SMW Autoblok took the opportunity to showcase a number of company innovations at the recent IMTS show in Chicago, USA, where demonstrations were provided in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish.

In terms of precision vices, the company addressed visitors looking to reduce the waste of raw materials and minimise deformation. On show were the Genius and Sintex precision vices for five-axis machine tools. Both feature SMW’s patented SinterGrip technology, which requires only 3.5 mm of clamping surface on which to grip. A series of solid-carbide serrated inserts grasp the workpiece securely, promoting higher cutting speeds and feed rates for increased metal removal.

Any visitors seeking maximum grip during heavy-duty machining applications were pointed towards the company’s APS (Automatic Positioning System). The APS zero-point clamping system is a universal connection between the machine tool, the clamping device and/or the workpiece. APS locks into position by lining up pins on the clamping device or the workpiece with holes on the chuck. When joined, the combination is automatically positioned to the zero point. The APS can be used for turning, milling, measuring or grinding.

From a chuck perspective, the BP series took centre stage. BP chucks combine the flexibility of a standard open-centre power chuck with the long life and precision of SMW’s Proofline sealed chucks, making it suitable for bar and bar-stock clamping, as well as shaft clamping. The constant grip force allows for repeatability and consistency, whereas non-sealed chucks can lose up to 50% of the grip force if not properly maintained, says the company.
For further information www.smw-autoblok.de

The Hilma division of German workholding specialist Roemheld has entered into a 50:50 joint venture with long-term co-operation partner Rivi Magnetics of Sassuolo, Italy, to develop new applications for magnetic clamping technology. Based in Hilchenbach, Germany, Roemheld Rivi is in the hands of Hans-Joachim Molka from the Roemheld management team, who will be responsible for commercial matters, and Davide Rivi, owner of Rivi Magnetics Srl, who is responsible for research and development.

Says Molka: “We see a number of new opportunities in specific sectors in the coming years: drives for electromobility, 3D printing applications, locking mechanisms for rotors in wind turbines, and robotic assembly and handling. Magnetic clamping is aimed at customers working in the supply chains to these sectors.”

Rivi adds: “Magnetic clamping technology, with its many advantages in terms of set-up time optimisation, offers huge market potential that we want to exploit even more. In addition to intensifying sales activities, Roemheld Rivi GmbH intends to launch a development initiative that will significantly broaden the product portfolio.”

Hilma M-TECS standard and customised magnetic clamping products are manufactured by Rivi Magnetics; the various models being capable of withstanding maximum temperatures of 80°C, 120°C or 240°C. According to the company there has been a noticeable increase in demand for quick mould clamping at the upper end of this temperature range. Systems can be either factory fitted by the machine manufacturer, or retrofitted to existing machines within a few hours.

Designed according to customer requirements with respect to weight (up to several tonnes), complexity of geometry and required clamping force, the systems are widely used in injection moulding and rubber industry, as well as in forming presses and stamping plants.
For further information www.roemheld.com

In recent years, Midaco has expanded its line of automatic pallet changers to accommodate the need for high-volume large precision parts machined to tight tolerances for the aerospace, energy, automotive, medical, defence, power generation, and oil and gas industries. These jobs cause significant spindle downtime due to the long and involved process of heavy/large part changeover. When combined with crane loading, first-article inspection and job interruption tasks, the machining centre can be idle up to 70% of the time. Idle machine time means slow production and lost profit for each machine owned.

Midaco says its pallet changers are a simple solution to eliminate unnecessary spindle downtime and rescue lost profit on large as well as small and mid-size machining centres.

The company manufactures pallet changers which adapt to virtually any brand and model of machining centre, including large bridge mills with travels up to 4826 x 2235 mm, and with a weight capacity of up to 14,528 kg.

Automatic pallet systems are easily installed on the right side or the left side of a VMC, or both sides for machines which do not move in the Y axis. Once a pallet or load of parts is complete, the next pallet or job is transferred into the machine automatically from the side-mounted shuttle on to the receiver fitted to the VMC table. As all part loading and job set-up tasks are performed offline (without the operator having to lean into or climb on to the machine) both productivity and ergonomics are maximised.
For further information www.midaco-corp.com