FEATURE ON TOOLING

Simplifying gripper configuration and integration

The task of configuring bespoke vacuum gripper systems that will meet the specific requirements of individual applications has never been easier thanks to the comprehensive digital configuration services now available from Schmalz. This range of digital services helps end users, machine builders and system integrators to achieve quick configuration of products such as Schmalz SLG lightweight gripping systems for individual applications. Tools such as filters, configurators, ordering aids and apps simplify the process – regardless of the stage of the project, whether it’s product design, procurement or operation.

A simple and highly intuitive six-stage process guides users through steps such as: selecting the workpiece; defining the application; selecting the type, number, size and positions of vacuum cups; and finally choosing a vacuum generator and robot mounting flange. The proposed SLG lightweight gripper then generates automatically and is shown in 3D on the basis of users input and responses to this series of intuitive choices.

At the end of the process, a summary of all of the information used to specify the gripper is available for download, together with valuable information for the end user or machine builder covering gripper dimensions, weights, air flow and gripping force.

Additional digital services available from Schmalz make it possible to simulate your handling process with a digital twin of the products selected, and test the function of the system long before it is actually built. For example, it is even possible to obtain information about the behaviour of a suction pad in its operational state. There are also a series of software and function modules that help integrate Schmalz products even more quickly into the end user’s process and control system.
For further information www.schmalz.com

Robot tool changing transformed

Whether it is for a high payload robot changing spot welding guns in the automotive sector, or smaller robot systems performing multiple handling or assembly operations, today’s tool-changing technology makes it possible to maximise robot flexibility.

Stäubli says that its MPS series robotic tool changers increase productivity for robots in all payload categories from all major manufacturers. Compared with the limited functionality of early-day tool changers, Stäubli’s latest-generation systems offer numerous different modules for the transmission of pneumatics, vacuum, signals, data transmission up to 10 Gbit/s, shielding, earthing, RFID tool coding and data storage.

The ability to combine these different technologies and modules makes it possible to configure a solution for a wide range of applications. Notably, the location of the transmission modules is highly flexible, allowing users to position them as required to suit the individual robot’s cable package. The robot-mounted component of the MPS tool changer incorporates all the services required to provide functionality for the various tools that the robot might use in production. On the tool-change element, the only transmission modules required are those relating to the operation of specific tools, which makes it possible to use multiple, individually configured tool elements with one robot mounted element, optimising the return on investment.

Cross-shaped guide surfaces combined with a spring-loaded ball locking system facilitate interconnection between the robot and tool sides of the MPS tool-changer system. This feature makes it possible to maintain the highest levels of precision throughout its entire product lifecycle. The tools always return to their original insertion position with a repeat accuracy of ±1.5 µm.

Stäubli tool-changing systems are available for robot payloads up to 1530 kg.
For further information www.staubli.com

Tapping into a complete threading range

Floyd Automatic Tooling is the new UK and Ireland distribution partner for German cutting tool brand JBO, a specialist in precision tools for manufacturing and checking threads.

Established in 1849, the JBO brand encompasses: thread-milling cutters; shell-type thread milling tools and combination tools; PCD, CVD and CBN tools; thread-cutting dies and rolling dies; and precision thread gauges.

With such an expansive range of options, Floyd Automatic will be paying particular attention to thread mills, threading dies and thread gauges. With more than 80 pages in the JBO thread milling catalogue, the options now available from Floyd Automatic are extensive.

As an overview of the thread-milling options, JBO manufactures tools for all metric, metric fine, Whitworth, UNC, UNF, UN, UNJF and NPT requirements, plus a host of other thread-form designations. Within the thread geometries, Floyd can offer everything from standard solid-carbide thread mills to tools with chamfers, special tools, coated tools for challenging materials, and combination tools from M1 upwards.

The threading dies come in all recognised thread designations and pitches, with solid-carbide, coated, high-precision solutions and thread-rolling options. Also available are special dies with projected noses for confined spaces, re-cutting dies, split dies, special dies for external threads inside bores, bell-form dies for cutting two dies simultaneously, deburring tools for cross-drilled holes, and coated or uncoated elastic thread-cutting dies.

JBO also has a large range of precision thread gauges to match. Indeed, the company has more than 10,000 different thread dimensions and tolerance bands from 0.5 to 300 mm available for quick delivery to UK manufacturers via Floyd Automatic. The thread gauges include go and no-go gauges, box sets of plug and ring gauges, extended thread length gauges and the Multicheck range of digital gauges.

For further information
www.floydautomatic.co.uk

Widia launches WCE solid end mills

Widia is launching its WCE solid-carbide end-mill platform, which the company says delivers affordable performance and reliability for small to medium sized machine shops. The initial release of the WCE platform features WCE4, a four-flute geometry that, according to Widia, combines advanced, high-performance features with a new versatile grade offered at a highly competitive price.

“With its new design, the WCE4 delivers the next generation of versatile end mills to help customers be more productive and efficient,” says Tamir Sherif, solid end milling global portfolio manager at Widia. “The WCE4 is an attractively priced tool for small-to-medium shops where reliability and consistent tool life are high priorities.”

Two key features of the tool are its asymmetrical index and variable helix. The combination of the two reduces vibration and enables heavy cuts, while the new grade, WU20PE, enables versatility in applications involving steel, stainless steel and cast iron workpieces. These design features, coupled with the four-flute geometry, deliver an end mill with reliable performance and application versatility, even in demanding operations such as full slots and heavy cuts, reports Widia.

The WCE platform includes four-flute, square-end and ball-nose end mills with both straight and Weldon shanks, and is available in both metric and imperial dimensions. Widia will release WCE5 five-flute geometry later in 2022. Orders for the WCE4 end mill, as well as other Widia tooling for metal-cutting applications, can be placed through Widia authorised distribution partners.

For further information
www.widia.com

Turning line gets into the groove

As part of its AddForce global launch of next-generation cutting tools, Tungaloy is introducing AddInternalCut to its product portfolio. The company reports that the new AddInternalCut is an industry first, introducing four cutting edges on an internal grooving tool for precision turning and small part machining applications.

The R&D experts at Tungaloy have developed a clamping system that incorporates into the tool body to provide high levels of clamping rigidity, indexing repeatability and precision. AddInternalCut supports the four-edged insert in three positions, with each of the cutting edges protected by the new pocket design. Furthermore, this design allows end users to deploy the same insert on a right- or left-hand tool body.

Tungaloy’s AddInternalCut is available with a steel or carbide tool body featuring a necked relief of 24 or 30 mm to provide sufficient clearance and swarf evacuation. The round tool shanks also have 12 mm flats to correspond with everything from sliding-head turning centres to larger, more robust lathes, while the through-coolant tool bodies reduce vibration and chatter with an overall tool length of 100 or 125 mm, and an insert seat size of 10.

To ensure the new AddInternalCut is suitable for the widest possible number of applications, Tungaloy has developed the range with its CWN and CWX insert designations. The CWN is 1.5 mm wide with the heavier duty CWX being 2.5 mm wide. Depending upon the chosen insert geometry, AddInternalCut provides a protrusion for cutting at depths up to 2 mm. Both geometries are available in Tungaloy’s AH725 insert grade, which features a PVD coating to suit a wide variety of steels, stainless steels and challenging alloys, such as titanium. The tool is suitable for machining inside holes from 10.5 mm diameter upward.

For further information
www.tungaloy.com/uk