The OML PBI series is a range of pneumatic 3-jaw self-centering power chucks manufactured by OML S.p.A., an Italian workholding specialist with over 30 years of experience. The PBI-D and PBI-C designations represent two configuration variants within the series. Pneumatic actuation delivers consistent, repeatable clamping force without the oil management requirements of hydraulic systems, making these chucks suitable for production environments where clean operation is a priority.

How does pneumatic chuck actuation compare to hydraulic?

Pneumatic chucks like the PBI series use compressed air — typically at 6–8 bar shop air pressure — to actuate the chuck mechanism via an integrated pneumatic cylinder. Compared to hydraulic power chucks, pneumatic systems eliminate the need for a hydraulic power unit, simplify installation, and reduce maintenance. The trade-off is lower maximum clamping force per unit of chuck diameter, limited by available shop air pressure. Pneumatic chucks are generally preferred for lighter to medium-duty turning where the machine's compressed air system can supply sufficient actuation force.

What are the PBI-D and PBI-C variants?

The D and C suffixes indicate different configurations — typically relating to mounting interface or cylinder type. PBI-D likely designates a direct-mount configuration while PBI-C may indicate a different cylinder arrangement or through-bore specification. For exact dimensional data and variant-specific specifications, consult the OML general catalog or contact OML S.p.A. directly.