Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and process for manufacturing an improved machine tool collet. The invention further relates to an improved machine tool collet having design parameters optimized to maximize the gripping strength of the collet. The collet according to the invention is of the type having a plurality of gripping jaws spaced around a common longitudinal axis with resilient material between the gripping jaws. The method includes calculating the total torque generated on a bar passing through the collet for a given collet configuration having predetermined design parameters. The total torque includes the torque generated just prior to a toggle condition occurring between the gripping jaws and the bar and the maximum moment force generated between the gripping jaws and the bar at a toggle condition.

Abstract: A sealing collet is provided having a plurality of independent gripping jaws longitudinally disposed about a common centerline axis. The gripping jaws have exposed inner and outer faces. A resilient material is disposed between the gripping jaws and holds the jaws in a predetermined longitudinally and angularly spaced relation about the centerline axis of a collet. A continuous outer diameter seal is disposed circumferentially about the conical outer surface of the collet. The outer diameter seal is formed integral with the resilient material. A continuous inner diameter seal is also provided disposed circumferentially within the inner diameter of the collet and also formed integral with the resilient material.

Abstract: A chuck has a spring connection between the nut which rotates to advance or retract the jaws and the control ring or sleeve which the user rotates to operate the chuck. The spring normally transmits tightening or loosening rotation from the sleeve to the nut. When the jaws contact a tool, however, the spring allows the sleeve to continue to rotate even though the nut is stopped by the jaw-tool contact. Continued rotation of the sleeve relative to the nut causes a cam mechanism interposed between these two elements to force the non-rotating nut axially forward. This applies a final tool-gripping force to the jaws.

Abstract: A chuck is provided that has a threaded axial bore so that the chuck may be mounted onto a threaded spindle. The chuck body has an integrally formed socket that accepts a drive bit so that the chuck may be screwed onto the spindle by inserting a drive bit into the socket and rotating the chuck accordingly.