Some of the first Matrix pin vices in use in the UK are saving time and cost when finish-machining prototype and first-off complex free-form parts made using additive manufacturing (AM).
The vices were supplied by Coventry-based ETG Workholding (
www.engtechgroup.com) to Renishaw’s Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) at its headquarters site near Wotton-under-Edge.
Here, prototyping and component development projects are undertaken using one of the company’s own AM500M additive-manufacturing systems.
This uses metal powder-bed fusion technology to build complex components straight from CAD files; most feature complex shapes, thin wall sections and complex geometries, which makes them difficult to clamp when being finish-machined.
In these circumstances, a bespoke fixture would traditionally have been made (with the inevitable time and cost implications), but by using Matrix pin vices, Renishaw technicians can create — in a matter of minutes — a part-specific workpiece-clamping set-up that is stable, secure and repeatable.
Renishaw has two versions of clamps from the Matrix Silver X-clamp range: two rail-mounted X-clamp 40s for small components, and a larger X-clamp 125 version that offers ‘wrap around’ clamping for optimised grip on the workpiece.
Both are said to offer superior operation to conventional two- or three-point holding devices, which risk damaging the surface at the clamping points.
At Renishaw’s DMC, the pin vices are fitted to Fanuc RoboDrill D21L three-axis machining centres, which have tilt/rotate tables to give a five-axis capability when required.
Chay Allen, rapid-manufacturing manager at the DMC, says: “Because most of our machining is one-offs, work-holding and fixturing is a potential bottleneck.
“We saw the Matrix system on ETG’s stand at
MACH 2016 and subsequently took a few samples of free-form parts to the company’s Hyfore facility for machining tests.
“We concluded that this equipment was what we needed, and we have since been impressed with how it maintains accuracy and repeatability on our machining operations.”