SMW Autoblok says its next-generation APS 138‑E and APS 138‑I zero-point clamping modules are engineered to deliver <0.005 mm repeatability, maximum rigidity and universal interface compatibility across nearly all zero-point systems currently in the market. The APS 138 series enables high-speed part changeover, full automation support and high machining accuracy across turning, milling and grinding operations, reports the company.

With the APS 138-E for external mounting and APS 138-I for integrated, built-in applications, both modules provide the same mechanical performance characteristics: a three-jaw clamping design, spring-actuated locking and pull-down forces up to 26 kN assisted by SMW Autoblock’s ‘Turbo’ function. Holding force reaches 75 kN using standard ISO 4762-12.9 screws, and modules can be unlocked pneumatically at 6 bar via side or bottom actuation.

“This platform is designed as a direct-fit alternative to other zero-point systems on the market,” says Larry Robbins, president and CEO at SMW Autoblok USA. “Shops don’t have to reconfigure their work-holding systems to gain a boost in precision and speed.”

The APS system serves as a universal interface between the machine tool, clamping device and workpiece. It requires no traditional fixturing methods and is suitable for pallet automation and modular set up.

All APS modules are Proofline-sealed for full protection against coolant, corrosion and swarf. An integrated air purge system for cleaning and locating surfaces is standard, helping maintain chip-free mating surfaces, essential for automation and high-tolerance part handling. Select models support pneumatic stroke control for real-time monitoring and feedback during robotic load/unload cycles.

The three-jaw system includes three clamping slides, providing higher pull-down forces and eliminating the need for special set-ups during multi-directional milling operations.

More information www.smwautoblok.com

In the fast-paced world of precision machining, factors such as speed, accuracy and repeatability are everything, which is why Kurt Workholding has developed its PFA620 five-axis pneumatic vice.

The Kurt PFA620 is an air-actuated self-centring vice designed for modern five-axis machining centres. Compact, powerful and automation-ready, it is suitable for shops looking to shorten set-up times without sacrificing precision.

The new air vice was recently featured as part of a fully automated, lights-out work cell at the Yamazen open house in Elk Grove, Illinois. At the event, the air vice could be seen mounted on a custom base directly to the platter of a Brother Speedio U500Xd2 machining centre with an integrated robot. 

“The automated access door allows the robot to move parts in and out of machine without an operator present,” explains Andrew Justin, Kurt Workholding sales engineer. “You can load stock into the drawer system and let the machine run for hours unattended until stock is depleted. At this point, you replenish the raw stock and start the cycle over again. The PFA620 mounts to any five-axis platter both through the body and with a custom adapter plate if necessary.”

The PFA620 can be integrated into a rotary union with pneumatics so there are no external air lines: all pneumatics are captured within the base plate and vice. This design allows for maximum access on five sides while not potentially damaging external air lines. New Kurt air vice models will feature porting on the bottom of the vice to eliminate exposed air lines.

Unlike typical pneumatic vices, the Kurt PFA620 offers manual full-stroke adjustment via a hex screw and handle, giving machinists the freedom to quickly adapt to parts of varying sizes.

More information www.kurtworkholding.com

As aluminium wheel manufacturing continues to demand higher precision, consistency and automation, the stability of the work-holding system and its integration across processes have become critical factors affecting production efficiency and quality.

AutoGrip Machinery, leveraging decades of expertise in power chucks and customised work-holding solutions, has partnered with machine tool builder Victor Taichung to develop a series of dedicated work-holding systems for aluminium wheel machining, successfully implemented in an automated production line.

This aluminium wheel chuck series is designed to suit Victor Taichung’s vertical turning centres and vertical machining centres. By integrating processes from Op 1 to Op 3, a single production line can simultaneously complete turning, drilling and measurement operations for 16- inch, 17- inch and 18-inch aluminium wheels, enhancing production flexibility and overall efficiency. 

At Op 1, AutoGrip’s 3JW-28 aluminium wheel power chuck provides automatic self-centring for the wheels. Equipped with high-strength carbide gripping jaws for face clamping, it ensures precise positioning during centre hole and outer profile machining. An integrated air-tight pressure detection function continuously monitors clamping status, enhancing automation reliability and operational safety.

For centre-hole measurement, the MW-811 wheel measurement chuck utilises an eight-jaw concentric internal support design combined with a chip-blowing dust protection mechanism. This configuration effectively eliminates chip interference and ensures stable, high-accuracy measurements for hub diameters ranging from 50 to 150 mm.

In the Op 2 and Op 3 finishing stations, AutoGrip introduces the 6PW-25A11 and SHW-324B aluminium wheel chucks. Their fully sealed construction prevents coolant ingress, reduces maintenance requirements and extends service life. Different wheel sizes can be machined without changing jaws, improving line changeover efficiency. The SHW-324B further incorporates a vacuum dust-proof design, preventing chips from entering the chuck during PCD and air valve hole machining.  

More information www.autogrip-machinery.com

With the spin-off of a new company at the beginning of January 2026, Schunk is consolidating its activities in humanoid robotics and positioning itself as a key player in this growing market. The new company aims to develop modular humanoid robot hands for industrial applications, systematically expanding the availability and use of humanoid systems.

Building on decades of experience in flexible gripping technology and working with industrial companies, start-ups and research institutions, Schunk has been opening new fields of application beyond the purely scientific environment with its five-finger gripping hand for more than 10 years. The newly founded technology spin-off, Schunk Humanoid Robotics GmbH, consolidates expertise in the field of humanoid robotics and enables faster transfer of innovations into market-ready products.

The spin-off is launching from a position of strength: it builds on Schunk’s many years of experience in automating handling processes, leverages existing infrastructure and test and development facilities at the company’s own robot application centres (CoLabs), and draws on an international research and development network. In addition, it benefits from a proven technology portfolio – supported by a global customer base and established access to the relevant markets for humanoid robotics.

The focus is on the next generation of a modular, anthropomorphic five-finger gripping hand with an integrated wrist and forearm. Designed as a scalable component for the industrial use of humanoid systems, a new prototype is already nearing readiness for use.

“Humanoid robotics holds enormous market potential,” says Timo Gessmann, CTO of Schunk. “With the spin-off, we’re creating the space for an agile, independent company with a start-up mindset, a strong technological foundation and close market alignment.”

More information www.schunk.com

The new Erowa CMT Compact Micro Tooling adds another innovation to its clamping system portfolio, taking micro, high-precision manufacturing to a new level. Specially developed for energy-efficient micro-machining machines in detail-critical industries – ranging from watchmaking and jewellery to medical technology and micro technology – Erowa says the CMT clamping system delivers quality, precision and efficiency in an ultra-compact design.

Micro and precision mechanics require specialised, precisely co-ordinated solutions. However, the industry has been undergoing change for some time now. The trend is moving towards compact, energy-efficient, high-precision micro-manufacturing systems that are tailored to the resource-saving requirements of the future. Thanks to minimal footprint requirements, the space saved can be used to increase productivity in manufacturing. Additionally, its lower energy consumption compared with conventional machines allows for more cost-effective and sustainable production of workpieces.

To unleash the full potential of any micro machine, it must feature efficient workpiece handling. As a pioneer in the field of high-precision clamping systems, Erowa has taken on this task. The newly developed Erowa CMT (Compact Micro Tooling) combines a high degree of quality and precision. Developed for the next generation of micro-machining machines – suitable for both manual and automated production – the clamping system, with a diameter of just 45 mm, delivers efficiency and functionality in a very compact form.

The clamping system is designed for workpiece sizes up to 50 x 50 x 50 mm. Clamping is performed using spring force with the chuck released pneumatically. The chuck remains mechanically locked in the unpressurised state. Just like other Erowa products, positioning is performed using a backlash-free centring plate to maximise repeatability and system accuracy.

More information www.erowa.com