The holding force achieved by clamping tools using thermal expansion with the ThermoGrip system exceeds the holding forces obtained by any other known clamping systems.  Although this thermal expansion method produces a connection which can be released, the holding force is so great and the vibration in the tool so low that the tool has the characteristics of one-piece tool. 

The concentricity on the adapters with a tool clamped by the thermal expansion is equal to that of a one-piece tool  With this, the system problems that occurred while pulling out tools from other clamping systems (particularly in milling on high speed machining centers) are now eliminated.  

When using the ThermoGrip expansion chuck in conjunction with the T3200 unit, HSS and carbide tools can be thermally shrunk and expanded in the same adapter.  Due to the short warm-up time for the chuck, the tool with the same expansion coefficient as the chuck has little or no time to get warmed up. 

By using a special heat-resistant tool steel and a heat treatment process that we have developed, the chuck maintains its concentricity and elasticity even after it has been expanded numerous time (>5000).

The temperatures of around 570 to 640 degrees F (300 to 340 degrees C) created during the expansion process are well below the temperatures that produce a physical change in these materials.

By using specially designed coils with integral air cooling, the field lines of the magnetic field produced by the induction generator are concentrated around the chuck's clamping area.  The concentrated alternating magnetic field produces the vortex currents in the adapter material.  The frequency has been selected so that the edges of the clamping point are heated very quickly.  The resulting high temperature gradients allow the internal diameter to expand but not only by the temperature but also in its tensile stress.  

The energy is applied very quickly that the rise in temperature in the shrink fit tools caused by thermal conduction can only take place in a limited area.  In addition to the thermal expansion of carbide tools, this also allows thermal expansion for tools with the same temperature coefficient of expansion as the holder (HSS tools).  A magnetic shield surrounding the coil translates into no magnetic field is applied to the tool and its surrounding area.  

The tabletop Thermogrip T2000 has been developed to complete our Thermogrip program.  This is an economically priced inductive thermal expansion system which can be used both for solid carbide applications in the tool setting area and also directly on the machine.  

To produce the thermal expansion effect, the coil is positioned manually and stopped by pushing a button when the heating position is reached.  The duration of thermal expansion can be set from the control panel and the heating  process is also started and stopped from the same control panel.  The time that has been set can be seen on a digital display. 

The swirling currents produced in the adapter material by the alternating magnetic field warm the areas of the clamping point very rapidly.  This warming effect expands the internal diameter of the chuck to allow carbide tools to be inserted and removed easily.  At the end of the thermal expansion process, the coil automatically returns to the original position.  

A cooling fan installed on the shrinking station is switched on by pressing a button after the thermal expansion process and then runs for a specific length of time.  

With Thermogrip T 2000, solid carbide tools with a shank diameter of .250-812" (6-20mm) can be expanded; the T 2000 simply requires a 220 V connection.  The control for the induction coil, and all the other functions, is fitted into the housing as a complete unit.

Should extra cooling spaces be required, an optional number of additional T2001 cooling stations with processor control can be used with two cooling locations each.

The holding force achieved by clamping tools using thermal expansion with the ThermoGrip system exceeds the holding forces obtained by any other known clamping systems.  Although this thermal expansion method produces a connection which can be released, the holding force is so great and the vibration in the tool so low that the tool ahs the characteristics of one-piece tool. 

The concentricity on the adapters with a tool clamped by the thermal expansion is equal to that of a one-piece tool  With this, the system problems that occurred while pulling out tools from other clamping systems (particularly in milling on high speed machining centers) are now eliminated.  

When using the ThermoGrip expansion chuck in conjunction with the T3200 unit, HSS and carbide tools can be thermally shrunk and expanded in the same adapter.  Due to the short warm-up time for the chuck, the tool with the same expansion coefficient as the chuck has little or no time to get warmed up. 

By using a special heat-resistant tool steel and a heat treatment process that we have developed, the chuck maintains its concentricity and elasticity even after it has been expanded numerous time (>5000).

The temperatures of around 570 to 640 degrees F (300 to 340 degrees C) created during the expansion process are well below the temperatures that produce a physical change in these materials.