New tower clamping systems

A new range of compact, three- and four-sided tower clamping systems manufactured by Roemheld group’s Hilma division in Hilchenbach will be launched at Southern Manufacturing 2019 on the stand of Roemheld UK.

Intended for use on 4- and 5-axis vertical machining centres as well as horizontal-spindle machines, the steel monobloc SCT towers, which are either mechanically or hydraulically actuated, are optimally sealed against swarf and other contamination.

Applications range from use on manually loaded machines through twin-pallet-change centres up to fully automated flexible manufacturing systems. Clamping range is from 6 to 210 mm and holding force is from 25 to 40 kN, high enough to avoid the need to pre-machine workpieces, even when they are secured on just a few millimetres of material.

Versions in alternative lengths and with different mounting holes including for zero-point clamping together with a large selection of grip, pendulum, step, soft and Vee jaws suitable for different machining tasks complete the offering.

Other workholding exhibits

Another workholding system on show will be Hilma’s flexible range of three MC-P Z Balance vices, which have a floating clamping point to avoid stressing or deforming the component. After operation of the spindle, clamping range being from 6 to 400 mm according to model, first the two slides concentrically approach the workpiece. When the first jaw reaches it, just the second jaw advances until they are both in contact with the component. Only then is the desired clamping force applied, up to 35 kN for the largest vice, using a torque wrench.

From the group’s Stark division in Rankweil, Austria, various zero-point elements will be in evidence at the show, such as the compact Speedy Easy Clik for manual mounting with a 10 kN retention force and pneumatic release in one-tenth of a second. Exhibited also from the same factory will be module plate sets for off-line set-up and direct clamping to any machine table, providing a flexible, extendable, entry-level system for machining larger components.

Manually operated die changing carts

Dies weighing up to up to 500 kg or 1,000 kg can be manoeuvred with Roemheld’s manually operated RW series changing carts, the smaller version of which will be presented at Southern Manufacturing 2019. There is also an electrically-driven RWA cart for handling a maximum load of 1,600 kg.

All versions feature extensive safety equipment including an automatic docking station with slip protection. With the cart connected to the station, dies can be effortlessly guided and positioned on the changing table via ball inserts, which are lowered during docking to prevent slipping. Height of the changing table can be adjusted hydraulically. An optional auxiliary drive is available for the manual carts allowing a travel speed of 2 km/h.