NCMT Fixture Solutions used the recent EMO exhibition in Hanover to demonstrate the advantages of the photo-activated adhesive system, Blue Photon. Intended for the manufacture of workholding systems used on machine tools, NCMT says that Blue Photon is suitable for securing awkwardly shaped parts that require tight-tolerance machining and inspection.

The process involves applying an adhesive that is cured by ultraviolet light via an LED spot-curing system. Next, the adhesive can subsequently be melted and the machined workpiece removed by immersion in hot water or by application of another heat source, which should be at 80°C. Alternatively, the adhesive contact points can be sheared to free the workpiece by rotating the gripper pins in the fixture plate with a spanner.
Use of the technique is predicted to grow rapidly due to its ability to hold components securely with an average shear resistance of 136 kg per gripper point, yet allow cutters all-round access for machining on five sides. Unlike solutions that use magnetic clamping, the Blue Photon system can be used to secure both ferrous and non-ferrous metallic workpieces, as well as ceramics and composites.
Blue Photon can, for example, clamp a turbine blade to enable the fir tree and wedge face on the root, as well as the shroud end features at the tip, to be ground in one-hit. Traditionally, due to clamp interference, multiple operations are required using conventional CNC grinders. The Blue Photon single manufacturing process is not only faster, but eliminates work-in-progress and the risk of introducing inaccuracy due to repeated re-fixturing. Tests have shown that the clamping force produced by the system can easily withstand the requirements of machining.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

Available in the UK from Leader Chuck, Lexair’s full-bore, fixed length, self-contained collet chuck allows full capacity spindle operation, due to elimination of the draw-tube. When using the full-bore chuck, spindle capacity is boosted as much as 30% and clamping pressure is unaffected by centrifugal force, regardless of spindle speed. An adjustable grip lightly grasps delicate tubing or clamps tight for deep rough-cutting operations. Intended for bar feeding or slugging, the chuck can be used on main or sub spindles, rotary indexers and machining centre tables.

The chuck’s open/close time is less than half a second and it provides true dead length clamping with no drawback. A mechanical locking action holds the workpiece, even without air pressure, for failsafe operation. The chuck uses air to release the work, rather than secure it, and spring force holds the workpiece while it is being machined. Lexair’s collet chuck has full concentricity adjustment to help maintain accuracy when using Master collets with S-type pads.
Available in seven models with body diameters from 150 to 355 mm, the collet chuck offers bar capacity from 50 to 140 mm. The chuck also features direct spindle mounting for A5, A6, A8 and A11 tooling.
For further information www.leaderchuck.com

Schunk says that its new hydraulic compensation jaws set a new benchmark for low-deformation workpiece clamping. According to the company, it is the first time that chuck jaws for compensating the workpiece clamping process have successfully been combined with centrifugal force compensation, vibration-damping characteristics and micron-precision concentricity.

The integrated oil chamber innovation and clamping technology is a central feature of the new hydraulic compensation jaws. Above this are two oscillating clamping elements for clamping rough or finished component workpieces. As the jaws individually adapt to the workpiece, form tolerances in castings, for example, are reliably compensated. Compared with conventional three-point clamping, the number of clamping points is doubled, which lowers workpiece deformation. Obtainable roundness is also increased.
At high speeds, the hydraulic clamping system automatically guarantees centrifugal force compensation, which ensures that the clamping force is always reliably maintained. In order to minimise workpiece deformation, the clamping force can be considerably reduced in comparison with previous solutions without restrictions on process reliability.
For maximum precision on the component, the concentricity can also be adjusted with micron-precision on the chuck jaws. Additionally, the vibration-damping characteristics of the oil chamber system benefit the surface quality of the workpiece, while tool life is increased.
For further information www.schunk.com

The new Centrick manipulator from Roemheld enables the tilting and turning of heavy workpieces up to 2000 kg in weight. Integral articulated arms can continuously rotate workpieces and tilt them up to 90°.

This latest addition to the Modulog range of assembly and handling technology can tilt and turn products of any shape. According to Roemheld, the manipulator is ergonomic, space saving and efficient. Unlike conventional tilting and turning fixtures, the Centrick moves a component close to its centre of gravity, so the working height remains more constant. A small swivel radius ensures high stability and, if the manipulator is moved, holding brakes maintain a stable assembly position.
The Centrick from Roemheld is quiet to operate, with very low power consumption. Moreover, the manipulator can be easily integrated into assembly lines and is compatible with Industry 4.0 assembly processes. The company says that times can be reduced for assembly and materials handling, while safety is increased and downtime cut.
For further information www.roemheld.com