With a new development in the hexagonal chuck series from Hainbuch, the German clamping device manufacturer says it is taking precision to a new level. The new Toplus Premium Chuck introduces a host of additional advantages.

Hainbuch’s portfolio of chucks has always been very precise and, once chucks alignment is complete, runout is near to zero for repeat clamping. If the various chuck heads are then changed, runout is usually between 3 to 7 μm without alignment.

With the new Toplus Premium Chuck, Hainbuch guarantees a runout of ≤5 μm without alignment, regardless of which clamping head is used. Until now, this was only possible with an expensive hydraulic expansion or a diaphragm chuck. These systems have limitations entailed by their design. In many cases, runout of ≤10 μm is perfectly sufficient. However, components or machining processes that demand a runout of ≤5 μm are increasingly commonplace within the industry. By utilising the new Toplus Premium Chuck with the associated premium clamping heads and, by clamping against the workpiece stop, this level of accuracy is always achieved. As a result, manufacturers no longer have to lose time making alignments for small batch sizes.

To reduce set-up times, improve machine utilisation and reduce costs, a robot is often used to load the workpieces in the machine. This strategy can become a problem if the clamping stroke is too small. With the Toplus Premium Chuck combined with a clamping head, the stroke is increased to make loading easier, even if the robot works somewhat imprecisely. In addition, the Toplus Premium Chuck is very robust and not as sensitive as some other clamping devices. Any slight contact with the workpiece during loading has no effect on the chuck and the process remains stable. The chuck is also sealed against contamination and vibration.

For further information
www.hainbuch.com

Now available in the UK from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) is the Mega synchro tapping chuck from Big Kaiser. This new tapping chuck has a special function built-in to compensate for synchronisation errors that may occur during rigid tapping.

The new product line incorporates more than 60 body types and 193 tap holders. This diverse portfolio enables the end user to select the perfect combination between the fixture and the tap holder, providing the ideal cantilever length for any machine and processing scenario.

Big Kaiser’s Mega synchro tapping chuck compensates for synchronisation errors with any type of tap as the system minimises thrust load to both the tap and workpiece, thus improving thread quality and extending tap life. The chuck has a proprietary feature that intercepts the tap-to-spindle distance when using a tapping cycle to reduce cutting forces. This feature is complemented by a body and tap holder that are fixed with a drive key in the rotation direction – as well as the square of the tap – to guarantee stability and process security. Process security is further improved by a coolant system that delivers coolant through the tool as well as around the periphery of the tool simultaneously.

ITC’s Andy Boyles says: “There are many companies now producing a ‘synchro’ type tapping head, but the Big Kaiser Mega has a unique difference. Due to its design, it’s possible to interchange the tap holders to different sizes, and it is available in several different lengths. Furthermore, the system permits through-coolant Synchro tapping in very deep holes with a very stable set up.”

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

XYZ Machine Tools, in partnership with Ceratizit UK & Ireland, has opened the doors to its latest demonstration and training centre. Located on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, the centre will support customers looking for the latest in machine tool technology from XYZ Machine Tools. The facility is equipped with a broad range of XYZ machines, from ProtoTRAK controlled lathes and mills, through its heavy-duty and linear rail machining and turning centres, to the flagship UMC-5X five-axis machining centre.
Working with Ceratizit, XYZ customers can visit the centre to investigate not only the machines, but develop machining strategies and improve manufacturing efficiencies. The facility will also serve as a training hub for customers in the region who have purchased new machine tools, where they can take advantage of the classroom facilities alongside hands-on practical use of the machines.
On the opening day, visitors from across the manufacturing sector descended on the centre to witness live demonstrations.

For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, has recently supplied precision subcontract specialist Colt Precision with a new large-capacity vertical machining centre. The machine, a Doosan DNM 6700 with the latest Fanuc 0iMP control, was delivered and installed at the company’s 7000 sq ft facility in Tewkesbury in May 2021, and was supplied with a Nikken 5AX 201FA (4th/5th-axis) rotary tilting table.

Since being installed, the DNM 6700 has been busy machining a range of high-precision, complex parts for the medical, defence, aerospace and general engineering sectors, from materials such as stainless steel, steel, aluminium, titanium and plastic.

The Doosan DNM 6700 is a large-capacity vertical machine with 1300 x 670 x 625 mm travels and a 1500 x 670 mm work table. As well as a Nikken 4th/5th-axis unit, the machine was supplied with a Renishaw OMP60 and OTS tool and workpiece probe package for quick and trouble-free in-process inspection and measurements. An MH500 swarf conveyor for high-efficiency chip evacuation also features.

Explains owner and co-director, Simon Tarrant: “The DNM 6700 is a large, powerful machine. It is also extremely rigid, accurate and reliable. All of these attributes make it ideal for machining a range of parts from an equally diverse portfolio of materials.”
In addition to its high specification, other issues impacting Colt Precision’s decision-making process included the machine’s availability, and the aftersales service and support provided by the machine tool supplier.

“Mills CNC has a good reputation in the market for its aftersales service and support,” says Tarrant. “When we placed the machine order it was delivered in double-quick time and, since its installation, hasn’t missed a beat.”

For further information
www.millscnc.co.uk

Located near the major automotive OEMs in Warwickshire, 2G Tooling Ltd has rapidly built a prestigious reputation for manufacturing everything from fly press tooling through to large drawn tools. To expand the scope of its tool-making capabilities, the Southam-based subcontractor has recently purchased a large-bed five-axis Ibarmia machining centre from Dugard. The Ibarmia ZVH45 L3000 Star has a 3 m bed, a travelling column, a ±105° B axis, a rotary table and capacity for up to 6-tonne workpieces on the bed.

Managing director Chris Peters says: “The main reason we bought this machine was to give us extra flexibility, extra capacity and more size. It is a much bigger machine than we had previously, which we part-exchanged for the Ibarmia. What sold this machine to us was a Zoom meeting with the Ibarmia factory in Spain. The difference between Ibarmia and what I have seen before from most mass-produced machine manufacturers is a bespoke set-up and a family-run ethos. You could actually see production with more time and care being spent on each machine.”

When asked why the company specified the Ibarmia ZVH45 L3000 Star model, Peters says: “This machine will not only give us extra capacity but much greater flexibility. Having the rotary table and the B axis will allow us to machine components that were very difficult previously.

“The flexibility and reach of the machine will enable us to reduce the overhang of tools from 100-150 mm to 30 to 50 mm,” he continues. “This will improve the stability of our tooling, the surface finishes and, subsequently, improve tool life.”

For further information
www.dugard.com