The German workholding equipment manufacturer Roemheld — represented in the UK by Hitchin-based
Roemheld UK Ltd — has introduced a new, mechanically-operated, centric (self-centring) machine vice. Manufactured in the group’s Austrian factory in Rankweil, the new Hilma.UC 125 vice (UC stands for universal clamp) is of modular build and intended for three- to five-axis prismatic machining applications.
The vice has been designed to ensure easy tool access to the workpiece from all sides, allowing the use of short tools for high-precision machining in a single set up. Moreover, versatility in operation is ensured by having a separate vice base and two individual jaws that, when a single handle is turned, move 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 52kN. 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 ±0.01mm.
As the clamping spindle is turned, force is applied to the workpiece via outer claws over the jaws, while 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 UC vice can be adapted to accommodate a wide variety of prismatic and round workpiece geometries and sizes in just a few steps, and the jaw opening can be extended quickly to 600mm. Furthermore, numerous jaws up to 125mm wide for securing a wide range of different raw and finished parts is offered as part of the modular system. As a result, the additional expense of buying extra workholding equipment is 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.