Challenge
Finishing both sides required secure, repeatable clamping and positive load verification despite the part’s geometry:
- Grip the datum diameter between O.D. lobes without contacting or damaging them.
- Maintain concentricity for first- and second-side turning in an automated, robot-tended setup.
- Provide part-seat confirmation so the machine only cycles when the blank is fully banked.
- Mirror the clamping geometry for Side B because the part is not symmetric.
Solution
We engineered a chucking package centered on full-circle jaws that clear the lobes and verify seating before cycle start:
Full-circle jaws with clearance pockets : precision-milled pockets straddle the ears/lobes and center on the datum diameter for Side A.
Air-detect banking stops : small through-holes in the stops allow airflow; when a part is fully seated, the holes are covered, pressure rises, and a switch signals “part seated” to the control.
Mirror-image jaw set for Side B : matching pockets replicate the geometry for the second-side operation on the non-symmetric part.
Robot-ready integration : the system supports automatic load/unload and lights-out operation without manual checks.
Outcome
The custom jaw/stop design enables consistent, unattended two-side turning with verified part seating:
- Interference-free clamping : ears/lobes are fully cleared while holding on the true datum diameter.
- Error-proof loading : air-detect confirmation prevents cycles on mis-banked parts.
- Repeatable results, both sides : mirror-image pockets maintain orientation and concentricity through flip and re-clamp.
- Lights-out reliability : robotic handling plus seat sensing minimizes interruptions.