Heimatec, a global leader in live tools, angle heads, and multi-spindle drill heads, recently announced the release of its U-tec® flexible adapter system on all right-angle heads in the company’s line. Models are available for the most popular lines of machine tools in the North American market. Going forward, the company plans to include its U-tec adapter system on all angle heads. According to company President Preben Hansen, this development will especially provide the system’s rigidity and quick-change capabilities to users doing deep hole drilling with extended tools.
U-tec is the company’s patented flexible tool adapter system that allows a standard ER output live tool to accept various adapters for different applications. This allows users the ability to have quick changeover of tools on almost any lathe or mill, using a single live tool, without having to commit to a quick-change system on the initial purchase. A facemill adapter, for example, can be quickly positioned into the standard holder, without the need for a completely new base being installed. This significantly reduces inventory costs as well as changeover time.
“The U-tec system represents a real improvement in lathe and mill/turn tooling design,” Hansen said. “U-tec allows great user flexibility, while a polygonal drive system ensures extremely high power transmission stability and faster setup with absolutely no loss in performance or accuracy because the live tool base remains in position and only the adapter and collet get swapped out.”
According to Hansen, the unique collet nuts on the U-tec system have internal threading for rigid mounting, and this new tool adapter system enables the actual cutting tool to be brought into closer proximity to the bearing, thus further improving performance in use. This benefit results from the short and compact tool length design. Internal coolant up to 2,000 psi (140 bar) is provided as standard.
Every adapter in the U-tec system — complete with any necessary clamping nuts and adapters for arbor, Weldon, CAT 40, and CAT 50 — is now available in shell mill, face mill, ER extension, side lock, shrink fit, hydraulic, and blank styles. U-tec angle heads are compatible with most automatic tool changers, feature 360-degree manual positioning and include torque arms and a stop block. Torque is rated up to 150 Nm (110 ft-lb).
The U-tec system is available for all major turning machines currently on the market. Heimatec currently manufactures over 10,000 live tool types and has a full inventory at its Chicago-area headquarters for North American operations.
A video on the installation of angle heads is available on YouTube.
