Aylesbury-based Thame Engineering Co Ltd (www.thame-eng.com) has introduced the Makro Grip Vario vice from Lang. Developed exclusively for Lang centring vices, the Makro Grip Vario has jaws that are equipped with Lang’s patented Vario-Tech multiple-pin component location system, which is said to provide a repeat clamping accuracy of 0.01mm. Pins can be depressed or extended from the jaws to act as a location system for the clamping of non-uniform parts. When machining is complete, the depressed pins can be blown back into position with a compressed-air line. The benefit of this system is that no parallels or end-stops are required.

Another feature of the Makro Grip Vario is that it incorporates double-extension guidance of the jaws, which is said to guarantee a centring accuracy of ±0.01mm. The vice can also be transferred to other machines, thanks to the use of zero-point clamping studs on its underside.

The vice is available in two variants: the Makro Grip Vario 77 and the Vario 125. The smaller Vario 77 is available with three base lengths of 130, 170 and 210mm, which provide clamping widths up to 55, 95 and 135mm respectively. It has a maximum clamping torque of 70Nm and a maximum clamping force of 14,000N.

Featuring 20mm-diameter base pins that are spaced at a distance of 96mm, the larger Vario 125 is offered with a maximum clamping range of 100, 150, 200 and 250mm, and base lengths from 210 to 360mm. It offers a maximum clamping force of 20,000N.