Question:

What is an Xpandrel®, and what can it do for me?

Answer:

An Xpandrel® is an internal work holding devise that can be machined to fit the work piece by the end user. The Xpandrel® is made from 6061-T6 Aluminum to allow easy machining and light weight and still have the strength of mild steel.

Question:

Where would an Xpandrel® be used in our process?

Answer:

An Xpandrel® is a very versatile tool. We have been using these mandrels in every department of our machine shop. The Xpandrel® can be used for Turning, Milling, Grinding, Inspection, or to just support an internal feature from distorting while machining elsewhere.

Question:

How well do these Xpandrels hold the part?

Answer:

We have been using this method since 1993, and have yet to spin a part on the mandrel. We have had customers call us to tell us about their most difficult parts made from high nickel alloys requiring very high torque loads, with absolutely no slip with these mandrels.

Question:

How does an Xpandrel® work so well?

Answer:

The main theory behind Xpandrel® is as follows:
• Keep the ends of the mandrel solid so that concentricity to the centers never changes.
• Apply a force multiplier that acts similar to a thermal fit.
• Keep costs low enough to dedicate the tool to the job.

Question:

How do I know which Xpandrel® I need?

Answer:

The Xpandrel® holds the part along it's slotted area. Choose an Xpandrel® from the table that is larger in diameter, and longer in the slotted area than your part. Please call us with any questions.

Question:

Do I need to turn the Xpandrel's entire length one size?

Answer:

No. The Xpandrel® may be turned to hold several diameters at the same time. If you have multiple bores, the same profile can be cut onto the Xpandrel®. The shoulders act as a dead stop.

Question:

How do I hold an Xpandrel® for turning the initial shape?

Answer:

The Xpandrel® has 60 degree centers on both ends. These centers may be used with a drive dog, or one end may be chucked. We have left more solid room for chucking on one side of the mandrel.

Question:

Are Xpandrels custom made to order?

Answer:

We have been building and using Xpandrels in our own machine shop for many years, but this is our first time offering Xpandrels for sale to the public. While we build our inventory, each Xpandrel® is made to order… but our pricing is based on production runs. You get custom-made Xpandrels at production prices. That’s a deal that’s hard to beat!