National Workholding
Symposium & Exhibition

HAINBUCH is a leading manufacturer of clamping, change-over, measuring and automation solutions for milling, turning and grinding operations on machine tools. Rainer will explore a broad range of workholding options, including jaw chucks, clamping-head chucks and mandrels, covering both standard and customised solutions.

A particular focus will be reducing set-up times. Rainer will demonstrate different approaches to minimising changeover time, particularly on CNC turning and cylindrical grinding machines.

This includes the HAINBUCH modular system, where a single basic chuck remains on the machine and the appropriate adaptation is inserted according to the application. This enables O.D., I.D., jaw and magnetic clamping, as well as clamping between centres, from the same underlying workholding platform.

Rainer will also introduce the centroteX quick-change interface, designed to allow complete workholding devices to be exchanged on and off a CNC lathe spindle quickly, easily and with high precision.

The presentation will conclude with specialised workholding solutions for the demanding requirements of the medical technology sector.

Jörg will introduce pL LEHMANN and its solutions for manufacturing before exploring smart clamping and automation solutions for metrology and positioning tasks, including Maprox for pL LEHMANN.

The session will demonstrate how fourth- and fifth-axis capability can be integrated into existing and new systems, with an emphasis on straightforward connectivity, smart clamping interfaces and automation-ready solutions.

Jörg also plans a live demonstration using a pL LEHMANN microLine dual-axis system with Maprox mini E-Chuck, with the possibility of demonstrating the larger single-axis system with the standard Maprox E-Chuck.

Key learning points: fourth- and fifth-axis integration via USB for a wide range of devices; smart clamping interfaces and devices; straightforward integration into automated manufacturing solutions; and achieving maximum efficiency in both existing and new systems.

Workholding is often evaluated by two simple criteria: can it securely hold the part, and how much does it cost? However, the true cost of workholding extends far beyond its purchase price.

Austin will explore how inefficient workholding can contribute to longer setup times, lost spindle utilisation, process variability, premature cutting-tool wear, increased inspection and poor labour utilisation — costs that can easily be attributed to other parts of the machining process.

The presentation will examine how setup time, repeatability, rigidity, clamping force, cutting-tool access and operator involvement can create hidden costs. Austin will also consider practical strategies for reducing them, including zero-point workholding, modular systems and setup-reduction features.

Delegates will learn how to identify signs that workholding may be reducing machining performance; understand its effect on productivity, machine utilisation and profitability; consider strategies for reducing common challenges and hidden costs; and evaluate workholding as the foundation connecting the machine tool, cutting tool, workpiece and operator.

Vacuum clamping is a flexible and efficient method for holding workpieces during machining, particularly when conventional mechanical clamping is difficult or undesirable.

Storm will explain the basic principles of vacuum clamping: how vacuum is generated, how clamping force is created and the factors that determine whether a workpiece is suitable for vacuum workholding.

The presentation will consider both the advantages and limitations of the technology, including accessibility, reduced setup time and the ability to clamp parts without obstructing the machining area.

A particular focus will be modular vacuum clamping. Using practical examples, Storm will demonstrate how modular systems can be configured for both simple components and more complex or irregularly shaped workpieces.

Delegates will learn the fundamentals of vacuum clamping; how to recognise suitable applications; how to configure a modular vacuum-clamping system; and the practical advantages and limitations of the technology.

Zbyněk will show how modern magnetic technology can improve both workholding and material handling around CNC machines. Using real applications and selected case studies, he will demonstrate where magnetic clamping offers clear benefits compared with conventional fixtures, vises or mechanical clamps.

Examples will include milling, grinding and turning, particularly difficult parts where access to several sides, low deformation or short setup times are important. The session will also cover selected handling applications using REVOLIFT™ and other permanent lifting magnets for safe and efficient loading, positioning and movement of steel parts around machines.

Delegates will learn the basic principles of permanent, electromagnetic and electro-permanent magnets and how to select a solution according to material, part geometry, machining operation and handling requirements.

The session will cover faster setups and improved machine utilisation; better tool access and multi-side machining; selection of magnetic workholding for different applications; safe magnetic handling around machines; and important practical limitations including material type, air gaps, part thickness, surface condition and machining forces.

Alberto will introduce the principles and applications of precision machining between centres, drawing on Tecnologie FRB's experience in the design and manufacture of dead centres, live centres and face drivers.

The presentation will explore the combined use of live centres with different load capacities and face drivers featuring four independently compensating driving pins with mechanical locking. Alberto will explain how these technologies can support demanding turning, grinding and gear-cutting applications.

Delegates will also see how standard and customised solutions can be applied across industries including automotive, mechanical transmissions, electric motors, machine tools, aerospace, gear and rolling-mill roll production, electric pumps and general mechanical engineering.

The emphasis will be on selecting and applying the appropriate solution to the machining process, supported by practical experience from applications across Europe.