The Most Important Tool for Your CNC Machine Isn’t a Cutting Tool
Meet the Power-Check 2 Drawbar Pull Force Gage
What if we told you there’s one tool that makes all other tools better? One tool that reduces machine downtime and keeps operators safe? One tool that helps ensure part quality not just today, but across months and years?
It actually exists. Say hello to the Power-Check 2 Drawbar Pull Force Gage from OTT-JAKOB. This little guy helps keep your machine spindle drawbar force in tolerance, leading to improved cutting tool life, better spindle durability, and reduced risk of injury to operators.
Why should I check my spindle drawbar pull-in force?
Spindle drawbar pull-in force can weaken over time, resulting in reduced holding strength for toolholders. This reduced strength can cause catastrophic failure, such as a toolholder that leaves the spindle at just the wrong time. Even if your operator stayed out of harm's way, get ready for downtime and a costly spindle rebuild.
But more often than not, the effects of reduced spindle holding strength are more subtle, but still hurt the bottom line. Chatter in the tool causes vibration, reducing cutting tool life and leading to spindle taper / tool holder fretting. Tool positioning repeatability issues lead to a myriad of problems. And won’t somebody please think of the parts? Poor surface finish, out of round holes, and wonky part features are going to boost your scrap rate fast.
Frequently checking spindle drawbar pull-in force is the only way to stay ahead of drawbar degradation. Different machine tool builders and spindle manufacturers will have their own recommended inspection intervals, but we recommend checking the pull-force weekly or bi-weekly to look for trends in the readings.
Is it hard to check my spindle drawbars?
Nope.
Care to clarify?
You bet. You’ll need the correct Power-Check 2 base unit and specific spindle adapter (steep taper, HSK, Capto, etc.) for your machine. The base unit screws onto the adapter by hand. Switch the base unit on, clamp it into the spindle, and the measurement shows up on the integrated digital display. The entire process takes less time than making a sandwich.
Some additional notes:
- There is no messy wiring or awkward analog readout like some competitive devices
- There are four base unit options with different measuring ranges: up to 5 kN, up to 20 kN, up to 75 kN, and up to 200 kN
- The adjustment sleeve on the base unit is set to zero for standard measurements, but minimum and maximum tool lengths can be simulated simply by rotating the sleeve by hand
- A mini-USB connection in the base unit allows for charging, downloading measurements, and additional adjustments
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Can I automate the process?
The Power-Check 2 is designed to be done quickly by hand, but we know that some high volume manufacturers need to check drawbar pull force more frequently. For these applications, we offer the Power-Check Magazine.
The Power-Check Magazine is designed to be stored in the tool magazine and transferred into the spindle via the ATC. The device sends the measurements via radio signal and is then sent back to the tool magazine. The entire process is quicker than taking a bite out of that sandwich you just made.
It’s incredibly durable as well: the two-year battery life is capable of up to 30,000 measurements. The device is IP68 rated to withstand even the harshest machining environments.
Talk to AME about the Power-Check 2
Ready for the tool that makes all your other tools better for the long haul? We’re here to talk to you about the Power-Check 2. Get in touch with AME to take the next step.