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Flexible, Quick-Change Tool Adapter System for Live Tools

Appears in Print as: 'Flexible, Quick-Change Tool Adapter System'


The system significantly reduces inventory and changeover time for lathe users.

Angela Osborne

Managing Editor, Production Machining

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The typical live tool adapter hardware of the u-tec system. Photo Credit: Platinum Tooling

The typical live tool adapter hardware of the u-tec system. Photo Credit: Platinum Tooling

Heimatec’s u-tec flexible changing system — now offered on all live tools and angle heads —  enables various tools to be fixtured in a single base, using adapters and a collet nut, thereby significantly reducing inventory requirements and changeover time for a busy shop.

The system enables a standard ER output live tool to accept various adapters for different applications. This gives users the ability to make quick tool changeovers on almost any lathe or mill — using a single tool — without having to commit to a quick-change system on the initial purchase. 

A facemill adapter, for example, can be quickly positioned into the standard holder, without the need for a new tool purchase.  This significantly reduces inventory costs as well as changeover time for the busy shop.  

The system is now available on all live tools in the company’s product line. Platinum Tooling is the exclusive North American importer for this system. Heimatec plans to include its u-tec flexible changing system on all live tools and angle heads, going forward, according to Preben Hansen, Platinum Tooling Technologies president.

The system design offers the benefits of quick change, while maintaining exceptional rigidity. “(It) represents a real improvement in lathe live tooling design. U-tec allows great user flexibility and ensures a solid connection due to the polygon design built into both the tool and the adapter,” Hansen says. “This polygon connection helps guarantee the proper position and alignment of the adapter inside the tool. Once the insert is properly positioned and the collet nut is clamped, the cutting tool will have excellent rigidity and torque transmission.”     

The collet nuts on the u-tec system have internal threading for clamping stability with the new tool adapter system enabling the actual cutting tool to be brought into closer proximity to the bearing, thus further improving performance.  

Every adapter in the u-tec system is furnished complete with the necessary clamping nut and holding wrench.  U-tec adapters are available in various outputs such as arbor, Weldon, ER extension and blank styles.        

The system is now available for all major turning machines on the market today. Heimatec currently manufactures over 10,000 live tool types.

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