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Hydraulic Steady Rests Reduce Chatter, Vibration | Modern Machine Shop

LMC Workholding offers the AX series of Atling self-centering hydraulic steady rests for a variety of turning applications.

LMC Workholding offers the AX series of Atling self-centering hydraulic steady rests for a variety of turning applications. The steady rests are available in gripping ranges from 6 to 70 mm to 450 to 870 mm, as well as special sizes. They enable the turning of long-shaft, slim and heavy workpieces and center workpieces. They are also designed to provide support at several positions and reduce chatter and vibration.  Lathe Air Chuck

Hydraulic Steady Rests Reduce Chatter, Vibration |               Modern Machine Shop

The housing is made of cast iron and all moving parts are hardened. All models are equipped with roller wiper seals to prevent chips from entering the housing. Other design features include swing-away levers, automatic lubrication, a water flush system to prevent chips from coming in between the rollers and the workpiece, stroke control, check valves, and air barriers.

The design of the machined angle on the roller levers gives uniform clamping force throughout the clamping range of each steady rest. The angular lever design varies only 7 percent in grip force over the complete gripping range, compared to 37 percent variation in other models, delivering better grip force, according to the company.

An aerospace machine shop meets a special need by using a vacuum chuck.

These vise jaws use protruding, mechanical pins to repeatedly support workpieces either horizontally or at angles. They are said to allow quicker setups than conventional parallels.

Hydraulic Steady Rests Reduce Chatter, Vibration |               Modern Machine Shop

Power Machine Tools Finding a way to fixture contoured marine propellors proved to be this shop’s biggest challenge in developing an effective automated machining cell.