German workholding equipment manufacturer Roemheld, represented in the UK by Hitchin-based
Roemheld UK Ltd, will launch a new, mechanically operated, centric (self-centring) machine vice on its stand at EMO Hannover 2023, taking place 18-23 September (Hall 4, Stand E54). Manufactured in the group’s Austrian factory in Rankweil, the new Hilma.UC 125 vice is of modular build, intended for three to five-axis prismatic machining applications. The design ensures easy tool access to the workpiece from all sides, allowing the use of short tools for high precision machining in a single set-up.
Versatility in operation is ensured by having a separate vice base and two individual jaws that, when a single handle is turned, travel simultaneously inwards towards the centre to clamp the workpiece and out again to release it. Clamping force exerted via the upper DLC (diamond-like carbon)-coated spindle is up to 52 kN. A central bearing on the lower, unloaded spindle, which is used for positioning the jaws, ensures that each component is clamped precisely in the centre of the vice. Repeatability of workholding from part to part is better than ±0.01 mm.
As the clamping spindle is turned, force is applied to the workpiece via outer claws over the jaws. An active pull-down mechanism in the clamping jaws prevents the workpiece from lifting. Having both a tensioning spindle and an adjustment spindle prevents force being applied to the base, avoiding distortion.
The universal clamp, hence UC in the product name, can be adapted to accommodate a wide variety of prismatic and round workpiece geometries and sizes in just a few steps. The jaw opening can be extended quickly to 600mm, one of the largest available on the market. Numerous jaws up to 125mm wide for securing a wide range of different raw and finished parts are offered as part of the modular system. Additional expense in buying extra workholding equipment is therefore normally avoided, even when production requirements are diverse.
There are several options for mounting the vice. It can either be secured directly to the machining centre table, or in a zero-point clamping system. Adapter plates are available for added versatility.