A 3-Jaw Self-Centring Welding Gripper Chuck
It is a clamping device commonly used in welding automation, tank fabrication, pipe welding, and positioning systems.
• A chuck with three jaws that move simultaneously when adjusted.
• Designed to self-center the workpiece (pipe, flange, or round component), ensuring concentric clamping.
• Usually mounted on welding positioners, head and tail stocks
Key Features:
• Self-Centring Action: All jaws move together, automatically aligning the workpiece with the chuck’s axis.
• High Clamping Force: Strong grip for holding pipes, tanks, shafts, and circular parts during welding.
• Quick Setup: Faster workholding compared to independent jaws.
• Adaptability: Jaws can be swapped between internal (ID) or external (OD) gripping.
• Sizes: Range from small to large diameters
Applications in Welding:
• Pipe to flange welding
• Tank nozzle welding
• Round workpiece alignment on positioners
• Automation setups for repetitive jobs
Advantages:
• Accurate centering → better weld quality
• Reduces setup time
• Secure clamping during rotation/welding
• Durable for heavy fabrication
Disadvantages:
• Limited to round or symmetrical parts
• Less flexible than 4-jaw independent chucks (can’t clamp irregular shapes)
COMPARISON BETWEEN
3-Jaw and 4-Jaw WELDING CHUCKS
3-Jaw Welding Chuck (Self-Centring)
Features:
• All three jaws move simultaneously when the key is turned (self-centring).
• Automatically centers round or hexagonal workpieces.
• Commonly used for pipes, round flanges, and cylindrical work.
Advantages:
• Fast setup – centers the work automatically.
• Ideal for holding round workpieces (pipes, shafts, cylinders).
• Simpler to operate for repetitive jobs.
• Less adjustment skill required.
Disadvantages:
• Less accurate – not suitable when perfect centring is critical (runout is usually higher).
• Cannot hold irregular or square shapes effectively.
• Gripping force is spread across fewer jaws, so it may slip in heavy-duty jobs.
4-Jaw Welding Chuck (Independent)
Features:
• Each jaw moves independently.
• Workpiece centring must be done manually using a dial indicator or visual alignment.
• Can hold round, square, rectangular, or irregular shapes.
Advantages:
• Versatile – holds round, square, and even asymmetrical parts.
• More accurate – allows fine centring adjustments (better concentricity control).
• Stronger grip since jaws can be tightened individually.
• Useful for non-standard weld fixtures or off-center welding.
Disadvantages:
• Slower setup – requires manual adjustment for every job.
• More skill is required to center the workpiece properly.
• Less efficient for repetitive round work compared to a 3-jaw.