The Stark division of the Roemheld group has developed a robotic gripper with zero-point clamping for automated pallet exchange on machining centre tables without their own media supply. The new clamping solution is available in the UK and Ireland through subsidiary company Roemheld UK.

Using Roemheld’s latest zero-point solution, the services needed for clamping and releasing the workpiece, whether hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical, are all transferred to the clamping plate via a multiple coupling integrated into the robot’s pallet gripper. The company can supply the system to suit a user’s specific requirements, representing a cost-effective, entry-level solution to automated production that is suitable for retrofit at any time.

Implementation is short owing to the system’s standardised coupling and flexible modularity.

Furthermore, the air-blow removal of swarf and automatic checking of correct component seating, clamping and release, means that customers can rest-assured of safety at all times.

For further information
www.roemheld.co.uk

As a work-holding specialist and precision machining subcontractor, Brown & Holmes relies on coolant solutions from Rocol to keep its machine shop running at optimum levels.

Brown & Holmes CNC programmer Michael Gulliver says: “We are a global precision work-holding company, but we also work closely with prestige companies like Rolls-Royce. We’ve been using Rocol fluids for almost 10 years now and their products are excellent. We have a great relationship with Rocol and, if we have any concerns regarding the fluids, they are immediately on-site to solve any problems.”

The company deploys the UltraCut Evo 250 long-life soluble cutting fluid throughout its Tamworth site.
Gulliver says: “UltraCut Evo has made a significant improvement to our tool life. We’ve used various other products in the past, but the performance and longevity of UltraCut Evo 250 are significant. The cutting fluid also demonstrates a noticeable difference with evaporation. Previous coolants would easily evaporate within the machine envelope and wider work area, but this is not the case with the Rocol fluid. In addition, our operators have noticed that there is no longer an odour in the machine shop.”

Suitable for use with a diverse range of ferrous and non-ferrous materials, UltraCut Evo 250’s prolonged sump life and low odour is down to several factors. Firstly, the cutting fluid rejects tramp oil which, when removed/skimmed-off, eliminates the main food source for bacteria. Furthermore, the fluid itself is inherently resistant to degradation thanks to its bio-stable constitution, while the absence of biocides or skin sensitizers makes it very operator friendly.

For further information
www.rocol.com

The WNT X5G-Z from Ceratizit is a new clamping system for machining centres. Notably, the system offers optimised access from all sides, which allows the machining of components on five or even six faces. Furthermore, Ceratizit says the vice is very easy to operate and significantly reduces set-up times.

In terms of design, the lean, tapered contour of the two (mobile) fixed jaws provides the spindle head/tool with optimum access to the workpiece. The jaws also contain elastomer elements which damp vibrations, thereby playing a role in better surface quality and increasing the service life of the tool and spindle.

Another distinctive feature resides in the system’s jaws and their adapter: a special dovetail guide means the user manually clicks them into position in just a matter of seconds, with no screws or tools required. The structural design incorporates a pull-down action, where following the clamping process it is possible to secure the workpiece with precision. Moreover, the component tends to pull downwards in the clamping device through the redirection of forces, which considerably minimises any lifting during machining.

Ceratizit offers 14 jaw styles with widths of 40, 65, 80 and 125 mm, of which two 125 mm jaws are already included within the supply of a X5G-Z as part of the basic equipment. Designed to be indexable, the quick-change jaws have a classic L-shape. The open angle means they can be used inwards or outwards, a feature which opens up additional options, without extra cost.

The WNT X5G-Z clamping system comes in five models and two heights, which differ in the length of their base bodies. The shortest measures 330 mm, while the others are 430, 500, 630 and 800 mm long.

For further information
https://is.gd/pekoye