Under its sole agency agreement with the Japanese manufacturer Kitagawa, Salisbury-based 1st Machine Tool Accessories (www.1mta.com) has made the new Swift Klamp available in the UK and Ireland.

This work-holding product uses the proven HSK tool interface to provide a secure low-interference quick-change clamping arrangement that resists the bending forces generated during metal-cutting operations.

Designed for five-axis machining applications but equally suited to use on three- and four-axis machines, the system has three parts: clamping head, work holder and workpiece.

The head is supplied either as a manually or automatically operated HSK clamp, while the work-holder comprises an HSK interface at the base and multiple options at the top for holding the workpiece (these include flange clamps and side clamps).

1st MTA says the most efficient clamping system is the dovetail interface; its small clamping surface area allows enhanced tool access, while its low profile maximises the machine tool’s Z-axis travel.

Workpieces up to 200mm square or 200mm in diameter can be accommodated.

The final element is the workpiece to be machined. In the case of the dovetail holder, a slot needs to be pre-milled into the raw billet to match the holder profile (a solid-carbide cutter is available specifically for this purpose).

Additionally, pre-machined dovetailed EN3B (070M20) steel and HE30 (6082) aluminium blanks can be supplied in various sizes for immediate use.

The manual clamping head has a flange that has been designed to suit a variety of mounting options. Available in HSK-A40, HSK-A63 and HSK-A100 sizes, it can be set up off-line and the work-holder exchanged within 10sec.

For automated manufacturing processes, a hydraulically actuated clamping head is available in the same HSK sizes (this features seating detection and an air-blow).

The work-holders have a standard profile that allows them to be handled by any general-purpose robot arm.

Below is an explanatory video showing the range of Swift Clamp products available through 1st MTA and the methods of operation: