Posted to News on 16th Sep 2007, 19:17
Vices offer dependability, strength and large grip capacity
Kitagawa Europe is launching the MC range of workholding vices. Providing high strength, dependable workpiece clamping and a large grip capacity, the company's latest power vices range from small manual units suitable for tapping operations, through to integrated in-line or cruciform models for use on horizontal and vertical machining centres. In addition, air-operated variants are available to support automated or high-speed manufacturing operations.
All Kitagawa MC vices are precision machined for consistent accuracy and repeatability and feature a novel anti-lift device that limits workpiece movement in the z-direction to 0.02mm under most operating conditions.
A telescopic design minimises the ingress of swarf and ensures constant unit length, thereby avoiding interference with machine tool components or guarding, even when the jaws are fully open. A maintenance-free toggle arrangement also ensures stable and consistent clamping forces, which can be quickly adjusted to individual application requirements.
Entry-level VC models offer maximum jaw openings of 204mm and are suitable for small tapping machines. VE and VE-L units provide low body profiles for maximum machining flexibility and what is claimed to be the largest grip ranges in their class - up to 405mm for the type VE-200L.
Kitagawa¹s VQX models are suitable for horizontal and vertical machining centres, as well as NC milling machines, while VE units are particularly suitable for use with portal type machines. VM variants provide both internal and external clamping capabilities and the MV's four-face configuration provides excellent rigidity, especially for HMC applications. MH multiple in-line units are available for extra long workpieces and air-operated VQA vices complement automated manufacturing installations by eliminating the need for dedicated operators.
Available ex-stock from Kitagawa Europe, MC vices are backed by an extensive range of machining accessories, including soft fixed and moveable jaws, T-nuts, guide blocks and parallel clamping devices.
