Japanese-manufactured Kitagawa rotary work-holding systems that usually find use on lathes are now available for static workholding on the table of machining centres. In the UK and Ireland, the sole agent for these YS Modular Systems is 1st Machine Tool Accessories.

The pneumatically or hydraulically operated static cylinders have multiple work-holding options for pull or push chuck actuation, and are rapid to set up for various production requirements. Cylinders with a standard mounting interface are available to actuate 6”, 8” or 10” chuck sizes.

Base units can mount side by side, depending on machine size, to facilitate multiple workpiece fixturing and automated production. The pull force is up to 20.8 kN with pneumatic actuation or 51.9 kN using low-pressure hydraulic actuation at 15 bar, with up to 20 mm of piston stroke.

Multiple standard work-holding options are available, including: three-jaw power chucks for holding prismatic workpieces; collet chucks for round, square and hex billet up to 80 mm; and expanding mandrels with a pull-back function for internal gripping of components with bores from 12 to 82 mm diameter as standard.

The low profile of the cylinders, down to just 77.5 mm in height for the 6” model, does not unduly restrict Z-axis motion, maximising the prismatic milling and drilling envelope of the respective machine. A screw-on protective cover allows unused units to remain permanently on the machine table, if desired, without fear of damage due to swarf ingress from machining at an adjacent fixture.
For further information www.1mta.com