Toolholders & Collets

Hardinge Inc. manufactures a complete line of collets for Hydromat rotary transfer machines.

In the past, acquiring live tooling after a major machine purchase has usually required a substantial additional investment, one that was often out of reach for companies that already stretched the budget to acquire the best possible machine tool. In today's competitive marketplace (especially in the midst of a still sluggish economy) this additional investment can be far worse than uncomfortable: in fact it causes many companies to make decisions to procure tooling far less than complimentary to their new machine investment. That's why, for leaders focused on conserving costs and improving productivity, WTO's innovative new system can be a game-changer, according to the company. QuickFlex, an innovative flexible tooling system for driven toolholders, greatly minimizes the initial out-of-pocket tooling costs. Plus, it dramatically reduces tool change time and provides greater long term flexibility.

The HAIMER-developed endmill geometries are based on an unequal flute and helix design for chatter-free high-end machining, according to the company.

A new $495 Micro Drill Analyzing Microscope from Titan Tool Supply Inc. inspects the geometry, finish and accuracy of new and resharpened miniature carbide drills as small as ¹⁄₈" in diameter.

Small to large part workholding setups align and lock into position fast and accurately using Kurt Manufacturing Co.'s DockLock system.

When it comes to tool holding, value is all about precision and reliability that will transmit to the finished part. Hardinge says its toolholder collets, bushings and tool holders are designed and engineered for quality and durability.

Northfield Precision Instrument Corp. introduces its 5C Collet Chuck.

Distributed in North America by U S Shop Tooks, Kingston Tool offers balanced CAT and BT taper endmill toolholders, collet chucks, shell mill holders and Morse and Jacob taper holders.

BIG Kaiser now offers BIG Daishowa's high precision Mega ER Grip with the KAISER modular KAB connection, allowing custom collet chuck configurations with standard components.

Hardinge Inc. began production of collets in the 1890s for use on bench lathes making parts for the watchmaking and lens industries. It is believed that the "C" designation for their first 5C collets came from the name of the Cataract waterfalls that could be viewed from the factory grounds of the Hardinge Brothers Co. in Chicago, where they manufactured precision Cataract bench lathes. Incredibly, the Hardinge C-series design has not changed since the early use in the 1890s, even in light of the rapidly changing technology in machine tool design.

The adjustable center jaws of DAPRA's new Allmatic CENTRO Gripp Vise allow a workpiece to be held during the complete machining process, from start to finish, with one unit.

New Beyond KYS40-grade solid ceramic endmills from Kennameta are presenting orders-of-magnitude improvements in machining high-strength nickel-based alloys, roughing at cutting speeds up to 3,300 SFM (1000 m/min) with tool life two to three times longer than comparable solid-carbide tools.