) Drawbar Force Gauges(ForceCheck)

Measuring bars, complete sets, and base units for measuring drawbar force on a Steep Taper (SK) ISO standard spindle.

 Details

 PDF (462.A00)

 

HSK Taper Wireless Force Measuring Bars(ForceCheck)

Wireless measuring adapters have the option of coming with or without the tool change groove. Wireless adapters can be retrofitted for quick inspection or designed for integrated...

 Details

 PDF (462.125)

 

Drawbar Clamping Measuring Bars(ForceCheck)

This critical performance -- the tool clamping force -- is often never measured after a machine is put into service. Regular verification allows problems to be detected early...

 Details

 PDF (461.200)

 

Capto PSK (PSC) Drawbar Force Gauges(ForceCheck)

Measuring bars, complete sets, and base units for measuring drawbar force on Coromant Capto spindles (Polygonal Shank Taper - PSK).

 Details

 PDF (462.C00)

 

HSK Drawbar Sensor Position Gauges

Drawbar position gauges are used to adjust and set drawbar stroke position on HSK machine tool spindles. The gauges allow the clamping angle to be adjusted to the high and...

ForceCheck Wireless Drawbar Force Gauges

 Enlarge Image

CAT40 Wireless Adapter

The ForceCheck wireless drawbar force gauge is based on the same technology as the industry-leading ForceCheck gauge. With the added convenience of wireless operation, larger machines and hard-to-reach spindles are easier to check. In addition, the unit offers the optional capability of data logging on a USB stick.

PDF Data Sheet: ForceCheck Wireless Drawbar Force Gauges (461.320)

Print Data Sheet

DetailsQuestionsRequest

 

Item								Order Number
HSK-A/C/E 63	HSK-B/D/F 80							461.320.163.000
HSK-A/C/E 100	HSK-B/D/F 125							461.320.190.000

Related Search

 

Machine-Integrated Drawbar Force Gauges (ForceCheck)

The machine-integrated drawbar force gauge automates drawbar force measurement. With a wireless force sensor stored in the tool changer, a machine can periodically automatically...

 Details

 PDF (461.380)

 

HSK Taper Wireless Force Measuring Bars(ForceCheck)

Wireless measuring adapters have the option of coming with or without the tool change groove. Wireless adapters can be retrofitted for quick inspection or designed for integrated...

 Details

 PDF (462.125)

 

Workholding 5C Collet Drawbar Force Gauge

ForceCheck collet force gauges measure the drawbar pullback force of a collet workholding system. Measurement of collet drawbar force provides an easy way to ensure correct...

 Details

 

HSK Taper Drawbar Force Gauges(ForceCheck)

Measuring bars, complete sets, and base sets for all HSK type spindles. Contact us for other wireless and carrying case options.

 Details

 PDF (462.100)

 

Steep Taper (MAS 403 BT) Drawbar Force Gauges (ForceCheck)

Measuring bars, complete sets, and base sets for Steep Taper (MAS 403-BT) JIS standard.

 Details

 PDF (462.700)

 

Kennametal (KM Taper) Drawbar Force Gauges (ForceCheck)

Measuring bars, complete sets, and base units for measuring drawbar force on a Kennametal KM spindle.

 Details

 PDF (462.K00)

 

Wireless Sensor Operating Instructions

The ForceCheck wireless sensor measures the clamping force of power drawbars on machining centers. Designed for use with the ForceCheck Wireless Display (461.110).
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 Details

 PDF (461.206M)

 

Wireless Chuck Force Gauges(ForceCheck)

The ForceCheck wireless chuck force gauge is designed to quickly and accurately measure holding force and speed on chucks. Verifying chuck holding force allows manufacturers...

 Details

 PDF (495.320)

 

Steep Taper (DIN) Drawbar Force Gauges(ForceCheck)

Measuring bars, complete sets, and base sets for Steep Taper (SK) DIN standard. Metric or inch retention knob / pull-stud threading available on each measuring bar.