Published 11/19/2021

Precision Machining Technology Review November 2021: Workholding

Production Machining’s workholding showcase includes SMW Autoblok, Forkhardt, Mate Precision Technologies, Norgren, Jergens and Platinum Tooling.

Edited by: Angela Osborne

Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media

Precision manufacturing would not be precise without workholding to hold the parts in a fixed position because how a part is held is often as important as how it is cut. Holding the workpiece precisely is an integral aspect of the machining process – delivering accuracy and production capabilities as well as saving setup time with faster changeovers.

In this technology review, we’re looking at a connectable workpiece positioning system for manual and electric zero-point clamping; a universally applicable, wedge-style power chuck; a zero-point workholding system engineered to maximize holding power for three-, four- and five-axis machining centers; and more.

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Read PM’s October’s Technology Review.

Click on each link below to read the full product post:

Workpiece Positioning System Features Simultaneous Actuation

SMW Autoblok’s connectable ZeroAct workpiece positioning system is well suited for manual and electric zero-point clamping in a variety of applications, including milling, inspection and finishing operations. With a low profile of 40 mm and extremely flat design, ZeroAct is well suited for any zero-point application, especially those where the Z-axis travel of the spindle is critical.

Forkhardt’s FNC+ Quick Jaw Change Power Chuck Offers Manufacturing Versatility

Forkardt’s FNC+ Quick Jaw Change Power Chuck is a universally applicable, wedge-style power chuck offering increased versatility and manufacturing efficiencies as well as reduced setup time. New features and capabilities include a revised base jaw profile that enables the chuck to accept base jaws from competitive brands. This enables users to continue to utilize the current inventory of base jaws, irrespective of brand.

Mate Workholding System Offers Compact, Quick-Change Design

Mate Precision Technologies’ 52/96 zero-point workholding system includes vises, bases and mounting systems, and is engineered to maximize holding power for three-, four- and five-axis machining centers. Mate says its workholding system not only reduces setup times and process variability but also offers optimized accuracy and repeatability in a compact, quick change, modular design.

Adaptix Soft Jaw Provides One-Size-Fits-All Workholding Process

Norgren’s Adaptix Soft Jaw uses adjustable fingers and interchangeable tips to grip a wide variety of parts or workpieces during the computer numerical control (CNC) machining process. It was specially engineered to be a one-size-fits-all alternative to standard, single-application aluminum soft jaws.

Jergen Dovetail Vises Offer Modular Quick-Change Options

Jergens has added new modular dovetail vises and adapter bases to its line of Fixture Pro workholding for more quick-change applications using this distinctive style of clamping. The company says dovetail vises offer secure clamping with minimal material, and are well suited for parts with multiple operations and larger metal removal. With the ability to utilize quick-change, users can spend more time in the cut and less time in part changeover.

Tecnicrafts Collets, Guide Bushings for Swiss Turning Applications

Platinum Tooling Technologies is the North American distributor for Tecnicrafts Industries’ collets and guide bushings for Swiss-type CNC Lathes. Tecnicrafts’ collets and guide bushings are exclusively used for Swiss turning applications on Citizen-Cincom, Tsugami, Star, Tornos, Hanwha, Traub, Hardinge, Manurhin-Kmx, Miyano, Nomura and other machine brands.