With new adapter jaws, Schunk has established compatibility between machine vices and the world’s broadest portfolio of top jaws from Schunk/Gressel. These useful connecting elements offer new and flexible clamping options for any machining task.

The interface between the machine vice and top jaws for a specific clamping task depends on the manufacturer. Until now, users have been bound to the respective vice manufacturer’s jaw portfolio. This is now a thing of the past with the new Schunk adapter jaws. They enable Schunk to create compatibility between the vice and its top jaw portfolio, which the company says is the most extensive on the market. Therefore, users are no longer tied to a specific system, but can now significantly expand their clamping options.

The potential of the adapter jaws for machine vices with a jaw width of 125 mm is considerable. This is because they offer concrete advantages for stationary workpiece clamping in vices, especially on milling machines: the Schunk adapter jaws open up any top jaw variation for virtually infinite clamping possibilities.

Due to this flexibility, it is possible to achieve many different clamping options and cost advantages. After the initial investment for the adapter jaws, Schunk says amortisation arrives very quickly by using the top jaws from the Schunk portfolio, since the top jaws are less expensive than comparable competitor products. Another advantage is the set-up time savings and process optimisation thanks to the quick-change function on some variants of the top jaws from the Schunk portfolio. Screws only require loosening slightly instead of completely, with easy removal of the jaw upwards along the grooves.

For further information www.schunk.com

Big Kaiser, a specialist in precision tooling systems and solutions for the metalworking industry, is introducing its Hydraulic Chuck Ultra Precision. The new chuck, which is suitable for machine shops that require the lowest possible runout in high-precision milling, is available in the UK from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC).

With Big Kaiser’s hydraulic clamping system for high levels of concentricity, the company guarantees runout of less than 1 µm at 4xD. This ultra-low runout does not drift, even after intensive use, whereas some shrink-fit holders become less accurate after each clamping, reports ITC.

Clamping with the new hydraulic chuck is easy and safe, requiring only an Allen key. This design makes it straightforward and quick to change tools in the machine. With no hot-clamping machines required, users can extend the life of the tool holder indefinitely, reducing costs and minimising the environmental impact of holder replacement in comparison with shrink-fit holders.

As part of Big Kaiser’s HDC (hydraulic chucks) series, the new chuck provides precise clamping in 3, 5 and 6mm diameters.

“Based on our decades of experience and know-how, the new ultra-precision chuck delivers the excellent accuracy that our customers demand,” says Giampaolo Roccatello, chief sales andmarketing officer for Europe at Big Kaiser. “Shrink-fit holders may cost slightly less up front, but when you factor in the time wasted and the cost of heating and cooling equipment, it’s clear that hydraulic chucks are a more economical option over their lifetime.”
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

In many sectors that require sheet metal handling, vacuum suction cups have become an essential element of safety, reliabilityand productivity. With the company’s new CTC high-performance bell-type suction cups, Covalsays it is bringing manufacturers the best of both flat and bellows suction cups to enhance system efficiency.

The main feature of new CTC suction cups is the bell shape. This design has the strength and anti-slip qualities of flat suction cups, with the added abilities of bellows suction cups to grip complex or angular shapes.The CTC cup series has large deflection capability, adapting easily to gripping a variety of workpiece shapes.Furthermore, anti-slip cleats make it easy to move heavy, oily sheets quickly and efficiently, while their central stops ensure the tight gripping of thin sheets without deformation.

Typical applications include feeding machines such as folders and cutters, or picking up sheet metal or parts for transfer to stamping presses and storage. CTC suction cups are particularly suitable for use in the automotive sector, in processes that include stamping, fitting and assembly, for example. The company says it has long-standing partnerships with major car manufacturers, supplying them with products that meet their quality and productivity expectations.

CTC bell-type suction cups are available in four diameters from 40 to 100 mm and various mounting configurations (3/8G male or female and 32 mm square), to suit all types of application. Coval makes all of them from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) for resistance to wear and oil.
For further information www.coval-international.com

At September’s EMO 2023 exhibition in Hanover, Haimer presented a variety of innovations in the area of tool clamping technology: from the Micro Collet Chuck and the High-Performance Chuck, to the world premiere of the company’s Hybrid Chuck technology. There were also new software versions for Haimer shrink fit, balancing and pre-setting machines, enabling smooth data exchange among each other, and with machine tools and automation. The highlight at the booth: an impressiveautomation cell for tool set-up, including an automated guided vehicle to and from the machine tool.

As a world premiere, the Haimer Hybrid Chuck features new and patented technology that combines the advantages of two clamping worlds: the vibration-damping properties of a hydraulic chuck with those of a high-precision, high-performance shrink-fit chuck.

The new Micro Collet Chuck, which also made its debut at EMO, is suitable for shank diameters from 1 mm and meets customerrequirement for maximum runout accuracy with simple handling.

Moving forward, all Haimer shrink-fit, balancing and pre-setting machines will receive a new software version that includes a bidirectional interface for connection to the new Haimer Tool Room Manager (TRM). This new software monitors the online status of all devices in the tool room, documents the processes and monitors compliance with the specified tolerances. An optional OPC-UA interface, client or MQTT Connect interface standardises access to machines, devices and other systems, and enables manufacturer-independent data exchange.

On the Haimer Tool Dynamic balancing machine, the new software also opens the door to automatic indexing. For this purpose, a small gripper features in the new models that rotates the tool awaiting balancing. The software does the rest without any further manual intervention of the operator.
For further information www.haimer.com