New Design for Compensating Clutch

Exsys Tool’s Preci-Flex compensating clutch system for Okuma CNC turning centers enables users to “float” away misalignment between turret drive motors and toolholders, leading to smoother operation, improved surface finishes and longer tool life. The clutch provides a floating coupling between turret drive motor tangs and toolholders that self-compensates for any misalignment, resulting in high-precision alignment that reduces vibration and tool chatter. According to the company, the connection is twice the size of a standard spindle, which provides more surface area for a strong and precise connection, and also enables greater torque transfer and eliminates any loss of power between motors and toolholders.

The compensating clutch also eliminates wear to turret drive motor connections by filling the gaps at the top and bottom of drive motor tangs when engaged with the toolholder. Thus, the system provides a complete fit all the way around the drivetrain of the motor, eliminating backlash while delivering quieter operation when compared to similar systems. It also lessens the severity of damage that can occur as a result of a machine crash. According to the company, damage is usually confined to the system’s coupling which is easier and less expensive to replace than a spindle.

The Preci-Flex adapter system for lathe tooling changeovers, which includes the compensating clutch, is the first tooling system on the market with a single-base holder and multiple tooling adapters that utilize the ER collet pocket. The compact product ensures maximum torque transmission and rigidity, resulting in increased machining accuracy and improved productivity. Additionally, the system’s conical and flat face planar interface allows the use of either an adapter or a standard ER collet, and enables collets, end mill holders, expanding collet chucks and shrink-fit tooling to be mounted on a single-base holder.