Guide To CNC Chuck Jaws: Soft Jaws vs. Hard Jaws
soft jaws are more adaptable but wear out faster, while hard jaws are more durable but less flexible for customizing the fit of the workpiece. ...
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The clamping force of a 3-jaw chuck varies widely depending on the size, design, and type (manual or power), but typical values range roughly from tens of kilonewtons (kN) up to around 200 kN for heavy-duty models:
Smaller 3-jaw scroll chucks (around 6.5" to 12" size) typically offer maximum static gripping forces between about 31 kN and 55 kN. For example, a 6.5" chuck may have about 31 kN force, while a 12" chuck might provide up to 55 kN.
Very large or industrial 3-jaw chucks can generate much higher clamping forces — for instance, a 40" 3-jaw chuck can reach up to 110 kN maximum static gripping force.
High-performance manual 3-jaw chucks with jaw quick-change systems might provide even more, e.g., around 200 kN clamping force.
Hydraulic 3-jaw chucks often specify gripping forces per jaw and total: one example showed approximately 12.5 kN gripping force per jaw with 3 jaws combining for around 37 kN total gripping force at maximum pressure, which was considered sufficient for that application.
The clamping force is generally considered as the total gripping force across all 3 jaws combined, not per individual jaw.
In practical terms, the exact clamping force depends heavily on operating pressure (in hydraulic or pneumatic chucks), chuck size, jaw type, and maintenance (e.g., lubrication). The force needs to be sufficient to hold the workpiece securely without deformation, and typical pressure used for clamping in hydraulic chucks is often around 4 to 7 MPa (40-70 bar).
In summary, a typical 3-jaw chuck clamping force ranges from about 30 kN to over 200 kN total depending on chuck type and size, with hydraulic chucks specifying clamping forces per jaw that add up to the total force holding the workpiece.
If you want a precise clamping force for a specific model or type, it is best to consult the manufacturer’s specs or technical datasheets, as the gripping force can vary substantially.
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