Published 4/17/2023

PMTS 2023 Product Preview: Workholding

Learn about some of the latest workholding solutions that will be on display at PMTS 2023.

Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media

Precision machining manufacturers are gearing up for our industry’s biggest event — the Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS) 2023 set for April 18-20, 2023, in Cleveland, Ohio, at the Huntington Convention Center. This event is a great opportunity to do in-person research on the latest technology and trends that can strengthen your business. PMTS brings a broad range of technologies together all in one place to make your research time more effective.

Production Machining wants to help kick off your research with a series of PMTS Product Previews. In this group, we’re taking a look at workholders, including a mini clamping device changeover system enables actuation with just one screw to reduce setup times; 100-mm chucks and collets for greater manufacturing capacities; Double Cone and Pull Collets that prevent chips and dirt from getting into the bore and slots; and more.

Before you go to the show, don’t miss PMTS show highlights in Derek Korn’s PMTS feature article and look for more PMTS Product Previews each week until the show! And don’t forget to register for the show.

For all the latest PMTS product highlights, please visit our extensive PMTS Preview Section which includes new PMTS products posted every weekday up through the show’s opening day.

If you would like to learn more about the latest news, product technology and operational best practices in the precision machining industry, consider subscribing to Production Machining's free monthly print magazine.

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

Mini Clamping Changeover System Minimizes Setup Times

Photo Credit: Hainbuch

Hainbuch’s CentroteX S is a mini version of its clamping device changeover system, offering the added advantage of enabling actuation with just one screw to reduce setup times. The system was designed to enable a robot to quickly change the clamping device. With lesser tightening torque than is required with the large variant (the CentroteX M), the CentroteX S can be assembled more quickly. The company says the clamping system provides high repeatability and a more ergonomic operation.

100-mm Size Added to FlexC Quick-Change Clamping System

Photo Credit: Hardinge

Hardinge’s FlexC family of available chuck and collet sizes has added a 100-mm size to its quick-change clamping system. The FlexC 100 collet system is said to provide greater manufacturing capacities, while offering the same cost savings and overall efficiency that the 42-mm, 65-mm and 80-mm systems have. The 100-mm chucks and collets are available for purchase in Style A (Pull Back with Dead-Length Work Stop) and Style DL (Push to Close with Dead Length Workstop) variants.

Double Cone, Pull Collets for High Runout Accuracy, Friction Prevention

Photo Credit: iSwiss Corp.

The iSwiss Corp.’s Double Cone and Pull Collets for flexible guide bushings are compatible with all pneumatic guide bushing systems and have the clamping range from -0.8 mm to +0.2 mm (-.032″ to +.008”). These collets come with high runout accuracy and prevent friction and galling between the material and the guide bushing collet. The brass alloy option delivers high hardness and low heat sensitivity so it’s nonabrasive to the material. Both collets are also available in gray cast iron and Nitrided steel.

Zero-Point Clamping System Offers Increased Flexibility

Photo Credit: Lang Technovation

Lang Technovation’s 52- and 96-mm Quick-Point clamping systems offer a 2-in-1 solution for greater flexibility, high precision and shorter setup times. The Quick-Point is said to combine all the features that make a zero-point clamping system special. A new series within the Quick-Point zero-point clamping system takes this to the next level and enables users even greater flexibility in their manufacturing needs.

Hybrid Quick-Change Collet Chuck Converts to Mandrel

Photo Credit: SMW Autoblok

SMW Autoblok’s hybrid Comot-AZ quick-change collet chuck features industry-standard diameter capacities of 42, 65 and 100 mm to accommodate a variety of workpiece sizes. The company says it is well suited for bar and tubular stock machining that requires multiple daily changeovers. The Comot-AZ can be used in three ways: for OD machining using standard collets; for greater accuracy utilizing high precision collets with Comot-AZ/PA; and to quickly transform the Comot-AZ into an expanding mandrel for ID clamping using the EMX series.

Blue Photon Workholding System Simplifies Part Loading

Photo Credit: Blue Photon

Blue Photon has designed a system using workholding grippers and insert components for use with Big Daishowa and other stabilizer systems. The system holds the workpiece without drilling and tapping into the part or with the need to clamp the part. The unit is easily adjustable when positioning to grip the part wherever needed to stabilize the workpiece. The unit enables the transfer of loads to the machine table and base.