Hainbuch products grip exhibition crowds

At last month’s Southern Manufacturing 2019 exhibition in Farnborough, Hainbuch presented a range of chuck solutions.

(c) Andy Ridder, Hainbuch Marbach Maschine Wasser Spâhne Metall

With flexibility, minimal interference contour and precision levels all being key factors for modern work-holding solutions, Hainbuch demonstrated these attributes in its newly developed range of TOPlus (pictured) and SpannTop mini chucks.
Of particular emphasis was the latest SpannTop modular mini chuck. Hainbuch has developed the chuck to make it compatible with an adapter ring in order to leverage the benefits of the modular system. The company‘s Mando Adapt mandrel and the corresponding jaw module already work with the SpannTop mini, meaning complete autonomy for small component clamping needs.
Unlike the SpannTop mini chuck, the configuration of TOPlus is a little different. Whereas SpannTop uses an adaptor ring, TOPlus has a ring of attachment holes to secure the jaw module. At Southern Manufacturing, Hainbuch demonstrated Mando Adapt adapters, which also work in harmony with TOPlus, while additional innovations included the Manok and Hydrok hydraulically actuated stationary chucks.
Depending on size, the Hydrok can be used with all clamping device adaptations, such as the Mando Adapt mandrel-in-clamping device, or with the jaw module. The Hydrok incorporates typical Hainbuch features such as user-friendly set-up, parallel clamping, optimal power conversion, rigidity and high holding power. With a repeatability of less than 0.01 mm possible, the Hydrok is suitable for five-sided machining as well as flexible clamping scenarios such as mandrel clamping or jaw clamping thanks to the Hainbuch modular system.
Another key innovation at the show was the new TestIT clamping force gauge system that has been developed in conjunction with Siemens.
For further information www.hainbuch.com

Magnetic clamping balls simplify work holding

Manufacturing companies, engineers and machinists can now freely position and hold workpieces on large surfaces thanks to Norelem’s newly developed magnetic clamping balls.

Quick and flexible holding of parts is particularly essential in tool and die making. Tool makers must be able to laser weld, polish, assemble and adjust parts so they fit together properly, with maximum flexibility and efficiency. Using Norelem’s magnetic clamping balls, rapid clamping and releasing is now possible.
Released in four different sizes with magnetic faces of 80 to 160 mm diameter, the workpieces are clamped through a permanent magnet. The magnet has a nominal magnetic force of up to 100 N/cm², which can be switched on and off using a hexagonal key. When the key is rotated 120°, the magnet’s force is fully realised, while partial clamping force is also possible so that parts can be positioned easily.
CEO of Norelem Marcus Schneck says: “Efficiency and increased productivity are the name of the game in engineering, and with our magnetic clamping balls, engineers can accelerate their processes when machining and tooling up for jobs. Using a simple turn of a key, workpieces can be adjusted quickly, providing an unobstructed surface for the engineering task in hand.”
Norelem’s magnetic clamping balls can swivel up to 90°, depending on workpiece geometry and weight. To ensure a high-quality finish, the magnetic face has fine, 1.5 mm poling and is mounted in an anodised aluminium globe. The globe is held in position by a stick/glide effect and lays in a leather lined, nickel-plated steel ring.
For further information www.norelem.co.uk

Gleason to buy gear-honing business

Gleason Corp has signed a definitive agreement with Daetwyler Industries AG and MDC Max Daetwyler AG to acquire all assets of Daetwyler’s Faessler gear-honing business.

Under the Faessler brand, Daetwyler has been producing gear-honing machines, related work holding and tools for the high-precision, hard finishing of gears. The business operations of the Faessler division, which has approximately 70 employees, will be acquired by a new Gleason subsidiary, Gleason Switzerland AG, and will continue to operate at its current locations in Bleienbach and Dietikon, both in Switzerland.
For further information www.gleason.com

SiG success

Family-owned precision engineering firm JJ Churchill of Leicestershire has secured more than £100m in contracts, increased its headcount by 35% and its export forward order book from under £1m to more than £37m after five years on the Sharing in Growth productivity and competitiveness programme.

The Market Bosworth-based company was one of the first aerospace suppliers selected for Sharing in Growth in 2013 when its ambitions were to overcome risks caused by the oil crisis. JJ Churchill now has plans to hit more than £38m and add around 20 new jobs by 2020.
For further information www.sig-uk.org/apply

Okuma five-axis machine released by NCMT

Okuma is now offering an entry-level five-axis machining centre that is capable of handling workpieces up to 600 mm in diameter and 400 mm in height, with a maximum weight of 300 kg. The Genos M460V-5AX, which is available in the UK from NCMT, features a 48-station tool magazine.

Featuring a spindle that offers 15,000 rpm, the machine can achieve high productivity for a range of applications. Providing a maximum power output of 22 kW and up to 199 Nm of torque, the spindle is said to process demanding materials with ease. The spindle’s five sets of bearings are lubricated with oil mist and do not therefore require maintenance. By providing through-spindle coolant, the spindle adds to the shower coolant function. Manufacturers benefit from a three-year spindle warranty that is not limited by number of shifts or operating hours.
For efficient and accurate measuring, the machining centre is equipped with a Renishaw RMP60 touch probe, while the X, Y and Z axes possess an absolute scale. In addition to the hardware, intelligent technology apps like ‘Machining Navi’ for reducing chatter or ‘5-Axis Auto Tuning System’ for compensating geometrical errors, further enhance the machine’s accuracy. As a result of these measures, Genos M460V-5AX achieves a positioning accuracy of 2 micron in X, Y and Z.
For highest precision, the 5-axis machining centre is equipped with Okuma’s Thermo-Friendly Concept. This technology includes a symmetric, box-build, double-column construction made of cast iron. To eliminate any negative influence from the coolant and hot chips, the machine possesses a thermo-shield design. In addition, five sensors in the machine and three sensors in the spindle measure temperature changes and allow for active compensation of thermal deformation.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk