TPT September 2007

Technology Update

Concentric holding of pipe, tube, bar and shaft

fi Arla clamping devices can hold workpieces up to 16" OD

Arla Maschinentechnik GmbH, Germany, manufactures the Arla clamping device – a very stiff, centralised work-holding system. It is used to clamp workpieces such as pipe, tube and any other symmetrical workpiece. The maximum outer workpiece diameter can be between ½" and 16" (OD 10mm to 410mm). Due to the mechanically synchronous clamping technology, a high clamping force can be achieved (7 to 175kN, according to the models). Workpieces can be placed into the system either axially or vertically, and the accuracy according to the repeatability is within a tolerance of less than 0.01mm. Models are available with manual, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuation, and changeable jaw sets can be used to reduce the diameter as required, removing the need to adjust the height for every diameter change. The movement of the actuation arms is monitored by sensors, and special accessories are also available, including clamping plates and integrated prismatic workpiece support.

Typical applications for the clamping devices are found in the endworking processes of tube, pipe and shafts (end preparation and end fabrication), and also in special- purpose machine tools (transfer lines and trunnion machines). The company also offers complete solutions for endworking CNC controlled machines, and units for single or double sided end preparation. Arla also offers flexible machining units (spindle, slide and table units) for professional endworking of tube and pipe. The machining units are driven by servo motors and are controlled by a powerful CNC. The units can be automatically adjusted and positioned in longitudinal direction according to the technical requirements of the manufacturing process. The workpieces can be fed from the top by special handling systems, such as those designed for the transportation of pipes in finishing lines. Typical applications include facing, turning, tapping, threading, chamfering, boring and drilling, milling and deburring. A complete high-performance endworking machine

can be designed either with a single- station, or as a twin-station machine with simultaneous machining from both sides, and with integrated facing heads. The company will present its work-holding systems at EMO 2007 (Hall 6, Booth A60) in Hannover, Germany, 17-22 September 2007. Arla Maschinentechnik GmbH – Germany Fax : +49 2267 6585 70 Email : info@arla.de Website : www.arla.de

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S eptember /O ctober 2007