FRB Face Drivers – Drive From the Face, Stay on Center

by Bernard Martin

FRB face drivers drive from the face and hold center, allowing full
OD machining in one setup with stable torque and repeatable accuracy

Tecnologie FRB builds face drivers around a single engineering objective – transmit torque through the face of the part while maintaining controlled axial thrust and predictable concentricity. That lets you machine the entire OD in one setup with the part located on its true center. You’re driving from the face, holding center, and finishing the OD in one shot. The result is consistent torque transfer, repeatable part location, and fewer setup headaches across turning, grinding, and gear cutting.

Two Generations of Engineering Experience
FRB is a second-generation, family-run Italian manufacturer that has focused exclusively on face-driving systems for decades. That narrow focus shows up in the details. The face driver is treated as a dedicated workholding system rather than a variation of a chuck or clamp.

Pin geometry, axial thrust control, and centering methods are engineered around how parts behave under load in CNC turning, grinding, and gear cutting. The design intent is stability at the cut, not theoretical performance.

How an FRB Face Driver Works
Torque is transmitted through hardened driving pins that engage the face of the workpiece while a center point establishes axial location. The part is driven from the face and located from center, leaving the entire outside diameter clear for machining.

With no jaws contacting the OD, the full external surface can be machined in a single setup. The driving pins float radially, allowing them to accommodate minor face variation while maintaining consistent torque transmission once axial load is applied.

Axial Thrust Control
Axial thrust is generated either by internal spring packs or by a hydraulic cylinder, depending on the face driver configuration. In both cases, thrust is applied at a defined and repeatable level that presses the workpiece into the driving pins.

Controlled axial load prevents overloading thin sections while still providing sufficient force to transmit torque during heavier cuts. Load consistency is maintained from part to part, reducing variation caused by changes in part length or face condition.

Spring-Loaded Face Drivers
FRB spring-loaded face drivers generate axial thrust through internal spring packs acting through the tailstock. This mechanically simple system provides consistent load and repeatability for soft turning, hobbing, and general production work.

Because the part is referenced from the center rather than the OD, runout is controlled at the functional datum. Typical center-based runout remains within about 0.001", depending on size and configuration. The spring system maintains consistent contact when small variations exist in the part face, keeping the drive stable

Hydraulic Face Drivers
FRB hydraulic face drivers apply axial thrust using an integrated hydraulic cylinder rather than relying solely on tailstock force. This allows higher thrust levels and tighter control, supporting heavier turning and grinding operations.

Axial load is applied through the spindle, improving rigidity and reducing sensitivity to tailstock condition. Hydraulic models are used where tighter runout is required and where long production runs need consistent stability under changing cutting loads.

Centering, Locking, and Accuracy Control
FRB face drivers are centered on the machine spindle using radial set screws or dedicated centering holes, depending on flange style. Once centered, the unit is locked to eliminate radial and axial movement during operation. This aligns the face driver to the spindle axis rather than relying on chuck jaw accuracy. Concentricity and roundness are governed by the center reference, independent of OD condition or gripping surface quality.

Driving Pins and Center Points
Driving pins are available in multiple sizes and orientations, with right-hand and left-hand options to match spindle rotation. A small amount of rotation under load helps the pins seat evenly and keep the drive consistent. Center points come in fixed, spring-loaded, and slotted versions. Slotted centers make room for lubrication or shallow center holes without giving up axial accuracy.

Flange and Mounting Options
FRB face drivers are available with integral flanges, Morse taper shanks, and bolt-on flanges with centering holes. This makes it easier to use the same face driver across different machines while keeping it running true and solid.

Typical Applications
Face drivers are commonly used for shaft production, transmission components, gear blanks, and precision ground parts where full OD access and center-based accuracy are required. Eliminating jaw distortion and secondary setups improves process stability and cycle-to-cycle consistency.

FRB face drivers are built to control axial load, stay on center, and drive the part without slipping. Spring-loaded and hydraulic versions let the face driver match the cut instead of fighting it. When the part stays centered and solid, the process stays predictable and the machine gets used the way it should.

For sizing help, configuration selection, and application support, contact Browne Sales to discuss the appropriate FRB face driver for your machines and parts.