Toolholders & Workholding

In recent years, machine tool OEMs have completely transformed CNC turning centers through the application of several advanced technologies. Whether it's ultradense synthetic machine beds, faster rapid traverse and acceleration rates, integrated spindle motor spindles or powerful multi-tasking capabilities, nearly every feature of these machines has changed. There's just one major exception. More often than not, OEM machine builders equip these modern high-performance turning machines with outdated chuck technology – as old as 60 years – and it's quickly becoming the component that holds back a machine's true potential.

The DeHoff G560-B1 is a custom machine designed to form the rifling grooves in gun barrels. The barrel is rotated by a 3-jaw chuck while a rifling button tool is pulled through the barrel by a hydraulic cylinder. The button tool deforms the rifling grooves into the internal bore of the barrel using a swaging process. All the rifling grooves are cold-formed in a single pass.

Jergens Inc. introduces a new range of vises for multiple-axis machining productivity. Available in 75mm and 130mm with a number of mounting options, the self-centering vises feature a low-profile design to allow for a greater part (machining) access.

Collet pad top jaw systems from Dillon Manufacturing allow more aggressive machining to shorten cycle times while providing more consistent repeatability. Full contact of gripping surfaces provides a more stable grip and allows heavier cuts, while metal-to-metal fits ensure accuracy.

Kennametal's latest weapon in the war on chatter is one that will have machinists everywhere saying, "I need that." The new boring system boasts the most effective antichatter mechanism ever developed by Kennametal, and also offers an extensive range of indexable heads and shank sizes.

BIG KAISER is expanding its range of BIG Capto toolholders with the addition of a new size, C4, which is becoming increasingly popular as a quick-change system for turret tooling on lathes.

For machining a wide range of complex parts complete in a single work cycle, the new MT 733 series vertical spindle mill-turn centers from STAMA, a member of CHIRON Group, is capable of six-sided/simultaneous 5-axis machining, including milling and turning from bar or from chucked parts in lot sizes as low as 1. The highly flexible machines are designed to fit the needs of aerospace, automotive and medical parts manufacturers.

Phillips Precision Inc. announces its new ER collet chucks as part of the Inspection Arsenal LEAN, quick-swap inspection fixture system. Not only does Phillips Precision offer the only quick-swap standard fixture systems, but they provide quick, creative fixture design and quick shipping of your orders.

Phillips Precision's Products Division announces its newly modified Riser-Grip clamp as part of the Inspection Arsenal LEAN, Quick-Swap inspection fixture system. Not only does Phillips Precision offer the only quick-swap standard fixture systems, but they provide quick, creative fixture design and quick shipping of your orders.

Phillips Precision's Products Divi. announces its new Sturdy Lever clamp as part of the Inspection Arsenal LEAN, Quick-Swap inspection fixture system. Not only does Phillips Precision offer the only quick-swap standard fixture systems, but the company's provides quick, creative fixture design and quick shipping of orders. Inspection Arsenal tooling will help optimize an inspection process and uncover hidden profits.

The CH-CM0406 Cut Pre-Point Chamfer Machine makes carbide blanks that are ready for tool grinding. The machine converts blank carbide rods into tool blanks. It is suitable for cutting tool manufacturers that want to make tools from a blank that is already pre-pointed and chamfered. The machine is easy to setup and runs unattended.

BIG KAISER says its hydraulic chucks for Swiss-type lathes are the first improvement to this technology in more than 30 years. These toolholders use a single wrench, which makes for a quick and easy change of the cutting tools on a gang slide.