Walker Magnetics TURBOMILL 40B - Manual (Page 12)

O.S. WALKER Co. Inc., Turbomill Electroperm Chucks
DD15508M.doc Rev. ~, September 17, 2002
4-1
4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
4.1 System Operation
The electro-perm chucks operate via a chuck control. The control for this particular
Electroperm chuck should be either a Walker VFR-10 or a Walker Smart 100T control. You
can refer to the chuck control manual for detailed information on the installation and
operation of this control. Use of other model controls could result in reduced holding force or
cause permanent damage to the chuck.
The basic on/off sequence of operation of the chuck is by depressing the "ON" or "OFF"
button on the remote station of the control. Electroperm chucks can be unplugged once the
cycle is complete.
Always be sure the work piece is completely resting on the top surface of the chuck before
turning the chuck "ON". Also, use caution when handling metal objects near the top surface
of the chuck when it is "ON". The permanent magnetic field can cause these objects to be
attracted to the chuck.
4.2 Important Facts about Magnetic Holding
Work piece characteristics must be considered in order to determine the magnetic holding
attraction that a magnetic chuck can provide.
This is true for all magnetic chucks because they all operate using the same fundamental
laws of physics. Magnetic power is often pictured as lines of magnetic force flowing from
north to south pole. Anything that limits the flow of these magnetic lines of force obviously
reduces the magnets holding capacity. Many important factors limit the flow of these lines of
force.
4.3 Surface Conditions
Magnetic lines of force do not flow easily through air. They need iron in order to flow freely;
therefore, anything that creates a space or an air gap between the magnet and the work
piece limits the flow of magnetic lines of force and, thus, reduces the holding capacity of a
magnetic chuck.
4.3.1 Magnetic Chuck Surface Condition
The holding surface of a magnetic chuck must be clean, smooth, flat, and free of nicks or
burrs in order to minimize the air gap between the chuck holding surface and the Work
piece. All Walker chucks are designed with soft, low carbon steel magnetic poles in the
chuck in order to maximize the holding capacity; therefore, special care must be taken to
protect these areas.