It is now possible to retrofit the Röhm iJaw, which features sensor technology and wireless data transmission to measure clamping force in real time during machining, to all turning machines. There is no need to integrate the technology into the machine’s control system.

“With iJaw, we are effectively revolutionising the machining process,” says Gerhard Glanz, CEO of Röhm GmbH. “This is because real-time measurement of the clamping force during the machining process provides the user with a whole range of benefits. The advantages start with higher machine availability because of a reduction in set-up times and faster machining processes. The result is lower part costs on the one hand and increased component quality on the other. Overall, sensor-controlled workpiece machining is, of course, much safer than conventional manual clamping by feel.”

Gone are the days when operators would have to set the clamping force higher than necessary in order to ‘play it safe’.

“Especially with thin-walled components or sensitive surfaces, this is known to be counter-productive because having too high a clamping force quickly leads to deformation or even crushing of the workpiece,” says Glanz. “With exact knowledge of the applied clamping forces, you can significantly reduce rejects.”

This is how the iJaw works: an integrated sensor detects the forces introduced into the jaw, with data processed accordingly. The iJaw measures not only the actual applied forces of the internal and external clamping but also its own temperature. The system constantly displays the charging status of the battery. Röhm’s iJaw measures in real-time during machining.

For further information www.roehm.biz

More flexibility in machining production and significantly reduced set-up times: these are the premises under which Ringspann presents its new HSFS 110 clamping sleeve chuck. This innovative precision clamping system offers numerous advantages, especially for users of turning/milling machines with main and counter spindles, and machine tools with bar loaders. Since the clamping system does not require pull-back action, it is equally suitable for machining bar stock and material sections in the first set-up or workpieces from the second clamping step.

With a diameter range from 22 to 80 mm, the new HSFS 110 is a versatile clamping fixture for many different tasks. It also provides the user with additional flexibility, not least because it allows the clamping diameter to be changed by up to 1.5 mm.

The HSFS 110 clamping sleeve chuck is a purely mechanical clamping system consisting of a base chuck, clamping sleeve, draw tube adapter and adapter flange. While the adapter flange connects the machine spindle to the base chuck, the draw tube adapter transfers the actuating force from the clamping force device of the machine spindle into the base chuck.

The clamping sleeve is an interchangeable part that offer easy and fast replacement as and when necessary without special tools. In addition, the use of individually designed stop plates makes it possible to load and process workpieces axially positioned from the front. For this reason, the HSFS 110 is suitable for material sections in the first clamping set-up without any problems.

Thanks to its high adaptability and easy handling, Ringspann says that the HSFS 110 is one of those clamping systems that can give the machining of workpieces noticeable economic efficiency.

For further information www.ringspann.co.uk

The Hilma.NC machine vice, successful on the market for many years, has undergone a complete revision of the product series by Stark Spannsystem GmbH. The Roemheld Group company has made these modular and versatile vices customisable and thus adaptable to numerous requirements.

Hilma.NC vices primarily find use on vertical machining centres. Depending on the machining strategy and existing automation, operators can initiate the clamping force with the Hilma.NC manually using a hand crank and hydraulic power transmission or – with the Hilma.NCH – purely hydraulically using a unit. This variant is primarily for partially automated processes and enables short clamping and release times, as well as improved ergonomics.

The modular structure makes the Hilma.NC a real all-rounder among clamping elements. It means the vices are suitable for workpieces of different dimensions. There are three sizes to choose from when it comes to jaw width: 100, 125 and 160 mm. Standard lengths are available for each version, achieving a maximum base length of between 380 and 1200 mm. Regardless of the modular system, individual desired lengths up to 1200 mm are also available for order.

The selection of clamping jaws for different tasks is already very extensive in the standard range. No matter whether raw or finished parts, square or round shapes or small to large workpieces – all machinists will find what they are looking for with Stark’s clamping jaws. If choosing magnetic quick-change jaws, users can even change the jaws without tools within a few seconds. Upon request, Stark also produces customer-specific clamping jaws.

For further information www.stark-roemheld.com/en

High-precision collets with a new anti-pull-out system that guarantees the security and performance of cutting tools is the latest technology advancement available from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC). The PG (Perfect Grip) straight collet system from ITC principal Big Kaiser locks the collet and cutter to the tool-holder body, eliminating tool slippage and the potential for pull-out during demanding metal removal applications. The new system is particularly suitable for high dynamic milling and high-speed milling in difficult materials.

Three sizes of collet (10, 12 and 16 mm) are available with the new anti-pull-out system. While larger sizes have been previously available, this is the first time that customers can mill in difficult materials such as Inconel and titanium down to just 10 mm in diameter.

Unlike other systems, ITC says the PG does not require the purchase of specially modified and inherently expensive end mills. Instead, it uses existing standard carbide or HSS end mill designations. Standard notches found on typical Weldon-type end mills will readily accept the locking key insert on the new PG system, enabling fast and easy assembly.

The new PG collet system is for use with Big Kasier’s Mega double power chuck and Hi-Power milling chuck, which are both available from ITC. To improve compatibility and reduce costs, one holder accommodates four sizes. This is credit to the reduction sleeve applied within the collet. Even if a tool suffers damage and operators cannot remove it from the collet, it is possible to disassemble the collet itself from the tool holder.

For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk