The Hilma.NC machine vice, successful on the market for many years, has undergone a complete revision of the product series by Stark Spannsystem GmbH. The Roemheld Group company has made these modular and versatile vices customisable and thus adaptable to numerous requirements.

Hilma.NC vices primarily find use on vertical machining centres. Depending on the machining strategy and existing automation, operators can initiate the clamping force with the Hilma.NC manually using a hand crank and hydraulic power transmission or – with the Hilma.NCH – purely hydraulically using a unit. This variant is primarily for partially automated processes and enables short clamping and release times, as well as improved ergonomics.

The modular structure makes the Hilma.NC a real all-rounder among clamping elements. It means the vices are suitable for workpieces of different dimensions. There are three sizes to choose from when it comes to jaw width: 100, 125 and 160 mm. Standard lengths are available for each version, achieving a maximum base length of between 380 and 1200 mm. Regardless of the modular system, individual desired lengths up to 1200 mm are also available for order.

The selection of clamping jaws for different tasks is already very extensive in the standard range. No matter whether raw or finished parts, square or round shapes or small to large workpieces – all machinists will find what they are looking for with Stark’s clamping jaws. If choosing magnetic quick-change jaws, users can even change the jaws without tools within a few seconds. Upon request, Stark also produces customer-specific clamping jaws.

For further information www.stark-roemheld.com/en

High-precision collets with a new anti-pull-out system that guarantees the security and performance of cutting tools is the latest technology advancement available from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC). The PG (Perfect Grip) straight collet system from ITC principal Big Kaiser locks the collet and cutter to the tool-holder body, eliminating tool slippage and the potential for pull-out during demanding metal removal applications. The new system is particularly suitable for high dynamic milling and high-speed milling in difficult materials.

Three sizes of collet (10, 12 and 16 mm) are available with the new anti-pull-out system. While larger sizes have been previously available, this is the first time that customers can mill in difficult materials such as Inconel and titanium down to just 10 mm in diameter.

Unlike other systems, ITC says the PG does not require the purchase of specially modified and inherently expensive end mills. Instead, it uses existing standard carbide or HSS end mill designations. Standard notches found on typical Weldon-type end mills will readily accept the locking key insert on the new PG system, enabling fast and easy assembly.

The new PG collet system is for use with Big Kasier’s Mega double power chuck and Hi-Power milling chuck, which are both available from ITC. To improve compatibility and reduce costs, one holder accommodates four sizes. This is credit to the reduction sleeve applied within the collet. Even if a tool suffers damage and operators cannot remove it from the collet, it is possible to disassemble the collet itself from the tool holder.

For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

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