Published 8/3/2017

Bar Puller Actuated by Coolant System

The Grippex 20L CNC bar puller is actuated by a CNC lathe’s coolant system.

Automation

Edited by: Julia Hider

Senior Editor, Modern Machine Shop

The Grippex 20L CNC bar puller, available from Royal Products, is actuated by a CNC lathe’s coolant system. As coolant is fed through the unit, it pushes a piston forward, which causes the fingers to close down on the barstock. When the coolant is turned off, the fingers automatically spring open.

The operator does not need to manually adjust the bar puller; the fingers simply close down until they contact the bar. This feature is useful for making multiple pulls on the same workpiece, even after the OD has been turned.

The bar puller can also be used as a part loader/unloader. When fitted with special jaws, it can remove finished parts from a machine's subspindle and place them into the parts catcher, eliminating the need for ejectors and enabling the subspindle to swallow longer parts. It can also remove a bar remnant and drop it in the parts catcher for disposal, preventing the remnant from falling into the chip conveyor where it could get jammed or cause damage.

The Grippez 20L achieves high gripping force through a finger mechanism that pivots on roller bearings. As little as 15 psi of coolant pressure is enough to enable it to pull a 210-lb bar.

The unit can also be operated by air pressure for custom applications.

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