Speedgrip Unveils Innovative Workholding Solutions at IMTS!
By Ashutosh Arora
After a long hiatus from product launches, Speedgrip Chuck Co. has made a significant comeback with a series of new offerings in the past 18 months, reflecting the changing landscape of manufacturing. Mathew Mayer, the president of the Elkhart, Indiana-based company, highlighted this momentum during the IMTS event in Chicago, emphasizing the need for more technologically advanced workholding solutions as automation becomes increasingly prevalent.
Speedgrip primarily specializes in customized workholding solutions, particularly in rotating workholding, but it has also introduced several standard products aimed at enhancing efficiency through quick changeovers and smart technology integration. Among the standout products showcased at IMTS are the Quick Change Jaw Chucks, which accommodate universal jaws. Unlike many competitors that require proprietary jaws, Speedgrip’s design allows users to utilize existing jaws from their inventory, making transitions smoother. Each chuck comes with two sets of base jaws, enabling one set to remain in the machine while the other is prepared for future use.
Another notable product is the Quick-Change Spindle Receiver (QCR), which simplifies the process of changing workloads. By attaching the receiver to the spindle face, users can quickly switch between different types of tasks by simply loosening cam locks. Additionally, Speedgrip introduced the NDS (No-Draw Screw) One-Piece Quick Change Sealed Mandrel, which eliminates the traditional draw screw mechanism. Instead, it uses a bayonet connection similar to a camera lens, allowing the collet to be securely pulled from the backside. This design not only enhances durability but also includes air sensing technology to ensure proper seating of the workpiece.
The company also showcased its innovative Contactless Stroke Control (CSC) system, designed to streamline the quick change process. This linear sensor measures stroke position with precision, eliminating the need for cumbersome proximity switches typically found on machine tools. The CSC system provides four distinct positional readings—chuck open, chuck closed, good parts, and bad parts—allowing manufacturers to monitor variable workpiece dimensions accurately. With these advancements, Speedgrip is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the manufacturing industry and improve operational efficiency.
