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MAXNOVO MACHINE Tips : In machining operations, hard jaws and soft jaws serve distinct roles based on their material properties, applications and versatility. In the field of machine tools, the "hard jaw" refers to a standard, pre-hardened chuck jaw made from strong steel, typically used for clamping rough workpieces, while the "soft jaw" is a custom-machined jaw made from softer material like aluminum or mild steel, designed to grip delicate or irregularly shaped parts without damaging their surface finish.
Table Of Content
1. The difference between hard jaws and soft jaws
(1.1) Material and Durability
(1.2) Customization
(1.3) Applications
(1.4) Cost and Longevity
(2.1) Clean and Inspect
(2.2) Mount Securely
(2.3) Align Precisely
(2.4) Test the Grip
(2.5) Verify Runout
3. Adjusting Soft Jaws
(3.1) Machine the Jaws
(3.2) Deburr and Clean
(3.3) Align and Test
(3.4) Add Protective Layers
Hard Jaws:
Typically made from hardened steel or other durable metals. They are resistant to wear and tear, making them suitable for high-force, repetitive tasks. Pre-machined and heat-treated for durability, they are ideal for securely clamping rough or heavy-duty workpieces (such as raw forgings, castings).
Soft Jaws :
Usually crafted from softer materials like aluminum, mild steel, or plastic. They are less durable but easier to machine and shape. Custom-machined to match the exact contours of a workpiece, they provide a precision grip for delicate, irregularly shaped, or finished parts (e.g., polished components, thin-walled tubing).
Hard Jaws :
Pre-machined with standard profiles (such as flat, serrated, or V-shaped). Difficult to modify due to their hardness, so they’re best for uniform, high-volume work.
Soft Jaws :
Can be easily machined to fit unique or irregular workpiece shapes. Ideal for custom jobs, allowing precise contouring for specialized parts.
Hard Jaws :
They often Used for general-purpose clamping in high-production environments. Excel in gripping standard-shaped parts with serrated surfaces for added hold. Risk of marring delicate surfaces due to their rigid texture.
Soft Jaws :
Employed for delicate or non-standard workpieces where a custom grip is needed. Protect sensitive materials from scratches or deformation. Common in prototyping or low-volume runs requiring frequent setup changes.
Hard Jaws :
Higher initial cost but longer lifespan due to wear resistance.
Soft Jaws :
Cheaper and replaceable, but require frequent machining and replacement for specialized tasks.
General Speaking, Choose Hard Jaws for durability, repeatability, and standard shapes in high-volume production. But when machining irregular work-pieces (customization or delicate handling), it is better to choose to use the Soft Jaws.
How to Properly Adjust Hard Jaws and Soft Jaws
Properly adjusting hard jaws and soft jaws ensures secure clamping, precision, and workpiece safety. Our professional engineers from MAXNOVO MACHINE give a concise, practical guide for your kindly reference.
Remove debris, chips, or burrs from the jaw surfaces.
Check for wear or damage (e.g., worn serrations).
Attach jaws to the chuck or vise evenly, tightening bolts in a star pattern to avoid misalignment.
Use a dial indicator to check concentricity and parallelism.
Adjust the chuck scroll or vise until runout is minimized (typically < 0.001" for precision work).
Clamp a test workpiece and verify even pressure. Avoid over-tightening to prevent part deformation.
Rotate the chuck and measure runout. Adjust if needed.
Mount blank soft jaws (e.g., aluminum) to the chuck/vise.
Machine the jaws to match your workpieces.
Use a boring bar for round parts or an end mill for complex contours.
Cut slightly smaller than the workpiece diameter for a snug fit.
Remove sharp edges or chips from the machined surfaces.
Use a dial indicator to ensure concentricity.
Clamp the workpiece and check for secure grip without distortion.
Use soft inserts (such as copper, plastic) to protect delicate surfaces.
At the same time, you please pay full attention to avoid some Common Mistakes.
Skipping alignment checks with a dial indicator.
Reusing soft jaws without re-machining for new parts.
Ignoring debris, which causes poor grip and inaccuracies.
By following these steps, you would maximize clamping accuracy, protect your workpiece, and extend jaw lifespan.
For more information about Lathes and CNC Machines, welcome you to contact our Machinery Experts and visit our MAXNOVO MACHINE website ( www.maxnovocnc.com ）
