SMW Autoblok has introduced its hybrid COMOT-AZ quick-change collet chuck featuring industry-standard diameter capacities of 42, 65 and 100 mm to accommodate a large variety of workpiece sizes.

Suitable for bar and tubular stock machining that requires multiple changeovers daily, COMOT-AZ can be used in three ways: for OD machining using standard collets; for greater accuracy utilising high-precision collets with COMOT-AZ/PA; or transform COMOT-AZ quickly into an expanding mandrel for ID clamping using the EMX series.

Used for hard turning, gear grinding, drilling, milling and more, COMOT-AZ provides low-deformation clamping of thin-walled workpieces and offers a large selection of standard collets available in round, square, hexagonal and special configurations when needed for virtually all sizes of spindles.

The optional COMOT-AZ/PA enables users to change from a standard collet to a high-precision collet for holding workpieces from 3 to 100 mm with high accuracy and repeatability. As a point of note, the EMX series extension mandrel is also available for internal workpiece fixtures.

For automated loading, COMOT-AZ provides air sensing to ensure that the part is seated properly before the machine cycle starts. Other advantages include radial fine adjustment and a case-hardened body and internal parts for high resistance and longer life.

For further information
www.bit.ly/3GSyQDN

Having identified a gap in the UK automotive market for a highly-efficient subcontractor that specialises in the production of premium-quality, low-volume components, the founders of Opus International Products established their business in 2013. In less than 10 years the company has grown to become a major force within its sector.

Given the company’s relatively short production runs, to help reduce changeover times and increase its machining efficiency, managing director Rob Coles recently searched for an advanced work-holding system, opting for a selection of solutions from Lang Technik UK.

“By using our Lang Technik work-holding systems on our Haas machine tools we’ve achieved the incremental production increases we were seeking,” he says. “Now, before inserting a workpiece blank into one of our new Lang Makro-grip vices, staff can use our Lang Technik stamping unit to make very accurate, minute indentations into the workpiece. Then, as the ‘male’ features on the jaws of our Lang vices engage exactly with the workpiece’s pre-stamped ‘dents’, we are able to achieve excellent holding power with the application of only minimal clamping forces. We are therefore able to hold, from the softest to the hardest of materials, under all machining conditions without fear of deformation. In addition, as the Lang Technik stamping unit makes its indentations into only the last 3 mm of workpieces, we are able to make savings on material.”

Coles adds: “As all of the indenting preparation work is carried out before each workpiece is placed into the machine tool, the use of our new Lang stamping unit and Makro-grip vices has slashed machining downtime. As we continue to ramp-up our production levels, we will be returning to Lang Technik UK for further products.”

For further information
www.lang-technik.co.uk

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