A new range of slim-profile hydraulic tool-holders introduced by the Japanese manufacturer BIG Daishowa is available in the UK through Thames Ditton-based NCMT Ltd
(www.ncmt.co.uk). There is a choice of BBT 30, 40 or 50 BIG Plus face-and-taper-contact back ends (compatible with BT spindle machines) or the HSK-A63 taper.
The tool-holders are ideal for machining high-precision features in restricted areas on components. Tool-nose diameters range from 21mm down to just 14mm, and the tools lend themselves particularly well to simultaneous five-axis cycles without interference.
Run-out accuracy is less than 3µm when measured at 4D (a linear distance of four-times shank diameter from the point of clamping). Moreover, each tool is pre-balanced to ensure smooth, stable machining and a good surface finish.
Across the range, cylindrical-shank cutters in the diameter sizes 6-12mm can be clamped and unclamped rapidly via a single screw, minimising production down-time. Repeatability of eccentricity is better than 1.5µm; and with a maximum rotational speed of 35,000rev/min, these tool-holders can be used for finish milling, grinding, precision drilling and reaming applications in the aerospace, medical and die/mould industries.
A video of BIG Daishowa hydraulic tool-holders in operation can be seen on our Web site
(www.machinery-market.co.uk/videos).