THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Zero-point clamping system unveiled

Introduced at last month’s MACH 2018 by 1st MTA was a new zero-point clamping system from V-Tech (pictured). For clamping workpieces on CNC machining centres, this pneumatic quick-change system features 24 kN retraction of the clamping pin in each receiver, and a positioning accuracy of better than 5 µm.

Mechanical vices, clamping chucks and bars, and special workholding fixtures, can be accommodated in the receivers, while positioning slots allow precise 90° indexing. The self-clamping mechanism, which uses high-power springs to secure the workpiece and fixture, ensures that the force is still applied after the air has been disconnected. Pneumatic power is only required again for release. Clamping bases are available to hold one, two, four or six receivers, which are 135 mm in diameter but only 41 mm high, so little Z-axis travel is lost.
With regard to rotary tables, on show was Kitagawa’s latest TT150 tilting-type compound table with 150 mm faceplate. The TT150 is designed to be interfaced directly with a machining centre control or operated via a MAC mini controller. Also featured was the heavy-duty GT series models that deliver clamping torques up to 2800 Nm.
Elsewhere on the stand, 1st MTA demonstrated a Chick Indexer SubSystem (ISS), showing how more components could be presented to a machining centre spindle by adding a fourth axis. Another Chick product on show was the latest lightweight version of its One-Lok clamping system, which is pitched as a superior alternative to the conventional wind-up vice.
To further support its workholding offer, 1st MTA presented permanent electromagnetic clamping systems and materials handling products from Tecnomagnete, while MillTec Grip magnetic workholding systems were displayed for five-axis and five-sided metal-cutting applications.
For further information www.1mta.com

36-session programme at Subcon

Rolls Royce CTO Paul Stein will deliver the keynote presentation at Subcon (5-7 June, NEC), one of many highlights of this year’s programme that also features sessions on digitalisation, robotics, prosthetics, motorsport, smart materials and technology transfer.

The 2018 conference is a three-day, two-theatre, six-stream, 36-session programme that is free to attend for all Subcon visitors.
A key theme of the conference is cross-sector collaboration and technology transfer with Dr Caroline Hargrove, CTO of McLaren Applied Technologies, talking about how technological expertise in motorsport can be spun out into other sectors. Furthermore, BAE Systems’ Dr Henry White, will be showing delegates how technology from the defence sector can be applied to the world of sport.
For further information www.subconshow.co.uk/conference

Electric sheet lifters for press brakes

Gasparini has introduced its new press-brake electric sheet lifters, which are completely controlled by the CNC. The lifters are available in single- or dual-axis versions, with optional interpolation for better sheet tracking and support.

In dual interpolated axis configuration, the device continuously follows the part during bending, reducing the risk of scratches and counterbends. A counterbend can occur during the bending of very large, heavy or thin plate. The overhang generates a torque that makes the sheet bend around the die edge under its own weight. To overcome this issue, the sheet lifter supports the plate during the entire bending cycle.
An optional optimisation of the bending process consists of raising the ram before lowering the sheet lifter. This operation avoids, in case of a U-shaped bend, the return flange getting caught on the punch. When the ram goes up, the plate is lifted and then falls down, with potential damage to the part, tools and operators.
Sheet lifters are available in two sizes, providing a torque of 600 or 1200 Nm for the largest and heaviest sheets. Parts that needed two operators, can now be bent by just one person, in complete safety and without physical strain. In many cases, the use of forklfts and overhead travelling cranes may also be reduced.
Extended stroke allows bending angles as closed as 70° to be achieved. Height can be adjusted from -30 to +170 mm, to match dies with openings as wide as 100 to 160 mm. The resting surface is equipped with ball transfers and allows the installation of several options such as brushes, anti-scratch cladding, rulers, adjustable stops and telescopic extensions.
For further information www.gasparini.it

5% growth in MACH visitors

The MTA, which owns and organises the MACH exhibition, says that the number of trade visitors to this year’s show was up 5% on the equivalent figure for the last edition in 2016.

Mach Exhibition 2018 NEC Birmingham Pictures by Paul Thomas Photographic Ltd Tel 07773 340 163
Email info@ptpimages.co.uk
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Some 23,125 trade visitors came into the halls at the NEC on 9-13 April. A total of 19,445 of those visitors registered directly with MACH (a 7% increase on 2016), while an additional 3680 registered with one of the co-located exhibitions and visited MACH too. The total number of visitors – including students – who toured the exhibition was 24,654.
Around 10% more machines were lifted into position than in 2016, which helped to drive a 24% increase in the number of visitors who attended for more than one day, up to 1889. Wednesday 11 April was the peak day, with 7331 trade visitors inside the venue. This year saw the exhibition move halls to the newer Atrium side of the NEC, which enabled MACH to be presented in a single space, on one level.
For further information www.machexhibition.com

Industry 4.0-enabled barfeed

Among the latest announcements from 1st MTA at MACH was the availability of an Industry 4.0 connection for any new Iemca barfeed, allowing constant remote analysis of its condition and operation. Data is continuously transmitted via an internet link to a PC, tablet or smartphone.

An Industry 4.0-compliant Boss bar magazine with bundle loader was demonstrated at the show.
Other recent innovations include a 7” LCD touch screen as an alternative to the standard hand held control on most Iemca products; new software on the KID 80+ short magazine that allows synchronous component transfer between the main and sub-spindles at full speed to reduce cycle times; a new Elite barfeed that allows full-length, thin bars down to 0.8 mm diameter to be handled; the Master 80 HD UP, on which bars are loaded at an ergonomic height; and the rail-mounted Caddy rack and bundle system extensions to Boss barfeeds.
For further information www.1mta.com