Toolholding & Workholding

The HAINBUCH SPANNTOP high-precision workholding system offers users the option of converting the basic chuck for OD, ID and 3-jaw clamping operations with a change-over time of 2 minutes or less. Equally important, in each mode, the chuck delivers proven performance and high repeatability, according to the company.

Abbott Workholding has introduced premachined versions of its popular configurations complete with a universal mounting pattern for use on virtually any machine make and model. These 400mm, 500mm and 630mm fixtures include top plates where applicable and can ship same day.

Up to 28.5 inch jaw opening and 12,000 lbs. of clamping force makes Kurt's XL 8-inch vises ideal for the largest tool and die, molds and machining extra large parts in automotive, aerospace and oil drilling industries. Kurt XL vises also function well as a receiver for other workholding setups.

The REGO-FIX intRlox Mini Nut for Swiss automatic machine tool applications has an anti-slip locking design that is engineered to prevent the locking wrench from slipping off the nut during assembly and disassembly.

The NEMI vacuum table is designed to hold parts secure using vacuum. All you do is remove a washer with a magnet or use our auto vacuum valve and place any one of the following on top of the vacuum grid table: a pod, 5/16" round gasketing, 1/4" stand off stock and vacuum pins.

ATS Systems features its Accu-Rock AR 250 model rotary table in this 2-minute video report produced by the Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., company. The video includes an overview of the rotary table and a testimonial from TMX Engineering in Santa Ana, Calif.

The new VERO-S WDB clamping technology modular system transfers the efficiency levels of the SCHUNK VERO-S quick-change pallet system specifically to machine directly clamped workpieces. By using clamping pillars with a modular structure, freely molded parts and other workpieces can be clamped directly on the machine table, without the need of additional equipment.

Carr Lane Roemheld offers a wide range of hydraulic work supports that automatically adjust to the workpiece height, then lock securely to become fixed rests. Available in spring-advanced, fluid-advanced and air-advanced types, these work supports are extremely compact, starting at just 1" diameter, with maximum pressures up to 7,500 psi.

END USER: Homeyer Precision Manufacturing, (636) 433-2244, www.homeyertool.com. SOLUTION PROVIDER: BIG Kaiser Precision Tooling Inc., (888) 866-5776, www.bigkaiser.com. CHALLENGE: Minimize endmill runout to extend tool life when producing aluminum-based forceps. SOLUTION: A collet chuck that provides minimal runout.

There are numerous advantages to rigidly holding a workpiece: feed rates can be increased and cutting times reduced, cutters last longer and impart finer surface finishes, and more-accurate parts are produced. At trade shows where vendors offer demonstrations, you rarely see flimsy, difficult-to-hold parts being machined. In the real world, however, such parts are common. Holding parts for secondary operations, such as drilling holes on an edge, can also be challenging.

German toolholder maker Haimer GmbH recently agreed to license its Haimer Safe-Lock System to the Melin Tool Co., a cutting tool manufacturer based in Cleveland. Melin Tool will offer its endmills to the U.S. market with the Haimer Safe-Lock System, according to a recent Melin Tool news release.

Suhner Industrial Products Corp., Automation Div., introduces the BEX8, a high-speed machining block spindle capable of maintaining rigidity, precision and reliable performance at high-speed operations up to 25,000 rpm.