Toolholding & Workholding

Shrink-fit holders further reduce cycle times in high-speed machining centers

Rego-Fix's PG toolholding collet system solves shop's pullout problem.

The Mate 52/96 workholding system includes QuickSpecs™, Mate's unique product identification system. QuickSpecs allows real-time access to critical user data, CAD models and potential integration into business systems. Additionally, the product supports common robotic interfaces and palletizing systems to support factory automation.

Real-time balance conditions are indicated on the HMI allowing technicians to predict when the wheel needs to be rebalanced before the surface finish degrades. With the Automatic Balancing System, the operator can balance the wheel successfully in as little as 5 minutes, regardless of skill level.n

While the latest data on cutting tool orders shows a decline, orders appear to have "found a bottom" and tool suppliers look to the future with the release of a multitude of new tooling, workholding, machine tools and accessories into the marketplace.

With Kyocera Precision Tools Inc.'s new insert, blade and tool block designs, users can achieve rigid, safe and secure cutoff operations thanks to the clamping mechanisms of the KPK series. The insert clamp design is said to enable fast replacement of inserts and reduce downtime.

Wall Colmonoy presents a superior wear plate with lifetime beyond traditional competitors in the marketplace. ColWear plates are produced using proprietary Colmonoy® nickel and Wallex® cobalt alloys, with optional tungsten carbide. Vacuum-furnace production techniques developed over decades have been used to improve the metallurgical properties of the alloy matrix.n

Loaded with features, the compact Kurt RV36 Gripper comes standard with integrated electronics featuring sensors that ensure fingers and parts are in place and ready for production. High-strength aluminum alloy keeps gripper weight to a minimum while a hard-coat finish reduces wear and increases life in the field. Smaller gripper size allows easier storage where space is a premium.n

Robots insert workpieces into a milling machine, dispense chocolate bars from vending machines and place crates on pallets, which are then stacked. But how can they move vertically, horizontally or overhead in a flexible manner? The answer is a 7th axis. Specifically, for linear adjustment, igus has developed a lubrication-free, lightweight flat axis with a stroke of up to 6m and a positioning accuracy of 0.5mm with the help of its drylin linear construction kit. n

Platinum Tooling Technologies recently created a video highlighting the products the company would have exhibited at its booth during IMTS had the 2020 trade show not been canceled due to the pandemic.

A Russian battery maker was looking to automate its manufacturing process and turned to Wenaroll in Solingen, Germany, experts in burnishing technology, to develop a turnkey production system.

Kurt's PF 420, PF 440 and PF 460 vises come with standard 4-inch jaw width and jaw openings ranging from 2.625" to 6.625" making them the perfect vise for any customer's workholding applications. PF-series vises replace the previous Kurt HP models and feature the patented AngLock® design to minimize jaw lift and deflection. The proven AngLock® design naturally pushes the vise jaws down and forward allowing much greater surface contact on parts—maximizing holding strength with less clamp force.n