"Focused 4/5-axis vices such as the Orange Delta IV Compact are useful for applications involving 3+2 and simultaneous 5-axis machining, and are effective for working with complex freeform shapes and difficult angles,” explains Mark Jones, managing director of Leader Chuck International.
Orange Delta IV Compact vices feature a small 150 by 100 mm footprint and an integral zero-point interface, cross compatible with the company’s proprietary locating systems, as well as 52 mm pull-stud interfaces from other brands. The vices are designed to support 5-axis machining by allowing obstruction-free cutting on five sides of the workpiece. Orange Delta IV Compact has the benefit of a quick, single clamp set-up and allows for continuous, high-speed cutting of pockets, as well as 3D or sculpted surfaces.
Balance Systems’ range of solutions at MACH will include grinding wheel balancing, in-line dynamic gauging, touch detection and spindle monitoring with the B-Safe machine-spindle monitoring system. B-Safe won the Predictive Maintenance category at the Maintenance & Engineering Magazine Awards 2019. The verdict of the judges was: “A very impressive all-in-one monitoring and analysis system for spindles and machine tools.”
Autogrip’s newly developed Auto Jaw Exchange chuck (AJC) will be on show. Designed for round-the-clock lights-out manufacturing, the chuck’s exchange plate can be instantly swapped over by robot. With multiple exchange plates and reduced set-up times, the Autogrip AJC is suitable for small-batch production runs.
Introduced by Hainbuch will be the Maxxos T211, a mandrel featuring a newly designed hexagonal pyramid shape, instead of a round taper. Using this design of clamping mechanism, maximum transmission forces can be realised; up to 155% more transmissible torque and up to 57% higher rigidity compared with a round mandrel. The segmented clamping bushing with the hexagon socket sits on the pyramid with a positive fit, which enables maximum machining capacity with less vibration, and thereby less tool wear. Although a factory-standard run-out accuracy of ≤10 micron is offered, there are two additional levels of run-out quality to choose from, with a run-out accuracy of ≤2 micron possible upon request.
Designed to run up to 6,000 rpm, MicroCentric recently launched the CB-NX series collet chuck featuring a low-profile dead length design with a reduced diameter nose for maximum tool clearance. The design of this collet is coupled to the chuck body and remains stationary as the tapered seat moves forward when the chuck is actuated. This concept keeps the collet in a fixed Z-axis position during clamping and does not create a pull-back effect on the bar stock or workpiece. Maprox is now part of the JKS Group, offering additional services such as automation, robotic systems, IoT and augmented-reality themes.
Stand visitors will also encounter the Walmag Alustar chuck. The Alustar permanent chuck is used during the turning and grinding of ring-shaped workpieces. According to Leader, the chuck excels due to its low weight, which results from the aluminium design of the body.
“With this chuck, you have the possibility to machine the front, inner and outer diameter of the workpiece in one operation,” states Jones.
Alustar has a number of advantages, such as: a compact top plate made from one piece of steel with radial poles; a high-performance magnetic system with neodymium magnets; a novel construction with a self-locking switch mechanism for continuous adjustment of the holding force, facilitating workpiece centring; an aluminium base that reduces the load on the machine spindle and increases the available weight capacity of workpieces; and a safe, self-locking mechanism that prevents the chuck from switching off during machining.
The Zero Clamp zero-point clamping system is the modern alternative to the conventional T-slot table that reduces set-up times and increases machine capacity.
Workshop benefits for milling include direct clamping of the component on to a base unit. Holes as sockets for the clamping studs are specified at the design stage. Components can be changed quickly and accurately across all machines for second operations and finishing.
In the case of turning operations, productivity increases are achieved with pre-balanced base units. Maximum safety at high forces comes from additional retaining elements.
For EDM, the work-holding solution functions reliably even under water or in dielectric. The base units are equipped with special drain holes so that the water can escape when the pots are opened.
Swiss manufacturer Maprox recently launched a range of clamping equipment for CMMs: 3D-Flex-Fix is a universal clamping system to suit all manufacturer models. The 3D-Flex-Fix provides the solution for two of industry’s most challenging requirements: unlimited clamping flexibility, and very fast changeover times from one part to another.
A range of efficiency-enhancing solutions will also be demonstrated by other Leader partners, including AMCC, Hewa, Homge, Jato, Lexair and Llambrich.
