The latest products are bigger and smaller than ever, with innovative problem-solving solutions
Sarah A. Webster Editor in Chief
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Widia, Walter, Sandvik Coromant, Kenna- metal, Helical, HAM, Emuge Franken and Data Flute are among the cutting tool manufacturers that have acquired licenses for Haimer's Safe-Lock system.
t first blush, the goal in designing and building toolholders is simple: Design
a device that can hold a tool with enough rigidity for its particular application and so that it can maintain accuracy in a wide variety of machining conditions. Oh, and make it easy to use so change-outs are quick and accurate. And help it extend tool life and improve finish quality if you can.
Increasingly, the industry is meeting those challenges and solving other problems, too, with patented new systems for gripping, clamping and locking, as well as deadening vibrations. Generally speaking, the industry is also expanding its toolholder lineup, going ever bigger for applications in the energy, machinery and heavy-duty transportation markets and ever smaller for medical and aerospace parts.