NPL in action
test rig to simulate the conditions and forces experienced during spline machining. A splined test component was clamped into the collet and subjected to various loads, replicating typical manufacturing stresses. Measurements were taken throughout the process to evaluate how the spline teeth responded under pressure. The results were promising. Initial tests showed that the collet could withstand forces typical in machining environments, with minimal slippage or deformation. This gave the Craftsman team confidence that the design would meet the demands of EV manufacturing. The project also led to the development of a measurement method that could be implemented in-house using Craftsman Tools’ existing equipment. This allowed the team to inspect and verify spline integrity without investing in costly new metrology systems. “The teams at Huddersfield and NPL were fantastic,” says Thorburn. “They understood our products and the engineering behind them, and they found solutions quickly.” Market impact and future growth Thanks to the I4M support,
collet system and can be adapted for a wide range of component sizes. However, there were still technical questions to answer. Would the collet hold the splines securely under machining forces? Could it deform? And how could these performance factors be reliably tested? Testing, validation and collaboration Craftsman Tools turned to the University of Huddersfield through the I4M programme to answer these questions. Together, they developed a specialised
Craftsman Tools now has a validated product ready for the growing EV market. The new collet system can be certified to meet the torque and force
requirements specified by EV manufacturers, supported by data-backed
safety limits. This gives customers confidence in both the performance and reliability of the system. n www.npl.co.uk Measurement & Manufacturing 33
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