Carbide inserts have been recently introduced to the Hilma MC 100 vice range of vices and jaws from Roemheld which enable end users to hold concentric components on just 3mm in a vice.

Roemheld was one of the forerunners in the development of 5-axis vices with the capability to grip safely on just 3mm of material.  As a result, Roemheld has been supplying an extensive range of such machine vices to end users across all market sectors, for many years.

Terry O’Neill, Joint Managing Director of Roemheld, said:  “Some end users were wary at first – they just could not believe that gripping on 3mm was safe (or even possible).  However, more and more are now adopting this technology as it offers substantial raw material cost savings – we have seen savings of up to 20%.  It also helps eliminate distortion when machining off the waste.”

MC100 vice and carbide jaws

Roemheld has developed a unique design of vice body and jaw configuration that allows for high metal removal while clamping on 3mm of material. 5-axis machining requires accuracy and reliability of workholding and the performance of Roemheld’s Hilma 5-axis clamping range meets all these demands.  The component is held high off the machine table, keeping the spindle tooling to standard lengths and rigid clamping is possible due to high clamping forces.  The Roemheld vices also offer repeatable accuracy for locating and positioning of component.  End users can programme the machine using either a fixed jaw and or, if preferred, a concentric vice, where both jaws move in to grip the component on the centreline.

Roemheld has downloadable CAD models available for all vices and jaws, making programming easier and helping to avoid any potential costly collision paths whilst machining.

To find out more about Roemheld’s full range of workholding and materials handling solutions, go to www.roemheld.co.uk or telephone 01462 459052.