INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Efficient pneumatic workpiece ejector

Clamping specialist Hainbuch is now offering users of its Mini series, or the earlier Toplus or Spanntop chucks, a device that is designed to save time and cost.

The Vario part and Vario quick end-stop systems, already in the product portfolio, are joined by a third variant: the Vario flex pneumatic workpiece ejector that ejects the component from the chuck automatically.
Hainbuch’s pneumatic workpiece ejector allows users to adjust the depth flexibly by means of a novel retaining mechanism, ensuring it can be positioned in the machine exactly as required for the workpiece. The Vario flex can also be used as a basic end stop for coolant wash or air flush. To achieve this function, the pneumatic spring is removed and a feed tube attached. The optional workpiece-specific end stop with holes for the wash and air flush can then be mounted directly to the interface.
Set-up time can be saved using the standardised end stops. Whether to use Vario quick or Vario part is just a matter of preference. For precise, rigid clamping, Hainbuch recommends using the Vario part system, which works on the same principle as a gauge block, and its height can be adjusted in 1 mm steps with gauge discs. With an axial run-out of <0.02 mm at the part of the end stop that touches the workpiece, Vario part is suitable for machining finished parts. The Vario quick variant is intended for fast, flexible clamping as it has a precise trapezoidal thread screw to allow the clamping length to be adjusted quickly. A half-turn is equivalent to an axial adjustment of 1 mm. For further information www.hainbuch.com

Power chuck offers stable, precise machining

Power chucks have to mount parts in just a few seconds, clamp them reliably, accurately and stably, and then release them again reliably after machining.

It does not matter whether the task is machining rods and tubes, or flange-like workpieces, high clamping forces are usually required. According to Röhm, these objectives have been achieved with the company’s KFD-HS power chucks.
“We know the high demands that are placed on the work material in machining operations,” says Fabian Baur, product manager at Röhm. “Our power chucks are designed to meet these needs. The centrifugal forces that occur during machining are absorbed in such a way that they only have a minor effect on the clamping force.”
Indeed, the drop in clamping force is said to be very low even at extremely high speeds, which is assured by Röhm’s particular type of wedge-hook connection.
Especially when machining rod material, the KFD-HS is characterised not only by its high flexibility (due to the large passageway), but it also boosts efficiency thanks to high cycle rates, says the company.
“Economical manufacturing means automated manufacturing,” says Baur.
According to Röhm, there is great potential in the KFD-HS. Thanks to high clamping forces and high resilience, even the fiddliest clamping tasks can be solved economically.
“Precision machining, process stability when changing the workpiece, as well as the highest resilience in 24/7 operation are simply part of it,” says Baur.
Specifically, high rigidity is achieved through the screw connection of the chuck body and chuck flange. In such a way, chucks of this type offer optimum conditions for the precise machining of both shaft and flange-type workpieces.
For further information www.roehm.biz

Workpiece palletising and handling systems

1st Machine Tool Accessories has introduced a range of workpiece handling cells that allow components to be clamped manually on to pallets, automatically loaded into store and subsequently retrieved for robotic transfer into and out of machining centres.

The equipment, which is manufactured by French company Engineering Data, is suitable for long periods of unattended and lights-out running. According to 1st MTA, the modular pallet-handling systems are said to increase production output from non-pallet-change machining centres by up to 50%.
A representative model, EasyBox T30, was demonstrated on the 1st MTA stand at MACH 2018 in April. The compact system with a footprint of just 2 sq m can be configured to feed a machine from the left, right or front. Two versions are available for storing 42 or 64 pallets. They are equipped with a three-axis robot capable of handling components up to 200 x 200 x 180 mm, and a maximum load of 30 kg, including workpiece, fixture and pallet.
Half a day training is all that is needed for an operator to be conversant with the system, which is designed to automate small to medium batch production. The single load/unload station is positioned at an ergonomic height at the front of the store for convenient workpiece clamping and unclamping. An adjacent touch-screen panel for operating the robot is easily interfaced with all major types of machine tool control including Heidenhain, Siemens, Fanuc and Mazatrol.
A larger EasyBox T100 in a compact version for handling 100 kg pallets is also available. Additionally offered are: a rail-mounted linear version, L-range, for feeding up to six machining centres; and a 350° R-range rotary version for feeding one or two machining centres.
For further information www.1mta.com

Grinding specialist sold

Körber has sold its machine tool business operating under the United Grinding Group.

The new ownership structure consists of a strategically oriented pool of investors organised by the Swiss BZ Bank Aktiengesellschaft. United Grinding Group comprises eight major brands: Mägerle, Blohm and Jung surface/profile grinding machines; Studer, Schaudt and Mikrosa cylindrical grinders; and Walter and Ewag tool grinding machines. “BZ Bank is delighted to be able to offer its customers the opportunity to invest in a high-yielding international industry group,” states Martin Ebner, CEO of Swiss BZ Bank.
For further information www.grinding.ch

Eight-axis CNC machining centre

CNC specialist NUM has helped Chinese machine builder Original Point Machine Tools (OPMT) to develop an eight-axis CNC machining centre capable of processing many different types of materials, including metal, ceramics, glass and cemented carbide.

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The project came about after OPMT was asked by Guangdong University of Technology to develop a machining centre that combined high-speed laser cutting and milling capabilities. The result is the ML125 multi-function machining centre, which is entirely controlled by NUM’s latest-generation Flexium+ 68 CNC platform. Movement of the laser head is controlled by five NUMDrive
X servo drives.
For further information www.num.com