Staubli and Mag-Autoblok Tecnomagnete say they have pooled their expertise totake the capabilities of magnetic clamping technology to the next level with the release of the QMC123 magnetic clamping system for injection moulding machines. An essential part of the co-development process for QMC123 was to ensure that the new system not only retained the previous system’s attributes of robustness and reliability, but also a level of familiarity for existing customers who have been using the current system since 2010.

QMC123 provides greater levels of information and features a new and easier-to-use operator touchscreen thatenables the validation of the various safety points during mould-changing operations. The IMAG-Editor software enables the calculation of clamping force for each mould prior to loading, based upon the customer’s specific press. This information highlights any potential problems ahead of production. Furthermore, intuitive guidance is availableto the operator, not only during set up, but also to assist in diagnosing warnings or error conditions, facilitating faster and safe resolution.

The manufacturing processes for the QMC123 magnetic platen design have also seen optimisation to guarantee better measurement accuracy of the clamping forces. In addition, the system is able to detect flux changes before actual mould movement takes place, further increasing safety.

As a further point, the QMC123 magnetic clamping solution will play a key role in SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Die) strategies by minimising the time between the last good part and the first good new part. Moreover, with its data acquisition capabilities, this new-generation technology is also compatible with the principles of Industry 4.0.
For further information www.staubli.com

Power tools and accessories manufacturer Fein has introduced its first expandable clamping solution, the VersaMAG system, to the UK metalworking market. The modular system, centred round a powerful magnet, features a range of attachments that are fully interchangeable for use in endless applications.

VersaMAG, a neodymium magnet, forms the foundation of the clamping solution. Its two-rotor system generates a maximum holding force of 7800N, allowing end users to clamp securely to all magnetic surfaces as thin as 4mm. As a result, the system enables users to complete tasks safely and efficiently across a huge range of work environments, including shipyards, aircraft manufacturing facilities, and steel and fabrication shops.

The clamping system’s powerful magnetic base also eliminates the requirement to manoeuvre rigid worktop vices or materials to secure it safely while operating tools. This advantage significantly reduces the required set-up time across many applications.

In addition to the vice and jaws, Fein can offer a 16mm welding plate for use with the magnetic base. Featuring a hole-grid system, the welding plate enables simple and precise alignment of workpieces.Its small and compact design makes it suitable for both stationary and mobile use.

“As well as offering increased productivity and flexibility, VersaMAG expands our portfolio of safety solutions,” says comments Andy Mills, managing director of Fein UK. “We know from speaking directly to users that a lack of flexible vice options has historically led to frustration and safety risks, where material cannot be secured properly or operators have felt forced to use their hand, leaving only one hand free for tool operation. We’re proud to solve this issue with our new, easy-to-use magnetic clamping system.”
For further information www.fein.com/en_uk

With the recent announcement of Hyfore Workholding as the exclusive UK distribution partner for the Heimatec brand of precision tools and systems, Dirk Hund, head of sales from Heimatec Germany recently visited Hyfore Workholding in the UK to deliver in-depth product training.

Specifically, Hund visited Oli Riley, standard workholding product manager at Hyfore Workholding, to deliver in-depth product training on Heimatec tooling. The presentations and training included solutions for static and driven tooling for fixed-head and Swiss-type lathes.

Before the UK visit, the Hyfore UK team underwent comprehensive training sessions in Germany at Heimatec’s headquarters in Renchen. The programme consisted of in-depth training on how the manufacture, assembly and testing of Heimatec tool holders.Rileyalso had time to discuss the latest developments from Heimatec, gaining a deeper understanding of the behind the scenes processes and building relationships with the Heimatec team in Germany.

Commenting upon the exciting new partnership, Riley says. “I gained a great insight into the structure of the tool-holder units and their impressive build quality. I’m looking forward to imparting my new Heimatec product knowledge to new and existing customers throughout the UK.”

Hund adds: “Oli is a fast learner and picked up quickly on the advantages the Heimatec product portfolio offer, such as high-speed, advanced speeder technology, internal cooling solutions, high pressure versus standard pressure, customised solutions, Heimatec quick-change systems and more. We’re happy to collaborate with Hyfore Workholding and strongly believe we have found the right partner for future success in the fast-growing UK market.”
For further information www.hyfore.com

Machinists obviously demand accuracy and repeatability, but according to Mate,these demands also extend to the vice that holds the workpiece. For this reason, Mate workholding functions as a system. A highly accurate and repeatable base needs a highly accurate and repeatable self-centring vice for the system to provide best-in-class operation. Here, Mate reports that its DynoGrip vices shorten set-up time and reduce process variability.

DynoGrip self-centring vices clamp parts to within 15 µm of perfect centre, repeatable to within 10 µm. These results are due in part to Mate manufacturing the lead screw in-house, using tool steel that is properly hardened and coated with titanium carbo-nitride. The screw has a fine 1.5 mm pitch and a trapezoidal thread yielding a strong, steady push.

Perhaps the most important feature is that Mate machines both the right and left sides of the lead screw from the same top dead centre. This process is how the company controls where the lead screw starts and stops. Mate does the same for the internal thread of the pusher to know the top dead centre. Since the company controls every element of the manufacturing process, it eliminates variability and makes it easy to get to the vice to centre accurately and in a repeatable manner.

DynoGrip self-centring vices also have an anti-lift design to counteract natural physicsthat will cause a part to rise up. The pushers and jaws work together to exert a downward force on the workpiece equal to the clamping force. Furthermore, the quick-change jaws feature a serrated tooth geometry which generates a downward force on the workpiece and a deliver superior ‘bite’ into the workpiece.
For further information www.mate.com

Headquartered in Austria, Amann Girrbach manufactures equipment to produce not only dental prostheses such as abutments, crowns, veneers and bridges, but also dentures. In its latest production system, the Ceramill Matik, the company is using a zero-point clamping system from Roemheld group company Stark Spannsysteme. The solution ensures enhanced repeatability when positioning raw material for five-axis milling of the complex profiles that characterise the prostheses. The products are available in the UKand Ireland through Roemheld UK.

Intended for extended periods of unattended production overnight and at weekends, the new machine is an intelligent solution that combines three operations in one: milling at up to 100,000 rpm, cleaning and automatic storage.

Marcel Humml, senior manager operational excellence, says: “The Ceramill Matik incorporates a five-axis machining centre with a 36-workpiece changer, whereas other products on the market have a maximum of 12 workpiece positions and are considerably more expensive.”

He adds: “When testing the Stark zero-point system, we concluded that we would like to have a few modifications. We did not want any visible screws and we preferred exposed sides so that water and dirt could run off better.Due to our compact holder size, we also requested a smaller support surface to save space. Stark undertook all of these modifications in the customised solution they provided to us.The co-operation with Stark during the development phase of Ceramill Matik was unbeatable; the relationship really couldn’t have been better.”

Stark says that its zero-point product is for metal machining on a factory floor and not originally intended for a small production centre producing fine, delicate parts.However, the company was happy to make the necessary adaptations to support automation in the dental sector.
For further information www.roemheld.co.uk