There are lots of expanding mandrels on the market, but none with the value and versatility of Xpandrel®. Xpandrels have an unusually long length to diameter ratio, and, because of their unique design, offer full and even contact pressure over 95% of the length of the holding surface. This makes Xpandrel® the perfect choice for close-tolerance machining, especially for thin-wall applications. And, since Xpandrel® can be held between centers, as well as in a chuck or collet, you can move your part from machine to inspection and back without removing the part - allowing for precise location and measurements. Best of all, Xpandrel® is available off-the-shelf in a variety of sizes ready to turn to your exact requirements, including multiple diameters and Y-axis locating shoulders. Custom-built Xpandrels are also available. Xpandrel® is your best choice for value and versatility.

Economical to Buy - Simple to Use Necessity is the mother of invention…and Xpandrel® is no exception. Our shop needed an expanding mandrel that provides maximum surface contact with minimal radial distortion. Nothing on the market worked…so we made our own. Xpandrel® is the end result of years of trial and error, fine tuned and refined trough demanding, real-world use in our precision machine shop. We build each Xpandrel® in our own shop to exacting tolerances and standards, and we ship direct to save you time and money. Xpandrel® could not be easier to use. Just turn Xpandrel® to match the I.D. of your locating bore(s), load your part, and you’re ready to machine. It’s that simple. You’re up and running in no time at a fraction of the cost of other mandrels, and Xpandrel® can be used again and again for smaller diameters. Xpandrel® is your off-the-shelf solution.

Intelligent Design - Precision-Made Performance Problem: How to locate and hold a thin-wall part on its I.D. securely with no distortion. Solution: Xpandrel®. Xpandrel’s unique design gives you distortion-free, infinitely controllable expansion over 95% of the holding surface with absolutely no linear or radial bulges or soft spots anywhere. And, Xpandrel® offers an extraordinary length to diameter ratio, perfect for long bores and tubes. It is the result of a very intelligent design. Every Xpandrel® is precision machined and assembled to exacting tolerances by highly skilled craftsmen in our own manufacturing facility in New Hampshire. We are proud of the quality and precision build into every Xpandrel®, and we’re proud to say “Made in the U.S.A.” Xpandrel® is the intelligent, precision-made solution to your most demanding workholding requirements. Try it and see.

Solid or Modular Construction All Xpandrels are constructed using one of two methods: The Solid Construction method is used to build standard and custom Xpandrels with a major diameter up to 2.50”. Solid Xpandrels are machined from one piece of aluminum with the actuating components pressed and staked into place through surface openings. These types of Xpandrels require fewer components, are less expensive to produce, and are priced accordingly. Solid Xpandrels are also available in higher length to diameter ratios then their modular cousins.

The Modular Construction method is used to build standard and custom Xpandrels with a major diameter over 2.50”. Years of testing and improvement revealed that the physical characteristics of solid aluminum are not optimal for our larger diameter Xpandrels, so we use aluminum tubing instead. This design requires a few more internal components and also allows for the end caps to be made from a variety of materials, typically stainless or carbon steel. All Xpandrels are built to last with designed-in durability and precision craftsmanship.

Some Exceptional Features of Xpandrel® • Hold between Centers for Absolute Repeatability • Hold in a Chuck or Collet, with or without a Center • Extra-Long Length to Diameter Radio • 95% Surface Contact with No Distortion • Built to Last - Easy to Use • Infinitely Adjustable Holding Pressure • Use in Place of Arbors for Inspection • An Affordable, Off-the-Shelf Solution • Precision Made in the U.S.A.

When you need a quick, reliable, precision-made solution - you need Xpandrel®. No other expanding mandrel can match the features, the ease of use, and the precision craftsmanship built into every Xpandrel®. Our team is available to help with your specific requirements…and we’re machinists so we speak your language. Give us your toughest workholding challenge and let us show you how Xpandrel® will save you time and money. Contact us today.

Xpandrel® is featured in the May 2007 issue of Modern Machine Shop. Click Here to see the article on MMS Online™