Mechatronic Chuck with 4 Degrees of Freedom Precision Positioning.

The precision of machine tools has continuously advanced due to the integration of optimized sensor and actuator systems. Nevertheless, the clamping of workpieces especially in turning chucks is usually effected by solely mechanic solutions. This offers the possibility of a significant increase of clamping- and positioning accuracy by application of mechatronical approach. This paper presents such a novel chuck concept. By the integration of mechatronic elements, the workpiece can be aligned in four degrees of freedom after being clamped in the machine tool. The aim of the mechatronic chuck is to increase the clamp repeat accuracy, to reduce the allowance of a part and to shorten the cutting time. The possibility of the alignment of big gears by such chuck systems (as needed for example in wind power plants) is presented.