Magnetic attraction

A recent addition to the 1st Machine Tool Accessories (1st MTA) product portfolio is the high quality Alpha workholding solutions range of magnetic milling chucks and material handling devices.

Ruggedly constructed for consistent accuracy and extended working life, Alpha Bi-Polar (ABP) Milling Magnets are a versatile method of delivering secure clamping, reduced vibration and extended tool life to heavy machining applications.

They are available in four lengths from 500-2,000mm long, with standard height and width dimensions of 144mm and 200mm respectively to provide efficient clamping of a diverse range of workpieces. Individual pole extenders can be used to raise parts from the magnetic chuck surface for through-hole work, whilst self-shimming pole extenders are available for holding parts with features such as stepped diameters.

ABP's use of permanent electro technology means that the system does not require a continuous electricity supply to maintain its strong magnetic field. In addition, Alpha controllers are equipped with circuit breakers and, if required, can be linked directly to the machine tool's PLC.

Using a similar permanent electro-magnetic system to the ABP range, 1st MTA's Alpha Mill Round (AMR) Milling Magnets are claimed to be the most versatile machining magnet currently available.

The Alpha Mill system ensures that the workpiece is uniformly supported over a larger area, minimising vibration and enabling the use of faster feed rates without impairing tool life or machining quality. With each individual pole generating up to 1,400lbf of clamping force, AMR is ideal for machining processes such as milling, drilling and tapping. Furthermore, simple calculations allow users to verify the clamping safety factor for any given machining application.

Allowing five face machining in a single set-up, the system enables set-up times to be reduced by up to 50% when compared to conventional fixturing. AMR's strong magnetic field also penetrates only 0.400 inches deep, eliminating the problem of unwanted magnetic chip adhesion by keeping the workpiece surface free from residual magnetism. Alpha Mill Round units are fully sealed against coolant ingress and are available in four inch length and width increments.

At the heart of each Alpha Mill system is the Alpha Control, which employs microchip technology to deliver features including machine tool and safety interlocks, a CNC Interface and precise current sensing for assured clamping performance.

Complementing 1st MTA's new range of magnetic chucks, the Alpha A-Pod Magnetic Workholding system is particularly suitable for frequently changed machining set-ups, or where the use of dedicated fixturing is not practical. Comprising a series of 93mm diameter modular units, which can be easily mounted by a through bolt into a T-slot or sub-plate, the system requires virtually no maintenance and offers an ideal replacement for systems such as hydraulic fixtures.

A-Pods share many of the attributes of Alpha's chuck systems, including permanent electro-magnetic technology and the generation of up to 1400lbf of grip, to ensure high strength location of ferrous components for machining, grinding, polishing, measuring, welding and assembly operations. Completing 1st Machine Tool Accessories' new magnetic range is the Alpha Workholding Solutions Eagle Lifts. Featuring Alpha's permanent magnet technology, Eagle Lifts are available in five sizes, with flat stock safe working load capacities ranging from 125-2,200kg. Each model incorporates deep ‘V' grooves between its pole shoes, for the secure lifting of round stock. Portable, compact and lightweight, Eagle Lift products are designed and tested to exceed the relevant ASME B30 guidelines. The range also incorporates Alpha's Test Talon safety feature, which allows users to safety test load carrying capabilities for each application prior to use. 1st MTA
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