SMW Autoblok has introduced the four-in-one Centco4 2+2 self-centring and compensating chuck. According to the company, the Centco4’s engineering and flexibility enables it to securely and efficiently clamp virtually any type or shape of geometric part, including round, cubic, angular and irregular.

The Centco4 is available in both power and manual models, and is suitable for deformation-sensitive workpieces. With its four jaws, Centco4 provides four times less deformation compared with three-jaw clamping and can be used on all industry-specific machine tools. The ability to handle virtually any part shape means fewer chuck change-outs and reduced downtime. Diverse manual and hydraulic applications include turning, milling, inspection and
finishing operations.
Some of the many Centco4 benefits are that it features two independent self-centring and compensating jaws, and single wedge actuation that eliminates the need for a dual-piston cylinder. SMW Autoblok’s latest innovation is said to be suitable for aerospace and automotive manufacturers seeking a standard chuck that can clamp any part geometry.
The drive of the Centco4 moves toward or apart on two parallel axes, and needs only one standard-stroke, single-piston cylinder for actuation. This design allows for independent self-centring via both axes. Centrifugal force compensation permits maximum rotational speeds up to 210 kN of gripping force with an optimised lubrication system that saves both time and money in repairs and maintenance. Four sizes are available in the power version, while a variety of precision jaws is also offered.
For further information www.smw-autoblok.de

During rough machining first operations it is good to have a known datum, which is where WNT’s ZSG4 Centric vice system provides a suitable solution.

However, when it comes to second operation work, a known datum on the component has already been created, so the requirement for a centric-jaw system is reduced, and it is here that the newly developed WNT ESG5 fixed-jaw vice from Ceratizit fully complements the ZSG4.
Providing identical footprints, with the vice bases measuring 160 mm in length (and an overall height of just 83 mm), the ESG5 and ZSG4 can sit side by side either directly on the machine table, or on WNTs MNG Zero Point baseplate system. In terms of clamping performance, again, the two vices are identical with a maximum gripping force of 35 kN, allowing components to be gripped securely on as little as 3 mm of material.
According to the company, accuracy and repeatability of ±0.01 mm are achieved by the overall vice design with precision matched slides, and the use of a ball screw to control jaw movement. The ability to switch jaws between the two vice types adds further versatility and compatibility to the WNT work-holding system. This compatibility opens up the choice of jaw from the range, which includes: reversible jaws; pendulum plate jaws; combi jaws; aluminium jaws; five-axis jaws; smooth carbide-coated jaws; and stepped jaws.
Says Adrian Fitts, business development manager at Ceratizit UK & Ireland: “The WNT ZSG4 vice has proved popular as it provides a cost-effective, efficient and compact work-holding solution. With ESG5 we have listened to customers and created a vice that fully complements ZSG4 and enhances the work-holding systems available from Team Cutting Tools.”
For further information https://cuttingtools.ceratizit.com

Rotary table specialist PL Lehmann is looking forward to welcoming customers on Stand 28 in hall 17 at MACH 2020 (Birmingham NEC, 20-24 April). Since 2018, the company has been directly represented in the UK and Ireland with sales and services. PL Lehmann prides itself on close relationships with partners from the machine-tool industry. Indeed, its scope of supply for rotary tables allows interface with most vertical machining centres and grinding machines.

The compact Lehmann rotary tables show their advantages by being light in weight and small in footprint, but strong when it comes to clamping torque and load weight. These attributes means users can still use quite a bit of space on their machine tables for three-axis operations as room remains for additional vices.
Lehmann’s modular system is based on four sizes of rotary table, which are expanded by a building kit to create customer solutions. With a clamping torque range of 250 to 5000 Nm, spindle load capacity between 17 and 1600 kg, speed from 40 to 300 rpm, and accuracy of 2 arc-sec, the company says its rotary tables are in a class of their own.
The range also permits the creation of different fourth-axis solutions with up to four spindles, tailstocks and counter bearings, as well as a five-axis solution featuring a strong and precise rotating and tilting axis. In addition, the modular systems allow a direct encoder and special labyrinth sealing for grinding applications.
For further information www.lehmann-rotary-tables.com

The products of Roemheld Rivi, a manufacturer of magnetic clamping plates for securing dies and moulds, are now available in the UK through the Hitchin headquarters of Roemheld UK.

Solutions from Roemheld Rivi are deployed not only in the plastics sector, but in the rubber industry. It is the only magnetic die-clamping company to have the technology to operate in the rubber sector due to the ability
of its M-TECS series plates to withstand temperatures up to 240°C.
Dies and moulds made from ferromagnetic materials can be clamped and subsequently released over their full surface area, while high plate stiffness resists bending. The systems work without electrical power and require only a short current pulse lasting a few seconds to activate and deactivate the magnets.
Permanent magnets generate a field that penetrates a few millimetres into the tool and hold even heavy mould halves weighing several tons in the correct position, bringing them together absolutely parallel. Even moulds with complex geometries can be precisely clamped without deformation, while uniform distribution of the clamping force ensures low die wear.
Every magnetic clamping system is customised by Roemheld Rivi using standardised components and is virtually maintenance-free. Solutions can be configured flexibly with regard to size, geometry, clamping force and fittings, and are available on short delivery times. The systems can generally be retrofitted to existing machines within just a few hours.
Roemheld Rivi is currently forming a new network comprising 15 service locations throughout Europe and one each in the USA, China and Japan. Intensively trained Roemheld Rivi engineers will provide enhanced support for customers in their native languages, and each centre will have access to replacement parts to speed service and support.
For further information www.roemheld.co.uk

Schunk’s new design and selection tool for gripping modules simplifies and accelerates the engineering of handling systems. Just a few details about the gripper type, workpiece and gripping application are enough for the system to output the right modules from Schunk’s gripping component range.

Next to corresponding gripper types appears extensive technical information, drawings and images. The hit list comprises details on the respective utilisation ratio and utilisation reason. Schunk’s tool makes it possible to take advantage of individual grippers, while preventing costly oversizing. In addition, the calculation and design process is considerably faster. Intelligent logarithms enable targeted pre-selection of components which might not otherwise have been considered by the designer or systems planner as a viable solution for the application.
Both the hit list and the individual information can be saved, meaning that complete documentation and archiving of the design, as well as recalculation of the modified information, are possible. Data can be always retrieved for follow-up projects.
The intuitive, HTML-based tool considers around 2550 Schunk grippers and is always up to date with respect to the gripper types and technical data. As a result, designs will always be based on current information.
For further information www.gb.schunk.com