News And Updates

Leader exhibits ‘World XI’ workholding

solutions at MACH 2016

Visitors can be sure that workholding specialist Leader Chuck Systems will have comprehensive details of the widest range of fixturing solutions for rotational and prismatic components on its stand (Hall 5, Stand 5302) at MACH. With the European Football Championships on the horizon, the company will present a 4-3-3 formation to take on the most demanding manufacturing challenges.

As well as details of the company’s Patented ZeroClamp range of zero point setting and clamping range, that was launched last year, Leader will exhibit the latest fixturing and workholding solutions from its partners Hainbuch, AutoGrip, AMCC, MicroCentric and Bison, as well as Leader’s own award-winning chucks that are manufactured in the UK.

“Our various precision clamping and fixturing systems are used effectively by many of the leading UK manufacturing companies. Visitors to our stand will be able to very quickly appreciate how these systems could improve their overall machine tool efficiency, increase productivity and reduce production costs,” explains Managing Director Mark Jones. 

Launched at EMO, a new compact modular system from Hainbuch solves many problems. It is a Jaw Module that is small, flexible, can be quickly changed, and covers a large clamping range. Available in two sizes, the 144 clamps from 25 to 115 mm, and the 215 clamps from 25 to 200 mm diameter, the system is ideal for sensitive clamping and delicate components; can be used as a pick-up chuck on sub-spindles, and is also suited to stationary prismatic applications.

Together with the Hainbuch Spanntop chuck, Jaw Module forms a complete quick change clamping solution using proven technology. Mandrels and clamping heads can also be used in the basic unit, with quick and repeatable set-up. The new Jaw Module completes the circle and provides a new clamping dimension that opens up even more possibilities for users. It is said to be the best 3-in-1 solution for ID, OD and jaw clamping.
 

Represented exclusively in the UK and Eire the Tamworth-based workholding specialist, Autogrip’s extensive range high precision power chucks and rotary cylinders will be extended at the show with the UK launch of the Patented AP range. Available in four through-hole diameters, 52, 66, 86 and 115 mm, the AP range features an integrated pneumatic cylinder which powers the opening and closing of the chuck jaws. This design negates the need for a draw bar to provide the jaw clamping force, resulting in a larger through bore capacity for bar feeding raw material.

Although the AP chucks have been extensively tested and proven by Autogrip to maintain internal air pressure for more than two weeks, a pressure detection device is built into the chuck to guarantee safe operation up to maximum speeds that extend from 4,200 rpm for the AP-52 to 3,000 rpm for the AP-115.

AMCC is a world leader in the development of advanced technology for plate freezing small and delicate components for micro machining. Leader Chuck Systems is the exclusive UK agent for this impressive and unusual technology, which uses a film of ice to firmly secure parts for grinding, milling and turning operations. Mark Jones, says: “Most components that require traditional micro machining operations, where material is removed from the part, are very fragile and therefore susceptible to damage. AMCC has answered this challenge with an innovative solution that is quick and easy to use. Visitors at MACH will be able to see this technology first-hand.”

Designed specifically for clamping via an ice film, delicate parts are rigidly clamped without any distortion or mechanical stress being transferred to the part. This makes it ideal for grinding, milling and turning watch parts, medical implants, jewellery and other finely detailed manufactured goods. The technology is also ideally suited to applications where vacuum or magnetic fixturing could not be applied. For instance, when the components have through holes or the material is non-ferrous, which includes ceramics or engineering plastics.

As well as examples of the high precision air and diaphragm chucks available from MicroCentric, a new high gripping force 4-jaw chuck manufactured by Polish workholding partner, Bison-Bial, will be launched. It adds to the company’s wide range of 4-jaw independent chucks, made with steel bodies and designed for machining operations requiring high gripping forces, such as the production of large crankshafts and turbine rotors.

Thanks to a clamping force of over 20,000 daN per jaw, large cutting torques at relatively small clamping diameters can be achieved. The steel body ensures a longer lifetime, greater stiffness and resistance to wear, while the four independent jaws allow for precise centring of both round and rectangular workpieces with maximum gripping forces.

Details of Leader’s award-winning MultiChuck MMY concentric clamping system, which offers a host of advantages to the self-centring of round parts on vertical and horizontal machining centres, milling machines and grinders, along with full product information for the latest innovative workholding solutions from CARVEsmart, Gamet, Hewa, Iram, Lexair and Maprox Zweifel will all be available on the stand.

Mark Jones concludes: “MACH provides visiting designers, engineers and manufacturing companies’ decision makers with the ideal opportunity to see the very latest manufacturing technology available. In an environment that allows them to glean beneficial information that could dramatically improve their companies’ operation. We are pleased to provide details of our own and our partners’ workholding solutions.”