Toolholding, Metrology Systems Increase Accuracy and Efficiency

Rego-Fix USA spotlights two tool clamping/unclamping units for the company’s powRgrip toolholding system and a spindle drawbar force testing tool. The units are the automatic PGA 9500 and the powRgrip Single. The ForceMaster tool is another addition to company’s family of metrology products. All of these product offerings are applicable to the mold and die industry, the company notes.

The PGA 9500 provides a simple way to automate the tool setup process when using the powRgrip toolholding system. It enables tools to be set up unmanned and around-the-clock.

For integration, the PGA 9500 connects, via a robot, to other equipment as well as to tool storage areas. Its automatic door and controllable clamping device make the PGA 9500 suited for working within existing automation systems. According to the company, the PGA 9500 features a compact design, enables safe operation and generates no heat or hazardous fumes.

The powRgrip Single is user-friendly and can provide fast, efficient and safe operation. The powRgrip Single is the company’s fastest powRgrip clamping device with a cycle time of less than five seconds. It is also smaller in size and manufactured with Swiss precision that is said to ensure strong and stable gripping for longer tool life and cost effectiveness.

While existing powRgrip loading/unloading units can accommodate several toolholding collet sizes, the powRgrip Single is designed for one toolholder size series. This is in direct response to shops requiring the use of only one series of PG toolholders.

Because of its size, the powRgrip Single requires less room and saves workbench/worktable space. This also enables the unit to be placed in tight areas close to point of use for added convenience.

Designed for simpler machine tool spindle drawbar testing, tracking and documenting, especially for shops with a variety of machines, Rego-Fix is also showcasing its ForceMaster drawbar tool. It can grant shops the ability to quickly measure drawbar pull-force, and the tool is said to adapt to any machine tool spindle. 

Several available adapters thread onto the tool to measure all spindle tapers, including HSK, SK, BT, CAT and others. This flexibility can make the ForceMaster a universal metrology tool for the shop floor. It is said that, with one measuring tool, operators can ensure spindle clamping force meets manufacturer recommendations to mitigate chatter, tool and drawbar damage, while minimizing the risk of crashed spindles. Moreover, by ensuring a mold builder’s machine tool spindles have a secure hold on toolholders, issues to part surface finishes can be avoided.

ForceMaster also integrates into digital production environments and is fully accessible via a mobile phone app available for Apple and Android devices. The device dashboard can be mirrored to perform measurements remotely, and all information is downloadable for analysis and tracking.