For the first time at a major UK exhibition, Roemheld used the recent MACH 2024 exhibition in Birmingham to demonstrate its recently introduced, mechanically operated, centric (self-centring) machine vice. Manufactured at the group’s Austrian factory, the new Hilma.UC 125 vice is of modular build and is intended for three- to five-axis prismatic machining applications.

The design ensures easy tool access to the workpiece from all sides, allowing the use of short tools for high-precision machining in a single setup. Versatility in operation arrives courtesy of a separate vice base and two individual jaws which, upon turning a single handle, travel simultaneously inwards towards the centre to clamp the workpiece and out again to release it.

Clamping force exerted via the upper spindle is up to 52 kN. A central bearing on the lower, unloaded spindle, which is for positioning the jaws, ensures that each component receives precise clamping in the vice centre. The repeatability of workholding from part to part is better than ±0.01 mm.

Upon turning the clamping spindle, force increases on the workpiece via outer claws over the jaws. An active pull-down mechanism in the clamping jaws prevents the workpiece from lifting. Having both a tensioning spindle and an adjustment spindle prevents the application of force to the base, avoiding distortion.

The universal clamp, hence UC in the product name, is adaptable to accommodate a wide variety of prismatic and round workpiece geometries and sizes in just a few steps. It is possible to extendthe jaw opening quickly to 600 mm, one of the largest available on the market, reports Roemheld.

More information www.roemheld.co.uk