NCMT Fixture Solutions used the recent EMO exhibition in Hanover to demonstrate the advantages of the photo-activated adhesive system, Blue Photon. Intended for the manufacture of workholding systems used on machine tools, NCMT says that Blue Photon is suitable for securing awkwardly shaped parts that require tight-tolerance machining and inspection.

The process involves applying an adhesive that is cured by ultraviolet light via an LED spot-curing system. Next, the adhesive can subsequently be melted and the machined workpiece removed by immersion in hot water or by application of another heat source, which should be at 80°C. Alternatively, the adhesive contact points can be sheared to free the workpiece by rotating the gripper pins in the fixture plate with a spanner.
Use of the technique is predicted to grow rapidly due to its ability to hold components securely with an average shear resistance of 136 kg per gripper point, yet allow cutters all-round access for machining on five sides. Unlike solutions that use magnetic clamping, the Blue Photon system can be used to secure both ferrous and non-ferrous metallic workpieces, as well as ceramics and composites.
Blue Photon can, for example, clamp a turbine blade to enable the fir tree and wedge face on the root, as well as the shroud end features at the tip, to be ground in one-hit. Traditionally, due to clamp interference, multiple operations are required using conventional CNC grinders. The Blue Photon single manufacturing process is not only faster, but eliminates work-in-progress and the risk of introducing inaccuracy due to repeated re-fixturing. Tests have shown that the clamping force produced by the system can easily withstand the requirements of machining.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk