ThermoGrip Shrink-Fit Machines

ThermoGrip Shrink-Fit Machines

Bilz Tool Co. Inc. has developed a new generation of ThermoGrip shrink fit machines.

July 12, 2012

Bilz Tool Co. Inc. has developed a new generation of ThermoGrip shrink fit machines. The new model series, ISG3400, feature a bench top and a free-standing machine with the latest technology in liquid cooling and shrink fit technology. One model features completely automated heat shrink cycles and cooling cycles for hands-free operation. The bench-top model features the same capabilities with manual operation.

Both models feature the standard range of shrink fit tool capacity, from 3mm-32mm for carbide and 6-32mm for HSS tooling. The floor standing machine can be expanded up to 50mm with quick-change ThermoGrip coils. The new machines feature fast shrink fit process of 45 seconds or less depending on tool style and size. Both machines are available in 480volt, 3 phase electrical power eliminating the need for an external transformer/generator.

Features of both machines include:

Direct shower cooling process — no risk of operator injury, as tools cool down to room temperature while still in the heating position.

Maintaining tool TIR and concentricity by uniform cooling of the assembled tool within seconds – processor controlled.

No "sweating" of the toolholders due to condensation of (too) cold cooling adapters from "active" coolers.

Protection against corrosion for the tool and the shrink fit chuck with supplied coolant.

Minimal electrical consumption. 98 percent of the energy is transformed into "heating power" via the patented induction coil.

Contour independent cooling — No damage of the cutting edge by cooling elements and no additional cooling adapters necessary for different shrink chuck geometries

Patented quick change coil system — Developed by Bilz for simplified coil change Control Panel and software simply select the tool style and size and start the heating process — fixed parameters for all standardized ThermoGrip shrink chuck geometries are included.

The automated feature prevents overheating of shrink chucks and insures proper handling.

Up to 50 custom tool settings for special parameter tools can be stored.

Features of the new ISG3400WK:

All features above, plus Fully automatic shrinking and cooling process — no risk of operator burn injuries.

Both toolholder lift and coil tower are fully automated.

No handling of "hot" shrink holders, single location process of heating and cooling without handling of the tool assembly.

Glossary terms in this article

  • toolholder
    Secures a cutting tool during a machining operation. Basic types include block, cartridge, chuck, collet, fixed, modular, quick-change and rotating.