MAPAL: Minimize the clamping device in mechanical processing

Miniaturization technology plays an important role in many areas, especially mechanical processing. Whether in electrical engineering, watchmaking, medical technology, aerospace, or robotics, manipulating small details and narrow spaces always makes it difficult for manufacturers. Realizing this, MAPAL has developed a miniaturized clamping device with smaller dimensions, higher accuracy and stronger clamping force, meeting the increasing demands of customers.

Perfect Radial Run-Out And Optimum Balancing Value

The radial run-out accuracy of the clamping chucks for a chipping thickness in the range of a few thousandths of a millimetre must be almost zero. This is the only way to achieve good surfaces at maximum spindle speeds with a long tool life. In addition, it must be ensured that any contamination due to microparticles is excluded.

During processing, the smaller the tool and clamping chuck, the easier handling must be. Because with each reduction, the handling of external peripheral devices becomes more complicated and more difficult. With shrink or collet technology, it also takes considerably longer for the tools to be ready for use. This directly affects labor productivity and poses a question to manufacturers: What is the optimal balance and perfect radial rotation?

The Smallest Clamping Chucks with Optimal Properties

In order to guarantee radial run-out accuracy, the clamping technology specialists have integrated innovative clamping chamber systems into the new clamping chucks, which fit snugly against the tool shank. They are equipped with dirt grooves to displace microscopic dirt. The required balancing value is ensured thanks to internal balancing geometries including support structures, which also optimise weight and strength. Overall, with the chucks in a small format, there can be achieved a more homogeneous and spindle-friendly acceleration.

Thanks to additive manufacturing, MAPAL has succeeded in equipping the clamping chucks for the miniature sector with decentralised coolant outlets. Using parameters such as coolant pressure, setting dimension and spindle speed, these outlets are designed in such a way that they convey the coolant lubricant directly to the cutting point.

Very Easy Handling Without Peripheral Devices

The new clamping chucks from MAPAL in a small format enable simple and quick clamping of the tool. Users can easily manipulate this device without a formal training. On the other hand, the hydraulic clamping system also helps manufacturers reduce the cost of expensive peripherals, because the system uses only one screw as a fixed part.

New Possibilities – Not Only For Tool Clamping

The new small hydraulic chucks also open up new possibilities for workpiece clamping. For example, with clamping hip joint balls, special shaped grooves inside the clamp will secure the object without exerting too much force on it. This limits the ability to deform objects while ensuring that operations are performed correctly. This is also one of the longest steps of the mechanical processing industry.

Productivity and Quality Office