The PC80Z self-centring vice from Roemheld is available in a new, two-in-one version that accepts the manufacturer’s optional round inserts, enabling cylindrical components or billets from 44 to 95 mm in diameter to be clamped securely. There is now no need for a machinist to buy a bespoke workholding solution or machine sets of soft jaws to hold parts of different diameters.

The vice can be converted back within a couple of minutes to its conventional role of holding prismatic components; it simply requires the Allen bolts holding four round inserts to be unscrewed and the pair of straight, 80 mm wide jaws to be reinstated. Parts from 17 to 139 mm long can then be secured for metal cutting using the 62 mm clamping stroke.
Of 60 mm overall height, the low-profile unit ensures that not much Z-axis travel is lost on a vertical machining centre. Additionally, despite its all-steel construction, the light weight of only 6 kg avoids taking up undue allowance from a machine’s maximum pallet load, enabling heavier parts to be produced.
Well suited to use on five-axis machining centres and in automated production cells employing pallet magazines, the vice is fitted as standard with the Lang interface for added versatility. Clamping force is 20 kN at 60 Nm closing torque. The device is said to be easy to disassemble and clean, minimising loss of productivity during routine maintenance.
For further information www.roemheld.co.uk

The Hoffmann Group has introduced a new module for its Garant Xpent five-axis vice.

This centre jaw, which can be optionally fitted to the base rail, has made it possible to clamp two workpieces with just one vice, and process them in a single operation. Such a configuration means clamping strategies that are more efficient can be implemented, leading to a measurable increase in productivity, says the company.
Garant Xpent vices are based on a modular design concept. Clamping modules, base rails and spindles can be individually combined and the convex clamping modules can be turned through 180°. Hoffman’s newly developed centre jaw offers another bonus, in terms of flexibility, and is immediately available as an accessory for sizes 0 to 1S (and will soon be available in sizes 1 and 2). The existing range of attachment rails, each with two clamping stages, is fully compatible with the new centre jaw.
Each vice has a clamping force of up to 40 kN at a torque of 90 Nm, and is available in three different heights and two widths. Base rails are available in lengths of 360 to 1050 mm. The new 1S size was specially developed for three- and five-axis machines with small
spindle gearboxes.
For further information www.hoffman-group.com

Leader Chuck Systems recently announced a partnership with Turin-based tailor-made workholding and component manipulation specialist, Rotomors.

The new collaboration allows Leader to exclusively offer Rotomors bespoke solutions to manufacturing and precision engineering companies in the UK and Ireland.
Rotomors was established in Turin in 1966 as a company that focused initially on the design and manufacture of special self-centring chucks for lathes used by the automotive industry. Today, the company specialises in the design and manufacture of workholding systems, the development of automatic pallet-changing systems for vertical lathes and machining centres, and die-change shuttles for presses.
“Each project is developed according to the specific requirements of the individual customer,” explains Mark Jones, managing director of Leader Chuck Systems. “As the offerings are specially designed, they extend the range offered by Leader with pneumatic and hydraulically operated systems. Chucks start at 200 mm diameter and go all the way up to 7000 mm diameter, with many different styles to clamp just about any shape with variable clamping forces for thin-walled components, as well as heavy-duty clamping when required for aggressive machining applications. For example, the six-jaw chuck we would define as two-plus-two-plus-two, where each of the three pairs of jaws work together to compensate for any out-of-roundness without distorting the workpiece.”
Turning and milling centres, both horizontal and vertical, represent the natural opportunities for Rotomors equipment to make a positive impact on productivity. Each of the workholding and manipulation systems can synchronise with the Rotomors pallet changing systems to support automation and the drive towards Industry 4.0.
For further information www.leaderchuck.com