Hydraulic Steady Rests Reduce Chatter, Vibration

LMC Workholding offers the AX series of Atling self-centering hydraulic steady rests for a variety of turning applications. The steady rests are available in gripping ranges from 6 to 70 mm to 450 to 870 mm, as well as special sizes. They enable the turning of long-shaft, slim and heavy workpieces and center workpieces. They are also designed to provide support at several positions and reduce chatter and vibration. 

The housing is made of cast iron and all moving parts are hardened. All models are equipped with roller wiper seals to prevent chips from entering the housing. Other design features include swing-away levers, automatic lubrication, a water flush system to prevent chips from coming in between the rollers and the workpiece, stroke control, check valves, and air barriers.

The design of the machined angle on the roller levers gives uniform clamping force throughout the clamping range of each steady rest. The angular lever design varies only 7 percent in grip force over the complete gripping range, compared to 37 percent variation in other models, delivering better grip force, according to the company.