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

A delegation of Dutch high-tech suppliers travelled through Baden-Württemberg last month with clearly defined goals, also taking the opportunity to stop by tool-holding and work-holding specialist Schunk. The trip focused on cross-industry exchange and intensifying co-operation between the Dutch and German manufacturing industries to overcome global challenges together and ensure competitiveness.

Germany is known for its engineering skills and innovative strength, particularly in the automotive and mechanical engineering sectors. In the Netherlands, renowned technology pioneers are also shaping progress in growth sectors such as the electronics and medical.

The trip was organised by the Brabant regional development agency BOM, the Brainport Industries Network Organization and the VDMA (German Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association). Delegates included suppliers to global OEMs and members of the Dutch high-tech network ‘Brainport Industries’, which aims to strengthen value chains sustainably through co-operation.

On the second day of their innovation trip, the delegates visited Schunk’s headquarters in Lauffen and the neighbouring automation plant in Brackenheim-Hausen. There, they were given an exclusive insight into the automation and production processes at Schunk.

At the CoLab Robot Application Centre, there was an open, lively exchange about current trends and automation solutions in dynamic industries such as e-mobility and life science. In addition to networking, the focus was primarily on collaboration opportunities: the aim is to strengthen the complex supply chains of the high-tech sector and promote growth and competitiveness in the long term.

Schunk CTO Timo Gessmann says: “By joining forces and maintaining an open technological dialogue, we combine our strengths and overcome challenges together.”

More information www.schunk.com

At the recent MACH 2024 exhibition in Birmingham, Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) showcased a number of new and recently launched product lines from tool-holding specialistBig Kaiser. A case in point was the PG straight collet system, which includes a new anti-pullout system that locks the collet and cutter to the tool-holder body. This design eliminates cutter slippage and also the potential for cutter pullout during demanding metal removal applications. The new system is particularly suitable for high dynamic milling and high-speed milling in difficult materials.

Big Kaiser has introduced three sizes of collet (10, 12 and 16 mm) with the new anti-pullout system, all of which received world premieres at EMO 2023 in Hanover, Germany. Unlike other systems, ITC says the PG does not require specially modified and inherently expensive end mills. Instead, it uses existing standard carbide or HSS end mill designations. Standard notches found on typical Weldon-type end mills will readily accept the locking key insert on the new PG system.

At MACH, the PG system was shown alongside the new Ultra Precision Hydraulic Chuck. With runout guaranteed to be less than 1 µm at 4xD, the new chuck retains itslevels of precision even after intensive use.

Also on show at MACH was a new line of hydraulic chucks for turning machines, which ITC says provide outstanding repeatability and damping characteristics. The advantage of the new Big Kaiser chucks is that they enable straightforward assembly using just an Allen key while the holder remains mounted on the machine. The chucks offer compatibility with major sliding-head automatic turning centre brands such as Citizen, Star, Tornos and Tsugami.

More information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

The MACH 2024 exhibition at the Birmingham NEC earlier this year marked the introduction by Zoller UK (part of the Carfulan Group) of its PowerShrink 400 heat-shrink solution. The PowerShrink 400 provides high-level rotational accuracy, long tool life and lower tooling costs. Zoller UK says that its fast operation, flexible design and process reliability creates an efficient heat-shrinking solution that can prepare tools for production in under a minute.

“It was another incredibly exciting year for us at MACH,” says Rob Thompson, Carfulan Group sales director. “We were able to demonstrate why we continue to be an industry leader, highlighting a range of our advanced tool presetting and inspection technologies from Zoller UK.”

Alongside the launch of the PowerShrink 400, the Zoller UK stand also featured a range of tool presetting and inspection technologies that included the Genius universal measurement machine, the TMS Organiser and Keeper 2000 that provides the optimal storage solution for tooling and accessories, machines from the Smile range, a system for high-level accurate and repeatable tool measurements, as well as the tool data transfer solution: zidCode.

Carfulan Group managing directorChris Fulton, says:“We generated an overwhelming amount of interest at the show, which is a testament to our leading technologies, as well as the expert service and support that helps our customers to unlock potential across any manufacturing process.From the long-standing staples in Zoller UK’s range to the brand-new systems on show, everyone who visited our stand was amazed at the technology and we’re continuing to move those conversations forward.”

More information www.zoller-uk.com