TaeguTec has introduced the T-HyChuck, a hydraulic chuck range offering improved clamping performance and precision across a wide variety of machining applications. Designed as a direct replacement for the company’s existing THC hydraulic chuck line, the new range is fully compatible with current tooling.

Developed for manufacturers requiring high levels of surface finish, dimensional accuracy and process stability, the T-HyChuck incorporates a redesigned hydraulic mechanism featuring helical groove geometry and a precision rubber piston actuator. The system delivers run-out of 3 µm at 3xD, with 5 µm run-out on bore diameters from 25 to 32 mm and 7 µm on tool lengths of 150 mm or more, helping to reduce vibration and extend tool life.

The range comprises three variants. The THCG is intended for general high-precision drilling and end milling applications, while the slim-profile THCS has been developed for machining deep cavities and other areas where tool accessibility is restricted. Completing the range is the THCR, which features radial run-out adjustment via a set screw for applications requiring the highest levels of precision.

Manufactured to a hardness of 58-60 HRc, all variants are balanced to G2.5 at speeds up to 15,000 rpm, rising to 20,000 rpm for HSK-A models. Bore sizes range from 6 to 32 mm and are available with a comprehensive selection of spindle interfaces, including BT, DIN69871 and HSK configurations, allowing the T-HyChuck to be used on a wide range of machining centres.

TaeguTec recommends the use of h6 tolerance cylindrical shank tools, together with the specified clamping torque and tool insertion depths, to achieve optimum performance.

More information www.taegutec.com

Hainbuch has been awarded the TOP 100 Seal 2026 in Size Category C (more than 200 employees), recognising the work-holding specialist as one of Germany’s most innovative mid-sized companies. The award was presented at the German SME Summit, held at the Congress Centre in Heidelberg on 26 June.

The TOP 100 assessment recognises organisations that demonstrate excellence in innovation management and performance rather than individual product developments. More than 100 criteria are evaluated across areas including leadership, innovation culture, organisational processes, collaboration and commercial success.

Established in 1951, Hainbuch develops work holding, changeover, measurement and automation solutions for milling, turning and grinding applications. Innovation has long been central to the company’s strategy, from the introduction of its SpannTop clamping principle in the 1970s through to today’s intelligent IQ clamping systems and the automation-ready CentroteX AC quick-change interface.

The company also works closely with customers to develop more than 1000 bespoke work-holding solutions each year for demanding manufacturing applications.

Gerhard Rall, owner and inventor of the SpannTop principle, said: “We want to make our customers successful and strive for excellence and smart solutions. We would rather fail with an innovation than succeed by copying.”

Sylvia Rall, Owner and CEO, added: “The TOP 100 Seal confirms that our commitment to innovation is embedded throughout the company, from new ideas and development processes to measurable customer benefits. By continuing to invest in technology, expertise and collaboration, we aim to make manufacturing simpler, more precise and increasingly suited to automated production.”

More information www.hainbuch.com

Schunk has entered into a development partnership with Bosch Robotics to create an industrial-grade humanoid robot hand for use across a wide range of humanoid robot platforms. The collaboration aims to address growing demand for flexible automation as manufacturers respond to increasing productivity pressures, shorter product life cycles and ongoing skills shortages.

By combining their expertise, the two companies intend to develop a robotic hand capable of supporting applications in manufacturing, assembly and logistics. Bosch brings expertise in mechanics, precision engineering, electronics, artificial intelligence and software development, together with extensive industrialisation experience. Schunk contributes its specialist knowledge of gripping and automation technology, backed by almost 20 years of experience in the development of humanoid robot hands.

“With Bosch, we gain a strong global development partner that combines technological expertise with industrial experience and has a broad portfolio for the development of robot hands,” says Timo Gessmann, CTO of Schunk.

Mathias Pillin, CTO of Robert Bosch GmbH, adds: “Robot hands play a key role in advancing humanoid robotics in production by enabling more precise handling than conventional gripping systems. Together, we aim to develop a solution with the potential to support a wide range of industrial applications.”

The partnership was showcased at the recent Bosch ConnectedWorld 2026 in Berlin, where the companies demonstrated a humanoid robot equipped with a Schunk anthropomorphic robot hand. The system illustrated how advanced gripping technology, intelligent software and robotic hardware can be combined to perceive, grasp and manipulate objects within an industrial workflow.

The collaboration is intended to accelerate the adoption of humanoid robotics by helping move the technology from development into practical industrial applications.

More information www.schunk.com

Kurt Workholding has introduced the PFA620 five-axis pneumatic vice, an air-actuated, self-centring work-holding solution designed to improve productivity, accuracy and repeatability in modern five-axis machining environments.

Developed for automation as well as manual operation, the compact PFA620 was recently demonstrated as part of a fully automated lights-out machining cell at the Yamazen open house in Elk Grove, Illinois. Mounted on a Brother Speedio U500Xd2 machining centre with an integrated robot, the system automatically loaded raw material and removed finished components, enabling extended unattended production.

“The automated access door allows the robot to move parts in and out of the machine without an operator present,” explains Andrew Justin, sales engineer at Kurt Workholding. “The PFA620 mounts seamlessly to any five-axis platter and can be integrated with a rotary union so all pneumatic connections are contained within the base, eliminating exposed air lines while maintaining full access to the workpiece.”

Designed to accommodate a wide range of component sizes, the vice combines manual full-stroke adjustment with a 6.35 mm pneumatic stroke to deliver consistent clamping force and repeatable positioning. This helps reduce set-up times and supports efficient changeovers in both manual and automated production environments.

The PFA620 can be configured as a standalone unit or in multi-vice arrangements, making it suitable for everything from single-machine applications to high-density automated machining cells. It also features tool-free, quick-change jaws, with serrated and dovetail options available for different work-holding requirements.

Delivering up to 8.9 kN of clamping force from a 7.5 bar shop air supply, the PFA620 provides the rigidity required for demanding five-axis machining while its compact design offers good access for efficient five-sided component machining.More information www.kurtworkholding.com

Röhm not only supplies multi-part clamping systems to manufacturers worldwide but also uses the technology extensively within its own production facilities to improve productivity, process reliability and quality. The experience gained feeds directly into the development of practical solutions for customers across a wide range of industries.

One example is at the company’s Dillingen plant, where the manually operated Duro M lathe chuck is manufactured. Used on conventional, horizontal and vertical turning and milling machines, as well as rotary tables and indexing units, the chuck is produced using specially developed multi-part clamping systems from Röhm’s own portfolio.

The objective was to reduce machining and auxiliary times while increasing machine utilisation. By introducing a self-designed four-station clamping fixture, machining time per part was cut by around 90 seconds, while loading, tool changes and pallet changes were significantly reduced. Overall, productivity increased by approximately 10%.

“We needed a power-actuated solution with higher accuracy, since the components are milled from a pre-turned blank with finished reference surfaces,” explains Magnus Strobel, production manager in Dillingen. “The specially developed four-station fixture enables secure, distortion-free clamping while allowing complete finish machining in just two setups.”

Röhm also employs multi-part clamping technology to manufacture the stepped jaws of the Duro M. An automated production cell, comprising a Chiron DZ 16 W twin-spindle machining centre, integrated industrial robot and custom eight-station clamping fixture, handles loading, machining and unloading with minimal operator intervention.

Looking ahead, Röhm plans to expand the concept further. “We’re currently planning to add power-operated centric grippers, enabling us to machine cubic parts using the same production principle in the future,” adds Strobel.

More information www.roehm.biz