Installation Instructions

A step-by-step set of instructions and video’s on Installing the Microconic Cartridge In Machine. You can also download a PDF here:

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Tools required for Installation

 

Other than some standard shop tools, everything you need to install the Microconic system on your machine is supplied with your order

  • Microconic Cartridge
  • Microconic Collet
  • Micrograd Wrench (supplied)
  • Ball Hex Driver (supplied)
  • Spindle Nose Cap Wrench
  • ​Allen Wrench Set
  • Air Supply
  • Indicator
Micrograd Collet Wrench and ball head driver

Instructions for both Regular and Over-grip collets
​unless otherwise designated

1. Put machine in safe state for changing of collet

  • Follow manufacturer’s recommended procedures.
  • Put the CNC machine in safe state.
  • Put the collet in the “OPEN collet” state.

2. Remove spindle nose cap and collet

  • Machine should be in “open collet” state.
  • Remove the spindle nose cap with the appropriate wrench.
  • Remove the current collet.
  • Remove spring from sleeve (see Step 3 for more detail.)
  • Remove spindle sleeve. (see Step 3 for more detail.)

3. Remove spring

  • Remove spindle sleeve. (as shown in Step 2.)
  • Remove the spring from the sleeve.
  • ​Store the spring in a safe place for future use with traditional collets.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The spring will interfere with proper function of the Microconic cartridge. It is critical that it be removed.

4. Clean spindle taper

  • Carefully wipe the tapered sleeve seating surface to assure no particles or grit are present.
  • Always clean the spindle so that fine chips or oil sludge deposits do not impact the connection.

​IMPORTANT NOTE: Never blow air into the spindle as this could force debris into the closing mechanism on the machine.

5. Clean Microconic cartridge

  • Blow any heavy dirt or debris off of the Microconic Cartridge
  • Carefully wipe exterior seating surfaces to assure no particles are present.

6. Insert Sleeve and Microconic cartridge into spindle

  • Reinstall the spindle sleeve.
  • Insert the clean, and debris free Microconic Catridge into the clean spindle.
  • Thread on the spindle nose cap.

7. Install spindle nose cap

  • Tighten the spindle nose cap with appropriate wrenches and to any recommened torque specified by the machine tool builder.

8. Adjust collet closer

Adjust machine collet closer for medium force when in “closed” state. Set adjustment by the standard method for the machine.

​IMPORTANT NOTE: The actual collet force will be controlled by the Microconic cartridge.

9. Insure proper Operation

  • Insure proper operation of the collet closer.

10. Put machine in “closed collet”state

  • Put machine in safe state for changing of collet
  • Put the collet in the “CLOSED collet” state.
  • Follow manufacturer’s recommended procedures.
  • Microconic cartridge should already be installed per prior steps.

11. Verify Concentricity

he Microconic cartridge is precision ground to gage-like tolerances.

  • Test the concentricity of the machine spindle by indicating the extended nose of the Microconic cartridge.
  • Runout less than 3 microns (.0001”) is typical for a machine in excellent condition.
  • As you can see in this video, the runout exceeds 3 microns, In this case you should re-clean and re-install the components. (see below for more detail)
  • If it’s worse than 3 microns, try re-cleaning and reinstalling the cartridge until you see the results shown in this video.

​IMPORTANT NOTE: The actual collet force will be controlled by the Microconic cartridge.

If you still have a runout issue, after recleaning and re- installing, please contact your machinery dealer so they can inspect your machine’s spindle as this could indicate a machine problem.

12. Insert Microconic collet into cartridge

12 – A

  • Make sure collet and cartridge are clean and free of debris particles.
  • Air blast off any large debris.
  • Wipe down the collet.

12 – B

  • Rotate collet enough to engage key in keyway.
  • Slide the collet into the cartridge and begin threading it.​

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the collet won’t turn after engaging the keyway, loosen the adjustment lock screw using supplied hex key wrench. Back out less than 1 turn.

12-C though 12-F: Instructions for OVER-GRIP ONLY

Skip to section 13 for regular collets

12 – C

  • Thread/turn the collet in a clockwise direction until it stops .

12 – D

Follow manufacturer’s recommended procedures.

  • Put the CNC machine in safe state.
  • Put the collet in the “OPEN collet” state.

12 – E

  • ​Thread the collet one and a half (1-1/2) turns further into the cartridge.

12 – F

Follow manufacturer’s recommended procedures.

  • Put the CNC machine in safe state.
  • Put the collet in the “CLOSED collet” state.

This section applies to both Over-grip and Regular collets

13. Tighten Microconic collet to working diameter

  • Insert an appropriate size gage pin (or part) into the collet that meets the diameter requirement that you will be clamping on.

14. Adjust collet force

  • Use supplied Micrograd collet wrench with diametral graduations (Ø.02mm or .001” graduations).
  • Thread the collet in a clockwise direction into the cartridge until it closes onto the gage pin (or part) of desired size that you have inserted into collet.
  • With the MicroGrad collet wrench (CW10), tighten the collet onto the gage pin. THIS IS THE “ZERO CLAMPING” POSITION.
  • Loosen the collet exactly 1 graduation (.02mm or .001”), remove the gage pin, then return back to the ZERO CLAMPING position.
  • Note the position of the graduations on the Micrograd collet wrench.
  • Now adjust the clamping force by further tightening the collet. Each graduation line on the MicroGrad wrench is .02mm or .001″ diameter. A good starting point would be .02 – .08mm or .001 – .003” of clamping force.

IMPORTANT NOTE: For a firm grip on solid workpieces typically a closure of about .08mm (.003”) is a good starting point.

CAUTION: DO NOT TIGHTEN MORE THAN .14mm (7 graduations with metric wrench) or .005” (5 graduations with inch wrench).

  • Experience will soon teach the best settings, and they may vary significantly for different applications based on the force required, rigidity of workpiece, and machining operation being performed.
  • After setting for optimal clamping with the Micrograd collet wrench you may wish to make note of it on your set-up sheet for future reference.

15. Tighten adjustment lock screw

  • Use supplied black handled Masa hex key wrench.

  • Tighten with mild finger pressure (do not over-tighten).

  • Immediately remove hex key wrench.

​CAUTION: Never leave Micrograd wrench or the Hex Key Wrench inserted in the cartridge – remove it immediately.

  • Collet is now installed.

  • Opening /closing of collet will be under normal machine control.

  • ​Proceed with use of machine per proper safe operating procedure.

CAUTIONS:

  • Never attempt to hand load a gage or workpiece into the collet when it is open. If it gets caught in the slots while closing, the collet will be damaged.
  • Reliable part ejection is critical. Collet damage will occur if a workpiece is not completely ejected. If needed, use the supplied Microguide EGS ejection guide sleeve blank to help guide the part out of the collet (see following instructions). Initially validate the reliability of part ejection by programming a cycle stop to allow operator to 100% verify that the part is properly ejected.
  • Swarf/chip control is critical. Parts that are wrapped with chips on the gripping surface can damage or break the collet if chucked on. Initially use a programmed cycle stop to allow operator to verify that the workpiece is free of chips prior to clamping.
  • Tight control of the work piece diameter is important. It is best to hold +/- 15μm (+/- .0006”) diameter in the gripping area to prevent undesired variation of gripping force.

Removal Instructions

1. Put machine in safe state for changing of collet

Follow manufacturer’s recommended procedures. Microconic collet should already be installed in cartridge per prior steps.

2. Loosen adjustment lock screw

Back out 1 turn maximum. Use supplied hex key wrench.

CAUTION: Never leave wrench inserted – remove it immediately.

3. Remove Microconic collet

Use supplied collet wrench. Unthread collet from the cartridge.

IMPORTANT NOTE: the CNC machine MUST be in and OPEN collet state to remove the collet.

4. Done!

Ready to install another Microconic collet as needed.

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