As aluminium wheel manufacturing continues to demand higher precision, consistency and automation, the stability of the work-holding system and its integration across processes have become critical factors affecting production efficiency and quality.

AutoGrip Machinery, leveraging decades of expertise in power chucks and customised work-holding solutions, has partnered with machine tool builder Victor Taichung to develop a series of dedicated work-holding systems for aluminium wheel machining, successfully implemented in an automated production line.

This aluminium wheel chuck series is designed to suit Victor Taichung’s vertical turning centres and vertical machining centres. By integrating processes from Op 1 to Op 3, a single production line can simultaneously complete turning, drilling and measurement operations for 16- inch, 17- inch and 18-inch aluminium wheels, enhancing production flexibility and overall efficiency. 

At Op 1, AutoGrip’s 3JW-28 aluminium wheel power chuck provides automatic self-centring for the wheels. Equipped with high-strength carbide gripping jaws for face clamping, it ensures precise positioning during centre hole and outer profile machining. An integrated air-tight pressure detection function continuously monitors clamping status, enhancing automation reliability and operational safety.

For centre-hole measurement, the MW-811 wheel measurement chuck utilises an eight-jaw concentric internal support design combined with a chip-blowing dust protection mechanism. This configuration effectively eliminates chip interference and ensures stable, high-accuracy measurements for hub diameters ranging from 50 to 150 mm.

In the Op 2 and Op 3 finishing stations, AutoGrip introduces the 6PW-25A11 and SHW-324B aluminium wheel chucks. Their fully sealed construction prevents coolant ingress, reduces maintenance requirements and extends service life. Different wheel sizes can be machined without changing jaws, improving line changeover efficiency. The SHW-324B further incorporates a vacuum dust-proof design, preventing chips from entering the chuck during PCD and air valve hole machining.  

More information www.autogrip-machinery.com

With the spin-off of a new company at the beginning of January 2026, Schunk is consolidating its activities in humanoid robotics and positioning itself as a key player in this growing market. The new company aims to develop modular humanoid robot hands for industrial applications, systematically expanding the availability and use of humanoid systems.

Building on decades of experience in flexible gripping technology and working with industrial companies, start-ups and research institutions, Schunk has been opening new fields of application beyond the purely scientific environment with its five-finger gripping hand for more than 10 years. The newly founded technology spin-off, Schunk Humanoid Robotics GmbH, consolidates expertise in the field of humanoid robotics and enables faster transfer of innovations into market-ready products.

The spin-off is launching from a position of strength: it builds on Schunk’s many years of experience in automating handling processes, leverages existing infrastructure and test and development facilities at the company’s own robot application centres (CoLabs), and draws on an international research and development network. In addition, it benefits from a proven technology portfolio – supported by a global customer base and established access to the relevant markets for humanoid robotics.

The focus is on the next generation of a modular, anthropomorphic five-finger gripping hand with an integrated wrist and forearm. Designed as a scalable component for the industrial use of humanoid systems, a new prototype is already nearing readiness for use.

“Humanoid robotics holds enormous market potential,” says Timo Gessmann, CTO of Schunk. “With the spin-off, we’re creating the space for an agile, independent company with a start-up mindset, a strong technological foundation and close market alignment.”

More information www.schunk.com

The new Erowa CMT Compact Micro Tooling adds another innovation to its clamping system portfolio, taking micro, high-precision manufacturing to a new level. Specially developed for energy-efficient micro-machining machines in detail-critical industries – ranging from watchmaking and jewellery to medical technology and micro technology – Erowa says the CMT clamping system delivers quality, precision and efficiency in an ultra-compact design.

Micro and precision mechanics require specialised, precisely co-ordinated solutions. However, the industry has been undergoing change for some time now. The trend is moving towards compact, energy-efficient, high-precision micro-manufacturing systems that are tailored to the resource-saving requirements of the future. Thanks to minimal footprint requirements, the space saved can be used to increase productivity in manufacturing. Additionally, its lower energy consumption compared with conventional machines allows for more cost-effective and sustainable production of workpieces.

To unleash the full potential of any micro machine, it must feature efficient workpiece handling. As a pioneer in the field of high-precision clamping systems, Erowa has taken on this task. The newly developed Erowa CMT (Compact Micro Tooling) combines a high degree of quality and precision. Developed for the next generation of micro-machining machines – suitable for both manual and automated production – the clamping system, with a diameter of just 45 mm, delivers efficiency and functionality in a very compact form.

The clamping system is designed for workpiece sizes up to 50 x 50 x 50 mm. Clamping is performed using spring force with the chuck released pneumatically. The chuck remains mechanically locked in the unpressurised state. Just like other Erowa products, positioning is performed using a backlash-free centring plate to maximise repeatability and system accuracy.

More information www.erowa.com

Roemheld has developed a hydraulic compact clamp with a horizontal stroke that enables direct clamping in confined pockets, grooves and recesses. The new element addresses applications where conventional clamping solutions require additional machining features or complex set ups.

Notably, the clamp operates using patented kinematics. The clamping lever first moves horizontally towards the workpiece and then applies vertical clamping force. This motion sequence allows precise positioning within restricted spaces while maintaining repeat accuracy.

Manufacturers previously added temporary clamping points to components for similar tasks, removing them in later operations. The new compact clamp eliminates that additional effort and reduces process time.

Roemheld designed the element for castings, dies, moulds and fixtures that require clamping in narrow features. It supports multi-sided machining of aluminium and grey cast iron components.

The clamp is available in a plug-in version that simplifies installation. Users can select a standard clamping lever or a blank for custom adaptation to specific geometries. A quick-fix mechanism enables fast changeover between applications.

The double-acting hydraulic element delivers 6.5 kN clamping force at up to 220 bar, with an 8 mm horizontal stroke and 4 mm vertical clamping stroke. Clamping can occur at any point along the vertical stroke, supporting components with dimensional variation.

Roemheld offers the clamp with or without position monitoring, including variants with pneumatic clamping or unclamping control for automated environments.

“With this clamping element, we’re solving a problem that many manufacturing companies face,” says Volker Schlautmann, head of value stream at Roemheld.

More information www.roemheld.com

MAPAL has introduced the DirectCool option for its UNIQ hydraulic chuck range, adding decentralised cooling to improve process reliability in machining applications. The development responds to increasing demands for thermal stability and consistent performance in modern production.

MAPAL launched the UNIQ hydraulic chuck series in 2020 and has since expanded the portfolio to include UNIQ DReaM chucks for boring and reaming, and UNIQ Mill chucks for milling. The new DirectCool feature extends the capability of both systems.

DirectCool guides coolant along the tool shaft to the cutting edge through three internal channels. This targeted supply supports even temperature distribution, reduces thermal distortion and limits wear. It also improves chip evacuation, particularly in boring operations where chips can wrap around the tool. By stabilising the process at the cutting zone, the system helps maintain surface quality and reduce the risk of tool breakage.

The integration of DirectCool does not alter the external geometry or restrict tool selection. Users can continue to run existing tools, including those that lack internal cooling, without modifying established processes. The system does not require special shank grooves. MAPAL first presented DirectCool to the public at the last EMO exhibition in Hannover, Germany.

The option is available for UNIQ Mill chucks and HA and UNIQ DReaM chucks with 4.5° outer geometry in diameters from 6 to 32 mm. UNIQ hydraulic chucks share the same outer geometry as shrink chucks but feature a glossy surface and blue screw in the HSK collar for identification.

More information www.mapal.com