QUICK-CHANGE 5-AXIS WORKHOLDING SYSTEM

Swift Klamp is the latest addition to the Kitagawa Europe family of workholding products, and is avaible in Australia through Dimac Tooling. Using proven HSK tool interface technology, Swift Klamp provides a secure, low-interference, quick-change 5-axis workholding system.

It consists of three parts: the clamping head, which is supplied as either a manually or automatically actuated HSK clamp, the work-holder and the work-piece.

The manual clamping head is available in HSK-A40, HSK-A63 and HSK-A100 sizes and is supplied with a versatile mounting flange to suit multiple mounting options for 5-axis machines and rotary tables. An offline set-up procedure allows the work-holder system to be exchanged within 10 seconds, minimising machine downtime.

To allow operators to fully automate their manufacturing process, a low-pressure hydraulically operated automatic clamping head is also available in HSK-A40, HSK-A63 and HSK-A100 sizes, with seating detection and air-blow.

“In keeping with the move to more automation in workplaces, the work-holder profile that is used with the clamping head has a common interface to enable them to be handled by any general-purpose robot arm,” says Dimac Managing Director Paul Fowler.

A choice of work-holding options is available – standardised dovetail, flange clamp and side clamp – all of which provide a rigid and secure platform for 5-axis machining processes. Dovetail systems allow superior tool access due to their small clamping surface, and the HSK interface between the work-holder and the clamping head provides optimal bending rigidity.

The final part is the work-piece, which in the case of the dovetail work-holder will require an initial dovetail slot to be machined into the raw billet to interface with the work-holder. However, the Swift Klamp system can accommodate various work-piece shapes of up to 200mm square or diameter.

The majority of work-pieces being used for 5-axis machining require a preparation phase. However, this has the advantage that the preparation phase can either be integrated into the total machining process or take place outside the 5-axis machine. This option enables companies to keep their high-cost machines operating, ensuring the maximum return on their investment.

Additionally, pre-machined dovetailed blanks can be supplied to assist with prototyping or enable companies to start testing the Swift Klamp system straight out of the box.

Dimac Tooling
03 9771 6121
www.dimac.com.au