In 2018, Big Kaiser introduced hydraulic chucks for Swiss-type turning centres. Now, the company is expanding its programme to include inch-size Standard-Type chucks, as well as new F-Type and R-Type chucks that are all available in the UK from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC).

The new F-Type single-wrench system simplifies cutting-tool changes on the tool post, saving setting time for the machine operator. Notably, the easy-access rear clamping design is suitable for configurations where the hydraulic chucks fit on the front tool post of the sliding-head turning centre. Clamping from the opposite side of the cutting tool and the optimised overall length design improve ease of use. The F-Type is available in a clamping range from 3 to 10 mm, while through-coolant delivery is also possible.

Big Kaiser’s new R-Type designation eliminates interference when working on both the upper and lower tool-post positions. This ability is a credit to the novel block design and screw tightening at an offset position on the tool side. The R-Type is available in a clamping range from 3 to 10 mm, and it is possible to use its oil holes for coolant delivery when mounted on the upper section of a sliding-head turning centre.

The Standard Type hydraulic chucks with tool-side clamping now come in inch sizes with the clamping range of 1/8”, 3/16” and 1/4” diameter.

To minimise machine downtime and provide operator safety, the new hydraulic chucks use a simple hex wrench that requires only two to three turns for both clamping and unclamping. Tightening is complete when the clamping screw hits the bottom, so controlling the tightening torque is not required.

For further information
www.itc-ltd.co.uk

To support continued growth within the UK market for vacuum automation and ergonomic handling systems, Schmalz has launched a new UK subsidiary, which will not only service the company’s existing customer base, but allow expansion into new and emerging markets. The third-generation family business, founded in 1910 currently has around 1500 employees across 20 separate locations around the world.

Schmalz products are used across a diverse range of industry sectors and applications including logistics, the automotive industry, the electronics sector and in furniture manufacture. The vacuum automation business unit offers a component portfolio targeted at the robotics and automation sectors, which includes suction pads, vacuum generators, complete gripping systems and clamping solutions for holding workpieces. The handling business unit provides innovative solutions for industry based on the company’s vacuum lifters and crane systems.

Says UK managing director Marc Booth: “The UK market holds terrific growth potential for Schmalz, not only within our established markets and customer base, but in new and emerging markets. Our portfolio is exciting, providing bespoke robot end-of-arm tooling to solutions for handling wind turbine blades. Once you add the domain expertise and engineering excellence to the products then Schmalz has the ability to provide UK industry with real added value.”

The UK subsidiary, currently operating from offices close to Manchester Airport, will soon relocate to new larger premises with workshop and stores facilities, in addition to sales, marketing, customer support and administration.

“This is an exciting time for Schmalz and a positive commitment to the UK market at a time when there is a significant drive across many sectors to adopt automation and improve productivity wherever possible by enhancing manual processes,” says Booth.

For further information
www.schmalz.com

Hyfore Workholding says that automating a machining centre has never been so easy with the arrival of the latest Midaco automatic pallet changing system. It is possible to integrate this affordable technology into virtually any machining centre to improve uptime and spindle utilisation rates, while reducing costs.

With decades of expertise in fast-change pallet systems, US-based Midaco has now developed its latest range of adaptable automated pallet systems that are available in the UK from automation, work-holding and integration expert, Hyfore Workholding. The Midaco automatic pallet changing system can be retrofitted to any new or existing machining centre, so operators can load, unload, inspect parts and set-up jobs while an alternate pallet is running in the machine.

The Midaco automatic pallet loader incorporates: a PLC that is fully integrated with the machine tool; a Mitsubishi control interface; a servo-drive system; a receiver unit that mounts directly on to the machine tool table with hardened and ground location pins; and a pallet system with precision ground rails to ensure long-term precision operation. Customers can also opt for a three-sided enclosure to maximise safety.

According to Hyfore, the benefit of this automation system is that it can integrate with any machine tool with absolute ease. Heavy and large workpieces can easily be loaded outside the machine envelope and the pallets ae easily interchangeable between machine tools or different departments.

The automatic pallet system is available with several variants from the Series 16SD through the Series 120SD. Midaco’s smallest pallet system has dimensions of 559 x 356 mm with the largest pallet measuring 3810 x 990 mm. Pallet load capacity extends from 125 to 3636 kg.

For further information
www.hyfore.com