Toolholding & Workholding

Changing a three-axis machining process from a vertical machining center (VMC) to a horizontal machining center (HMC) offers many benefits.

Four types of clamps are available with the locking mechanism including Vertical Handle, Horizontal Handle, Pull (Latch) Style and Push (Straight Line) Style toggle clamps. The added feature ensures that the toggle clamp will remain in the closed / hold down position for maximum security in workholding applications. Additionally, it also ensures that the clamps remain in the unclamped / open position to facilitate part change and operator convenience.

GN 415 is available in three sizes between 0.87 and 1.54 inches (22 and 39 millimeters) wide, each with two spring strengths. The two available slide types and the wedge-shaped or cylindrical, rounded thrust pad not only hold parts with side pressure but also exert an additional downward force. All thrust pads can be rotated around their long axis in 90-degree steps to optimally adjust to the part geometry – this is as simple as loosening the central slide screw. The thrust pads are also available in a POM plastic version as well as in stainless steel with smooth or textured pressure pad for better grip. The latter type is produced by injection molding of metal and is therefore subject to only minimal measurement tolerances.

Confirming that your parts are properly supported and ready for clamping has never been easier and more reliable. Be confident your part is safe and secure every time with Vektek's latest Part Present Sensing Work Support. To learn more, please enjoy this short instructional video.

The KONTEC KSC mini is the vise of choice for flexible use in efficient blank and finish part machining. Conversion on a larger clamping range is even possible without requiring additional accessories. Different jaw widths of 45 and 70 mm can be used on the same basic vise, allowing optimal adjustment to different clamping tasks.

The tribo plain bearings made of high-strength filament fabric are used where very high loads occur. The extremely strong filament in its specially interwoven design ensures maximum resistance and enables a maximum permissible compressive strength of 400 MPa. The newly developed material was extensively tested on the indoor and outdoor test rigs in the 3,800 square-meter igus test laboratory.

The ZeroClamp Zerolox Zero Point Automation console is the only Zero Point product like it on the market today. It is superior both in repeatability and clamping force to single Zero Point workholding units having only 1 clamping stud with an orientation pin or slot. In addition to manual mechanical plate Zero Point clamping systems using 4 V-notched studs on a 52/96 mm spacing which requires clearance in multiple geometric planes.

Part manufacturer seeks solution to effectively hold a large workpiece on a vertical machining center.

Glass fibers as light as feathers; the smallest SMD components or micro-mechanical parts; sensitive battery components; plastic films; paper and glass - all can be handled by the ADHESO gripper. Gripping of automotive or mechanical engineering components of a weight of 33 pounds and more is also possible. Automated separation of breathable components is also feasible. With the ADHESO gripper, solutions can be tailored to each customer's individual needs, creating opportunities that are as diverse as the applications themselves.

Modular, quick-change workholders suit the requirements for low-volume, high-mix parts manufacturing.

Boulevard Machine & Gear, a gear-cutting shop founded in 1954 to serve the paper industry in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts, began a period of modernization and investment with the 2006 acquisition of the company by Susan Kasa. Kasa's focus was to grow the company and become more efficient. One issue of concern dealt with completing certain machining jobs with conventional side-lock and collet holders. To solve this problem, the company invested in a Haimer Power Clamp Special Edition shrink fit machine, Haimer Standard Shrink chucks, Haimer Power Shrink chucks and extensions.

Jergens' 130mm hydraulic vise offers users the ability to position the jaws just outside of the dimension of the workpiece to minimize travel when clamping. This, in combination with the speed of hydraulic workholding, reduces clamping and unclamping operations to about one second. The ease of use of these double-acting vises allows users to repeat these time-saving operations, adding up to measurable machine uptime and productivity increases, especially for high mix, low volume manufacturers.