ITC simplifies advanced micro-machining

Now available in the UK from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) is the new Big Kaiser HSK-EZ15 Mega micro chuck. This latest Mega micro chuck collet version is specifically for applications involving smaller workpieces, such as watch components and other micro-parts.

Big Kaiser designed the HSK-EZ15 Mega micro chuck according to the HSK-EZ15 norm, a new interface used by the latest machine tools that replaces the previous ATC-E15 norm. The company says its HSK-EZ15 is compact and precise, enabling the miniaturisation of machine spindles. It also meets the micro-technology market’s precision, performance and reliability demands.

The new collet is available in three variations with 10, 12, and 14 mm outer diameters. Each is suited to high-speed machining with shaft diameters from 0.45 to 6.05 mm, maintaining a run-out accuracy of under 3 µm at 4xD. These collet holders can operate at speeds up to 80,000 rpm.

Big Kaiser’s Mega micro chuck provides high positional accuracy and repeatability. It features a slim body and nut, while its rigidity supports high-speed machining and reduced interference. The HSK-EZ15 has a notch-free nut for high-speed applications that prevents vibration and, in turn, offers superior balance and concentricity. Big Kaiser’s nut design also eliminates whistling noise and coolant splattering.

Giampaolo Roccatello, chief sales and marketing officer for Europe at Big Kaiser, says: “The HSK-EZ15 is an innovative way of integrating functions into small spindles that were previously only possible with much larger spindles, such as presetting outside the machine to save time and increase productivity. Big Kaiser was the first company to believe in this project and to develop an industrial tool holder that would allow these machines to be sold in series.”

More information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

New tool holders bring HPC to round inserts

Jetstream Tooling Integrated (JETI) toolholders from Seco Tools bring the benefits of high-pressure coolant (HPC) to round, positive turning inserts for profiling and pocketing in difficult-to-cut materials. JETI toolholders eliminate hoses and spare parts associated with HPC, while 3D-printed coolant clamps provide internal coolant channels for cutting zone cooling and chip control. The precision delivery of HPC by the tool holder’s internal coolant channels allows increased cutting speeds and feeds for shorter part cycle times.
 
“JETI toolholders permits shops to step up their pocket machining operations,” says Seco product manager Frederik Samuelsson. “Combining the benefits of HPC, round turning inserts and favourable dynamic turning methods ensures manufacturers can attain optimal cutting speeds and feed rates while achieving higher metal removal rates for increased productivity. This combination of technologies also optimises chip control and evacuation to improve tool life, while increasing turning process reliability and reducing tooling costs per part.”

JETI toolholders use a single-screw design on the coolant clamp for fast insert indexing and changes. An easy plug-and-play solution, without hoses, integrates effortlessly to avoid long set-up times and maximise machine utilisation. Jetstream Tooling is available for 72 holders for maximum application coverage. Square shank sizes are available in metric 2020, 2525 and 3232, and imperial 12, 16 and 20, with Seco-Capto sizes C3, C4, C5, C6 and C8.

In addition to simplifying set-up times for faster job changeovers, JETI toolholders with a Seco-Capto connection come with a pre-drilled hole to install a Balluff chip. With this feature, shops can incorporate the tool holders into an RFID system to manage data gathering and transfer without manual entry.

More information www.secotools.com

Hainbuch mandrel wins exhibition award

At the AMB 2024 exhibition in Germany toward the end of last year, Hainbuch won the exhibition’s award in the precision tools category for its Maxxos T212 mandrel. The expert jury presented the mandrel with the trophy from six nominated products.

Increasing process stability is crucial for optimising production. Hainbuch offers an innovative solution with its new Maxxos T212 mandrel. Thanks to the hexagonal pyramid shape, the company says its Maxxos mandrel delivers maximum accuracy and feed rates.

The hexagonal mandrel achieves a significantly higher holding power than the round Mando mandrel, while also enabling up to double the torque transmission and corresponding cutting rates. Hainbuch offers the Maxxos T212 mandrel in 12 sizes for diameters from 8 to 200 mm.

Maxxos T212 mandrels have no draw bolt. They are therefore suitable for workpieces with blind holes and very short clamping lengths without any loss of clamping length. The pull-back effect means they will deliver benefits during the five-sided machining of workpieces on both turning and milling centres.

Thanks to the hexagonal pyramid shape, the segmented clamping bushing with the hexagon socket sits on the clamping pyramid with an absolute positive fit in every clamping position. The resulting vibration damping has a noticeably positive effect on tool life and therefore contributes to sustainability in production. In addition, compared with the previous solution, the bayonet quick-change lock saves time when switching segment clamping bushings during the set-up of different diameters.

More information www.hainbuch.com

Precision Micro wins powertrain contract

Precision Micro, a global provider of chemically etched components, has successfully
secured a series production contract with a renowned German multinational engineering
and technology company. The company has been chosen as the exclusive supplier for a
function- and safety-critical component used in the hydrogen recirculation blower of next-
generation fuel cell/electric vehicle powertrains.
Precision Micro’s etching process will produce the component, which facilitates the
recirculation of unused hydrogen in a fuel cell system. The component requires chemical
etching to achieve stringent customer requirements for flatness, cleanliness and tight
tolerances, making it the only viable production method.
More information www.precisionmicro.com.

Industry and education collaboration success

A partnership between SIGMA Clermont Engineering School and Fives Machining represents a model of collaboration between the worlds of education and industry that is crucial for training the engineers of tomorrow and ensuring the future of industry in France.

SIGMA Clermont Engineering School, born from the merger of the French Institute of Advanced Mechanics (established in 1991) and the National School of Chemistry of Clermont-Ferrand (founded in 1908), has rapidly established itself as a key player in training engineers in mechanical engineering and chemistry.

In the context of constant evolution, the school has developed a strategic partnership with Fives Machining, a specialist in the manufacture of large-scale machine tools. The partnership, initiated several years ago, is part of a shared commitment to maintaining high-quality industrial offerings in France, particularly in the aerospace, defence, rail, energy and general industry sectors, as well as in the manufacturing of complex, high-value-added parts.

Fives Machining regularly engages with students to enrich their education. Engineers from Fives share their technical know-how by teaching dedicated courses on the design and optimisation of industrial machines. Thanks to a machining centre installed in the school’s workshops, students gain a concrete, hands-on understanding of the challenges faced by industry, whether in complex machining processes, resource management or production optimisation.

“The Fives machining centre we integrated into our workshops is an indispensable tool for our students’ learning,” reports Professor Emmanuel Duc, researcher and professor at the school. “It allows them to machine complex parts each week, which is essential for their practical training and understanding of industrial processes in real-world conditions.”

More information www.fivesgroup.com