By upgrading its master adaptor from HSK to Walter Capto, tool manufacturer Walter is launching a new system interface. The interface incorporates concealed balancing holes, which were previously on the outside of the tool.

This balanced construction created at the Walter factory also incorporates an integral chip hole. As a result, there is no longer any need for the user to drill this hole. It provides machine shops with the possibility of digital tool integration for automated tool management, for example. This is because users can save tool data such as dimensions by inserting a data chip into the tool ready for reading out when required, like for activities such as programming or archiving. Walter offers the modular adaptor (HA06-C and HA10-C) from HSK-A to Walter Capto with HSK-A 63 or HSK-A 100 interface in Capto sizes C3-C8.

End users will benefit from high levels of process reliability and precision as the adaptor is very rigid. A further advantage is precise repeat accuracy down to 2 µm during tool changes.

Inherent versatility makes the system suitable for all types of adaptors, such as Weldon, ER collets and hydraulic expansion chucks, or milling adaptors with arbors for milling and hole-making. The system is thus compatible with all kinds of machines, from machining centres through to multi-tasking machines.

Users of data storage devices can open up their entire range of tools with the master adaptor thanks to its suitability for use with all types of machine and machining operation.

More information www.walter-tools.com

A new range of electrically actuated swing clamps capable of generating high forces for securing workpieces during machining is now available from Roemheld UK. Manufactured by Roemheld’s German parent company alongside established pneumatically actuated variants, users can control the latest clamps individually or in multiples. The maintenance-free units are suitable for mounting vertically or horizontally, and work well as part of automated work-holding solutions.

Driven by a wear-resistant, brushless, 24 VDC motor via a gear and threaded spindle, the device requires only 3 mm of axial lift before the clamping arm swivels. According to the model in use, it rotates by either by 90 or 180°, clockwise or counter-clockwise. Other swing angles are available on request. The electronic control for the motor is built into the swing clamp housing and has its own 24 VDC/100 mA power supply.

Two variants of swing clamp are available, 1833 and 1835, the latter having a higher clamping force. For both models, which carry an IP67 ingress protection rating, users can adjust and monitor the force, its maximum value depending on the length of arm deployed. It takes approximately 3 seconds to secure or release a component. Should the power supply fail, there is no loss of clamping pressure.

During unclamping, the arm swings back to its starting position. Should it meet an obstruction during motion, in either direction, automatic and instantaneous motor switch-off protects the mechanism from overload.

More information www.roemheld.co.uk

Midaco is announcing a notable milestone in CNC productivity across Europe as it joins forces with Abplanalp in the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania). According to US-based Midaco, the new partnership underscores the company’s dedication to delivering innovative solutions that elevate efficiency and performance in the CNC industry. Machine shops in the Baltic territory can now anticipate advancements tailored to meet their evolving needs.

Established in 1969, Midaco is renowned for both automatic and manualpallet changers. All models of the automatic pallet changer system are available with a light curtain package. With three-sided guarding via a light emitter, mirrors and sensors, a pallet change will not occur upon breaching the invisible light beams surrounding the shuttle system.

In recent years, Midaco has expanded its line of pallet changers to accommodate the need for large precision parts machined to tight tolerances for the aerospace, energy, automotive, military, power generation, oil and gas industries. These jobs cause significant spindle downtime due to the long and involved process of heavy, large part changeovers.

When combined with crane loading, first article inspection and job interruption tasks, a machining centre can be idle for anything from 30 minutes to two hours. As a result,a large vertical bridge mill or double-column machining centre can be idle up to 70% of the time. Midaco single/dual automatic pallet changers are alsosuitable for machining centres which do not move in Yaxis, ensuring for the long component changeover process takes place while the machine is cutting.

More information www.midaco-corp.com

Sandvik has acquired PDQ Workholding LLC (PDQ), a US-based company specializing in custom work-holding fixtures and tooling for various industries, including aerospace, automotive and energy. PDQ will be reported in Walter, a division within Sandvik Manufacturing and Machining Solutions, thus supporting the strategy to grow in advanced machining solutions and lightweight materials.

The acquisition of PDQ will strengthen Sandvik’s offer to customers primarily in North America, enhance relationships with machine tool builders, and allow for earlier access to component projects in which both efficiency gains and the right selection of cutting tools are of importance. PDQ produces stationary, hydraulic and automated fixtures, alongside indexable tool bodies and carbide round tools.

“The addition of PDQ will enhance our customer offer within machining solutions and strengthen growth prospects in the US, very much in line with our strategy,” says Stefan Widing, president and CEO of Sandvik.“I’m pleased to see us complete another acquisition that further improves our ability to create value for our customers and stakeholders.”

Founded in 2010, PDQ operates from two manufacturing sites and has 107 employees. In 2023, the company reported a revenue of $36m. The impact on Sandvik’s EBITA (earning before interest, taxes and amortisation) margin and earnings per share will be limited.

More information www.sandvik.com