New collet system improves tool security

High-precision collets with a new anti-pull-out system that guarantees the security and performance of cutting tools is the latest technology advancement available from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC). The PG (Perfect Grip) straight collet system from ITC principal Big Kaiser locks the collet and cutter to the tool-holder body, eliminating tool slippage and the potential for pull-out during demanding metal removal applications. The new system is particularly suitable for high dynamic milling and high-speed milling in difficult materials.

Three sizes of collet (10, 12 and 16 mm) are available with the new anti-pull-out system. While larger sizes have been previously available, this is the first time that customers can mill in difficult materials such as Inconel and titanium down to just 10 mm in diameter.

Unlike other systems, ITC says the PG does not require the purchase of specially modified and inherently expensive end mills. Instead, it uses existing standard carbide or HSS end mill designations. Standard notches found on typical Weldon-type end mills will readily accept the locking key insert on the new PG system, enabling fast and easy assembly.

The new PG collet system is for use with Big Kasier’s Mega double power chuck and Hi-Power milling chuck, which are both available from ITC. To improve compatibility and reduce costs, one holder accommodates four sizes. This is credit to the reduction sleeve applied within the collet. Even if a tool suffers damage and operators cannot remove it from the collet, it is possible to disassemble the collet itself from the tool holder.

For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Chick work holding offers productivity and accuracy

Shipley-based TecnAir designs and manufactures an extensive variety of pneumatic cylinders, valve assemblies, linear drives, handling equipment, controls and other products.

What characterises this manufacturing activity above all else is the large amount of machining involved to produce the high-accuracy components. To this end, since the early 2000s the manufacturer has entrusted component clamping on its machining centres to Chick work-holding products, supplied through sole UK agent 1st Machine Tool Accessories.

Steve Watson, CNC operations manager at TecnAir, says: “Fixturing is crucial, as we cannot tolerate any movement or vibration. Chick products underpin the required level of accuracy in our factory. Not only do we get rigid work holding, which incidentally also prolongs tool life, but a high level of interchangeability of the various Chick clamping units also helps to minimise investment in the equipment.”

Supporting prismatic machining operations on the shop floor are 15 Chick QwikLOK units, which find employment on five vertical machining centres: three from Haas and two from Mazak. Six of the units are dedicated to pendulum machining of relatively short pneumatic cylinder bodies from aluminium extrusion in three operations – rear end cap machining, front end cap machining, and inlet and outlet port machining – on a Mazak VTC-530. The resulting high-density work holding has the effect of maximising the use of the available machining area and reducing the overall number of tool changes required.

In addition, there are 11 MultiLOK towers deployed across three twin-pallet, four-axis, horizontal machining centres: a stand-alone Doosan HC400 and two Mazak HCN-4000s linked by a Palletech automated storage and retrieval system for 16 machine pallets. Materials processed are mainly aluminium and stainless steel, plus some brass, with castings accounting for 30% of throughput. The company produces the remainder from either billet or extrusion.

For further information www.1mta.com

Adapter jaws drive Schunk range compatibility

With new adapter jaws, Schunk has established compatibility between machine vices and the world’s broadest portfolio of top jaws from Schunk/Gressel. These useful connecting elements offer new and flexible clamping options for any machining task.

The interface between the machine vice and top jaws for a specific clamping task depends on the manufacturer. Until now, users have been bound to the respective vice manufacturer’s jaw portfolio. This is now a thing of the past with the new Schunk adapter jaws. They enable Schunk to create compatibility between the vice and its top jaw portfolio, which the company says is the most extensive on the market. Therefore, users are no longer tied to a specific system, but can now significantly expand their clamping options.

The potential of the adapter jaws for machine vices with a jaw width of 125 mm is considerable. This is because they offer concrete advantages for stationary workpiece clamping in vices, especially on milling machines: the Schunk adapter jaws open up any top jaw variation for virtually infinite clamping possibilities.

Due to this flexibility, it is possible to achieve many different clamping options and cost advantages. After the initial investment for the adapter jaws, Schunk says amortisation arrives very quickly by using the top jaws from the Schunk portfolio, since the top jaws are less expensive than comparable competitor products. Another advantage is the set-up time savings and process optimisation thanks to the quick-change function on some variants of the top jaws from the Schunk portfolio. Screws only require loosening slightly instead of completely, with easy removal of the jaw upwards along the grooves.

For further information www.schunk.com

Hydraulic chuck offers runout of less than 1µm




Big Kaiser, a specialist in precision tooling systems and solutions for the metalworking industry, is introducing its Hydraulic Chuck Ultra Precision. The new chuck, which is suitable for machine shops that require the lowest possible runout in high-precision milling, is available in the UK from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC).

With Big Kaiser’s hydraulic clamping system for high levels of concentricity, the company guarantees runout of less than 1 µm at 4xD. This ultra-low runout does not drift, even after intensive use, whereas some shrink-fit holders become less accurate after each clamping, reports ITC.

Clamping with the new hydraulic chuck is easy and safe, requiring only an Allen key. This design makes it straightforward and quick to change tools in the machine. With no hot-clamping machines required, users can extend the life of the tool holder indefinitely, reducing costs and minimising the environmental impact of holder replacement in comparison with shrink-fit holders.

As part of Big Kaiser’s HDC (hydraulic chucks) series, the new chuck provides precise clamping in 3, 5 and 6mm diameters.

“Based on our decades of experience and know-how, the new ultra-precision chuck delivers the excellent accuracy that our customers demand,” says Giampaolo Roccatello, chief sales andmarketing officer for Europe at Big Kaiser. “Shrink-fit holders may cost slightly less up front, but when you factor in the time wasted and the cost of heating and cooling equipment, it’s clear that hydraulic chucks are a more economical option over their lifetime.”
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Suction cups that hold fast to sheet metal




In many sectors that require sheet metal handling, vacuum suction cups have become an essential element of safety, reliabilityand productivity. With the company’s new CTC high-performance bell-type suction cups, Covalsays it is bringing manufacturers the best of both flat and bellows suction cups to enhance system efficiency.

The main feature of new CTC suction cups is the bell shape. This design has the strength and anti-slip qualities of flat suction cups, with the added abilities of bellows suction cups to grip complex or angular shapes.The CTC cup series has large deflection capability, adapting easily to gripping a variety of workpiece shapes.Furthermore, anti-slip cleats make it easy to move heavy, oily sheets quickly and efficiently, while their central stops ensure the tight gripping of thin sheets without deformation.

Typical applications include feeding machines such as folders and cutters, or picking up sheet metal or parts for transfer to stamping presses and storage. CTC suction cups are particularly suitable for use in the automotive sector, in processes that include stamping, fitting and assembly, for example. The company says it has long-standing partnerships with major car manufacturers, supplying them with products that meet their quality and productivity expectations.

CTC bell-type suction cups are available in four diameters from 40 to 100 mm and various mounting configurations (3/8G male or female and 32 mm square), to suit all types of application. Coval makes all of them from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) for resistance to wear and oil.
For further information www.coval-international.com