Companies developing and building lathes with a spindle speed of up to 5600 rpm have the option of fitting a new, hydraulically actuated, rotary chuck cylinder that typically consumes 1.5 kilowatt-hours over a daily shift, compared with 36 kilowatt-hours for a conventional cylinder. The reduction is said to be nearly 96 per cent and to equate to a saving of more than 19 kg of carbon dioxide.
Called ECO cylinder, the unit is manufactured by Kitagawa, Japan, and will be launched on the company's stand, A53, in hall 5 at EMO 2011, Hannover, 19-24 September. Availability in the UK is through Kitagawa Europe, Salisbury.
The open-centre cylinder achieves its massive, 24-fold efficiency advantage by allowing the electrically driven pump to cut the hydraulic oil supply once the chuck is clamped. Holding pressure is maintained using an internal locking mechanism which is only released during the chuck unclamp process. This is in contrast to conventional cylinders, which deliver the hydraulic supply constantly to maintain holding force.

Less heat generation and reduced oil temperature

www.kitagawaeurope.com