Indexing Chuck Angles: 6 x 60°, 8 x 45° and Custom Options

The main standard hydraulic indexing configurations are 6 × 60 degrees and 8 × 45 degrees. The first number is the number of positions around a full turn; the second is the angle between adjacent positions. Other special angles can be customized. Our electric intelligent indexing chuck has been successfully developed and will enable arbitrary-angle indexing and self-centering clamping.

Choose the angle from the workpiece drawing, not from the number of holes or faces alone. List the angle needed for each machining feature.

1. What do 6 × 60 degrees and 8 × 45 degrees mean?

For equal divisions, the calculation is 360 degrees divided by the number of positions: 360 / 6 = 60 and 360 / 8 = 45.

A six-position layout has positions at 0, 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 degrees. An eight-position layout has positions at 0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 270 and 315 degrees. The next step completes the turn and returns to the starting orientation.

2. When does a 60-degree configuration make sense?

A 60-degree layout suits a machining sequence based on 60-degree spacing. The available positions also include 120 and 180 degrees from the starting point. This is useful when several features lie on that angular layout, even if the job uses fewer than all six positions.

Write down the orientations needed for the complete part. A drawing with features at 0, 120 and 240 degrees follows a 60-degree division, but the actual machining sequence still needs to be arranged in the machine program.

3. When does a 45-degree configuration make sense?

A 45-degree layout suits features at 45-degree intervals and includes 90-, 180- and 270-degree orientations. It can therefore match a workpiece whose main machining positions are a quarter turn apart.

More positions do not automatically make a chuck more accurate. Eight positions describe the layout; angular accuracy describes how closely each selected position matches its intended angle. Repeatability describes how consistently the mechanism returns to that position.

4. What if the required angle is different?

Special hydraulic indexing angles can be customized. Send the actual list of machining orientations with the drawing. For a part with non-equal spacing, list each required position instead of describing it only as a three-position or four-position job.

A custom hydraulic configuration uses hydraulic actuation and a mechanical indexing and locating arrangement designed for that application. Changing a CNC angle command alone does not change the mechanical division built into a standard hydraulic chuck.

5. How is the electric intelligent chuck different?

Our electric intelligent indexing chuck has been successfully developed. It will enable arbitrary-angle indexing and self-centering clamping, adding flexibility for parts whose required angles do not follow one fixed equal-division layout.

The electric model is a separate design from the SC, AC, FAC and LC hydraulic series. Contact TOPTOOL to discuss an application for the electric intelligent chuck.

6. What information makes angle selection easier?

• A drawing showing the angular relationship between the machining features.
• The required positions and the order in which they will be machined.
• The locating and clamping surfaces on the workpiece.
• The machine model, spindle connection and space around the fixture.

For chuck size selection, see the selection drawing or use the KORRETTO Auto Selection Tool.