What connects motocross and the machining industry? More than many might think at first glance. In fact, some of the most important components for bikes in the world’s biggest racing series are manufactured in German machine shops.

Performance and comfort play a decisive role on the race track when it comes to victories and podium places. Precision machine tools that meet the high demands of motorsport are essential here. When talking about reliable clamping systems, which are also of fundamental importance in this production process, Lang Technik says there is no getting around its MakroGrip five-axis vice.

According to Lang Technik, the MakroGrip’s technical and physical features enable the production of precision racing components that can withstand the extreme stresses of the race track. The company is proud to have been supporting racing customers for many years and is now also supporting the Kosak KTM Racing Team with immediate effect.

The fact that links between Lang Technik and motorsport go far beyond manufacturing is primarily due to managing director Günter Lang, who once actively raced motocross himself. His passion for horsepower and gasoline, as well as his contacts in racing, never waned. He still regularly attends motocross events.

Lang’s long-standing acquaintance with Herbert Kosak, a veteran of German motocross racing, finally got the partnership rolling. At the end of 2023, Lang Technik agreed with team manager Kevin Gödderz and Sylvia Kosak, daughter of team boss Herbert Kosak, to support the KTM Kosak Racing Team and from now on will be cheering them on week after week.

For further information www.lang-technik.de

Based on field-proven principles, Stäubli says that its latest-generation QMC123 magnetic mould clamping solutions provide injection moulders with both flexibility and productivity, by simplifying the mould-change process. In addition, QMC123 offers many advantages during quick mould-change operations through new features such as active safety, improved interaction with the operator and the exact measurement of clamping force, all made possible by Stäubli’s IMAG technology.

By integrating a number of features which make it possible to anticipate malfunctions, the QMC123 reduces machine downtime. An interactive control panel enables the validation of each safety point during mould-change operations. Notably, a mould movement anticipation function helps to avoid the potential of moulds falling during the changeover process.

Stäubli’s IMAG-Editor software calculates the clamping force required for each mould in advance, depending on the press. This information makes it possible to anticipate problems ahead of production and, thanks to IMAG technology, the operator will be alerted if the system is in error or if the clamping force exerted on the mould is insufficient.

Users can select from two variants of this mould clamping solution. QMC123 Essential provides a level of safety configured for repetitive operations with a lower level of diversity in the moulds, in terms of their size and weight, and simple pushbutton operation. The QMC123 Premium variant on the other hand offers the safest magnetic clamping solution on the market today, reports Stäubli. In addition, the versatility of the Premium option makes it compliant with a high diversity of mould variants, while the intuitive and ergonomic hand pendant provides enhanced functionality through integration with the machine HMI.

For further information www.stäubli.com

Becker GmbH in Wuppertal, Germany now relies on CentroteX quick change-over systems from Hainbuch to simplify set-up processes and guarantee repeatability of ≤0.003 mm.  

Optimal planning of Becker’s manufacturing processes is achieved by production technology manager Dirk Schmidt, using the SMED method [single minute exchange of die]. This makes it possible to set up a machine or a production line within a production cycle so that it can be reused with only minimal delay.

“The most important aspects of the method are accuracy, low-distortion clamping and set-up minimisation,” says Schmidt in describing the clamping device requirements. “Hainbuch is one of the few companies that helps the customer to develop solutions. I usually have an idea of what I need and discuss it with Hainbuch. We work together to optimise processes and achieve the best possible result.”

In a planned production line, Becker will machine several different vacuum pump housings. The first clamping set-up will use the Hainbuch CentroteX S quick change-over system with different mandrels for ID clamping to ensure maximum centring accuracy with minimum deformation. The workpiece is removed from the first clamping set-up and equipped with four zero-position clamping bolts, which will be used in all subsequent clamping set ups and potentially also in assembly. Downstream machining steps will then take place on a machining centre with a rotary table. A Hainbuch quick change-over system mounted on the table generates an additional axis.

In this set-up, Becker uses a pallet from another manufacturer on a Hainbuch clamping adapter. In this way, the company benefits from minimal set-up times and high repeatability of the Hainbuch quick change-over system if the factory’s set ups require clamping devices that are not included in the Hainbuch product range.

For further information www.hainbuch.com

Big Kaiser is launching its Hydraulic Chuck Lathe Type B for Swiss-type turning machines, with UK availability via Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC). The Type B is optimised for select Star Micronics machines and has a repeatability of less than 1 μm. This new addition features a rectangular design and multiple tool rows to accommodate the compact size of these machines.

The design minimises interference in compact work envelopes and enhances machining capabilities in space-constrained set-ups. The Hydraulic Chuck Lathe Type B expands Big Kaiser’s line-up and adds to the standard, F type and R type with its tailored adaptability for specific machine requirements. The standard model offers front tool clamping, while the F type allows rear operation in tight spaces. The R type, with its square shape, suits set-ups needing multiple tool rows without interference.

Compatible with leading automatic Swiss-type turning machine brands, including Citizen, Star, Tsugami and Tornos, the chucks facilitate safe and swift cutting tool changes with a simple Allen key. The versatility of the B type (SL22B) and R type (SL22R) chucks allows for application in a broad array of Star machines, providing customers with the flexibility to choose the optimal chuck for their specific applications. The B type is particularly suitable for machines with a single-level tool post, while the R type caters to dual-level posts.

Giampaolo Roccatello, chief sales and marketing officer for Big Kaiser Europe, reflects on the company’s 30-year history of hydraulic chuck production: “Since unveiling our first hydraulic chuck in 1994, we’ve consistently contributed to advancements in precision hydraulic chuck technology. Each chuck undergoes two thorough manual inspections before leaving our factory, ensuring it meets the highest quality standards.”

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

A new, rail-guided changing table for the safe, rapid movement of today’s increasingly heavy press tools, moulds and dies is now available from Roemheld in three versions for loads of up to 15, 25 or 40 tonne. The electrically-driven RWS system comes as a single or tandem cart and can feature two different push-pull arrangements to enable tool exchange on most types of equipment, including vertical forming and injection moulding machines. The changing tables help car manufacturers transport increasingly heavy tools for producing large castings comprising many individual parts, such as when mega-casting a vehicle frame or body.

The cart is guided on floor-level round rails with a rolling resistance so low that one person can manually move loads of up to 5 tonne easily. The rails facilitate precise guidance and prevent dirt ingress and tripping hazards. A safety mechanism ensures that it is only possible to move loads when the RWS table is firmly attached to either a machine or the storage location.

Consoles that bridge the distance between the machine bed and the die-changing cart make tool handling rapid and effortless. The amount of time needed for actual changeover is minimal as the table features integrated lifting bars in addition to the pull-push system. It means that the press or moulding machine is able to continue production right up to the moment of tool exchange.

Plants can connect several presses by a single table; positioning accuracy is within ±0.3 mm. Semi or fully automatic die change is possible due to the cart’s integral control system.

For further information www.roemheld.co.uk