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. ...
Read MoreA 6-jaw chuck offers several advantages, primarily related to improved accuracy and reduced workpiece distortion, especially when working with thin-walled or delicate materials. The six jaws distribute the clamping force more evenly than a traditional 3-jaw chuck, leading to a more secure and concentric grip. This results in less runout (eccentricity) when re-chucking a workpiece and a more accurate hold on thin-walled or out-of-round parts. The main benefits are:
Better grip on thin-walled or delicate workpieces
Because six jaws contact the workpiece evenly around the circumference, the clamping force is distributed over a larger surface area.
This reduces deformation, making it ideal for thin-walled tubing, soft metals, and delicate parts.
Higher concentricity and accuracy
With more jaws, the workpiece is held more precisely in the center, often achieving better repeatability (TIR — total indicator runout — can be lower than with a 3-jaw chuck).
This is important for precision machining, especially when you need tight tolerances.
Reduced distortion from clamping pressure
The even spacing means each jaw exerts less force individually, so the part is less likely to be ovalized or distorted during clamping.
This is especially valuable when machining thin or hollow parts.
Improved grip on short parts
Six jaws can hold shorter pieces more securely because more contact points are available within a small clamping length.
Faster setup compared to a 4-jaw independent chuck
Many 6-jaw chucks are self-centering, so you get both the precision benefits and the speed of setup, unlike a 4-jaw independent chuck which requires manual centering.
Better for fragile materials
Plastics, composites, ceramics, and other brittle materials benefit from the reduced point pressure and more even support.
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