ID-Expanding Mandrel Generator
A SolidWorks VBA generator for a fixed-cone, sliding-sleeve expanding mandrel concept built as separate revolved bodies.
A mechanical study of an ID-expanding three-jaw chuck and associated jaw deflection/manufacturing considerations.
ENGINEERING VALUE
Shows rigorous workholding development across concept, calculation, analysis, and manufacturing documentation.
Engineering concept illustration.
01 / THE PROBLEM
An internal-diameter workholding concept needed enough expansion and stiffness while controlling contact, travel, jaw stress, and manufacturability.
02 / CONSTRAINTS
03 / ENGINEERING APPROACH
Iterate jaw geometry and loading assumptions, compare analytical and static-analysis results, and refine manufacturable details.
Concept development; Jaw deflection calculations; Static finite-element review; Manufacturing drawing iterations; Vendor-component integration.
04 / DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION
Rev G developed the jaw and deflection study; Rev H continued the manufacturing drawing revisions.
05 / VALIDATION
The study combines jaw-deflection calculations, static-analysis review and drawing iterations to evaluate stiffness, travel and manufacturability.
06 / OUTCOME
Shows rigorous workholding development across concept, calculation, analysis, and manufacturing documentation.
THE ENGINEERING PRINCIPLE
Internal expanding workholding can improve external tool access, but the expansion mechanism also changes contact, stiffness and part distortion. A mechanical study needs to connect travel and load paths to manufacturability and a prove-out plan.
Which load cases and contact assumptions would you check before choosing jaw geometry?
LET’S BUILD SOMETHING THAT WORKS
Considering a role in mechanical design, manufacturing methods,
fixture design, or estimation? Let’s connect.