Workholding solutions

With the World Cup on the horizon, the company will present a 4-3-3 formation to take on the most demanding manufacturing challenges.

As well as details of the company’s Patented ZeroClamp range of zero point setting and clamping range, that was launched last year, Leader will exhibit the latest fixturing and workholding solutions from its partners Hainbuch, AutoGrip, AMCC, MicroCentric and Bison, as well as its own award-winning chucks that are manufactured in the UK. 

"Our various precision clamping and fixturing systems are used effectively by many of the leading UK manufacturing companies. Visitors will be able to very quickly appreciate how these systems could improve their overall machine tool efficiency, increase productivity and reduce production costs,” explains Mark Jones, MD.  

Launched at EMO 2013, a new compact modular system from Hainbuch solves many problems. It is a Jaw Module that is small, flexible, can be quickly changed, and covers a large clamping range. Available in two sizes, the 144 clamps from 25 to 115 mm, and the 215 clamps from 25 to 200 mm diameter, the system is suitable for sensitive clamping and delicate components; can be used as a pick-up chuck on sub-spindles, and is suited to stationary prismatic applications.

Together with the Hainbuch Spanntop chuck, Jaw Module forms a complete quick change clamping solution using proven technology. Mandrels and clamping heads can also be used in the basic unit, with quick and repeatable set-up. The new Jaw Module completes the circle and provides a new clamping dimension that opens up greater possibilities for users.

Autogrip’s extensive range high precision power chucks and rotary cylinders will be extended at the show with the UK launch of the Patented AP range. Available in four through-hole diameters, 52, 66, 86 and 115mm, the AP range features an integrated pneumatic cylinder which powers the opening and closing of the chuck jaws. This design negates the need for a draw bar to provide the jaw clamping force, resulting in a larger through bore capacity for bar feeding raw material.

Although the AP chucks have been extensively tested and proven by Autogrip to maintain internal air pressure for more than two weeks, a pressure detection device is built into the chuck to guarantee safe operation up to maximum speeds that extend from 4200 rpm for the AP-52 to 3,000 rpm for the AP-115.

AMCC develops advanced technology for plate freezing small and delicate components for micro machining. Leader Chuck Systems is UK agent for this unusual technology, which uses a film of ice to firmly secure parts for grinding, milling and turning operations. Mark Jones, says: "Most components that require traditional micro machining operations, where material is removed from the part, are very fragile and therefore susceptible to damage. AMCC has answered this challenge with an innovative solution that is quick and easy to use. Visitors at MACH will be able to see this technology first-hand.”

As well as examples of the high precision air and diaphragm chucks available from MicroCentric, a new high gripping force 4-jaw chuck manufactured by Polish workholding partner, Bison-Bial, will be launched. It adds to the company’s range of 4-jaw independent chucks, made with steel bodies and designed for machining operations requiring high gripping forces, such as the production of large crankshafts and turbine rotors. Thanks to a clamping force of over 20,000 daN per jaw, large cutting torques at relatively small clamping diameters can be achieved.

Details of Leader’s award-winning MultiChuck MMY concentric clamping system, which offers a host of advantages to the self-centring of round parts on vertical and horizontal machining centres, milling machines and grinders, along with full product information for the latest innovative workholding solutions from Gamet, Hewa, Iram, Lexair and Maprox Zweifel will all be available on the stand (5302).