Tooling company Ceratizit has added two high-performance adapters to its range of hydraulic chucks: the HyPower Rough for demanding rough machining operations; and the HyPower Access 4.5° for optimal accessibility in the machining zone.

The HyPower Rough hydraulic chuck is for clamping milling tools with a HA shank.Offering high temperature stability of 80°C, these chucks are suitable for highly dynamic milling applications, even during cycles lasting longer than 240 minutes, reports Ceratizit. These dynamic milling applications include HSC (high-speed cutting), HPC (high-performance cutting) and SPM (structural part machining). According to the company,the HyPower Rough is also effective for the high-performance milling of precision components at speeds up to 33,000 rpm. Moreover, these hydraulic offer high levels of vibration damping in support of surface quality.

Meanwhile, the HyPower Access 4.5° hydraulic chuck is for precision finishing.And to ensure optimal flexibility and versatility, its dimensions match those of a shrink-fit chuck (DIN contour with 4.5°). These chucks offer customers the advantages of a hydraulic chuck for critical component structures, with suitability for reaming and drilling, as well as finishing during milling operations. The result, says Ceratizit, is outstanding surfaces and tight tolerances, as well as maximum process security and tool life.

Ceratizit’s product manager (clamping systems) Christoph Retter says: “Both the HyPower Access 4.5° and HyPower Rough offer outstanding radial run-out accuracy and an impressive clamping force for optimum results. Furthermore, they are easy to change, and save time where tool alterations need to be made as changes can be made in minutes using a single Allen key.”
For further information www.ceratizit.com

US firm Blue Photon has a new, photo-activated adhesive work-holding system, comprising patented grippers and inserts, intended for use with stabiliser systems marketed by Big Daishowa and others that add extra rigidity to tall components during machining. The ‘Workholding Stabilizer System’made its European debut at September’s EMO 2023 trade fair in Hanover.

The new system comprises a Blue Photon stabiliser puck, an adjustable stabiliser arm and a base mount, for which there are multiple options including T-slot, threaded-hole and magnetic. Users position the puck in an optimal location on the workpiece to provide maximum extra support during machining by transferring some of the cutting force to the machine table and structure.

Increased stability raises production throughput by allowing the programming of faster feeds and speeds without affecting the surface integrity of the part. It also increases yield by avoiding scrap and rework that could result from unstable clamping.

The puck attaches to the workpiece using grippers placed into fixed inserts. It is simply necessary to position the puck and turn on ultraviolet light from a Blue Photon controller to cure BlueGrip adhesive previously applied to the grippers. The process is complete in 60 seconds, minimising idle time and maximising throughput.

Further benefits include no need to drill and tap or otherwise clamp the part, while the absence of additional work-holding geometry means that cutter paths are unrestricted without necessarily extending cycle times.

Also on the stand at EMO was a selection of Blue Photon’s other adhesive work-holding products, which are suitable for securing awkwardly shaped and/or delicate parts to allow maximum access to tools during machining processes. They are equally suitable for use in assembly or inspection.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

Staubli and Mag-Autoblok Tecnomagnete say they have pooled their expertise totake the capabilities of magnetic clamping technology to the next level with the release of the QMC123 magnetic clamping system for injection moulding machines. An essential part of the co-development process for QMC123 was to ensure that the new system not only retained the previous system’s attributes of robustness and reliability, but also a level of familiarity for existing customers who have been using the current system since 2010.

QMC123 provides greater levels of information and features a new and easier-to-use operator touchscreen thatenables the validation of the various safety points during mould-changing operations. The IMAG-Editor software enables the calculation of clamping force for each mould prior to loading, based upon the customer’s specific press. This information highlights any potential problems ahead of production. Furthermore, intuitive guidance is availableto the operator, not only during set up, but also to assist in diagnosing warnings or error conditions, facilitating faster and safe resolution.

The manufacturing processes for the QMC123 magnetic platen design have also seen optimisation to guarantee better measurement accuracy of the clamping forces. In addition, the system is able to detect flux changes before actual mould movement takes place, further increasing safety.

As a further point, the QMC123 magnetic clamping solution will play a key role in SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Die) strategies by minimising the time between the last good part and the first good new part. Moreover, with its data acquisition capabilities, this new-generation technology is also compatible with the principles of Industry 4.0.
For further information www.staubli.com

Power tools and accessories manufacturer Fein has introduced its first expandable clamping solution, the VersaMAG system, to the UK metalworking market. The modular system, centred round a powerful magnet, features a range of attachments that are fully interchangeable for use in endless applications.

VersaMAG, a neodymium magnet, forms the foundation of the clamping solution. Its two-rotor system generates a maximum holding force of 7800N, allowing end users to clamp securely to all magnetic surfaces as thin as 4mm. As a result, the system enables users to complete tasks safely and efficiently across a huge range of work environments, including shipyards, aircraft manufacturing facilities, and steel and fabrication shops.

The clamping system’s powerful magnetic base also eliminates the requirement to manoeuvre rigid worktop vices or materials to secure it safely while operating tools. This advantage significantly reduces the required set-up time across many applications.

In addition to the vice and jaws, Fein can offer a 16mm welding plate for use with the magnetic base. Featuring a hole-grid system, the welding plate enables simple and precise alignment of workpieces.Its small and compact design makes it suitable for both stationary and mobile use.

“As well as offering increased productivity and flexibility, VersaMAG expands our portfolio of safety solutions,” says comments Andy Mills, managing director of Fein UK. “We know from speaking directly to users that a lack of flexible vice options has historically led to frustration and safety risks, where material cannot be secured properly or operators have felt forced to use their hand, leaving only one hand free for tool operation. We’re proud to solve this issue with our new, easy-to-use magnetic clamping system.”
For further information www.fein.com/en_uk