Heimatec Releases Flexible Tool Adapter System

Heimatec, a manufacturer of live tools, angle heads and multi-spindle drill heads, recently announced the availability of its newest development, recently unveiled at IMTS. Unitec is the company's patented flexible tool adapter system that allows a standard ER output live tool to accept various adapters for different applications. This allows users the ability to have  quick changeover of tools on almost any lathe, using a single live 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 completely new base being installed. This significantly reduces inventory costs as well as changeover time, for the busy shop. The Unitec system, according to Heimatec Inc. president Preben Hansen, "Represents a real improvement in lathe and mill/turn tooling design. Unitec allows great user flexibility, while a polygonal drive system ensures extremely high power transmission stability and faster set-up with absolutely no loss in performance or accuracy, because the live tool base remains in position and only the adapter and collet get swapped." Hansen went on to explain that the collet nuts on the Unitec system have internal threading for rigid mounting and that the new tool adapter system enables the actual cutting tool to be brought into closer proximity to the bearing, thus further improving performance in use.  This benefit results from the short and compact tool length design.  Internal coolant up to 2000 psi (140 bar) is provided standard. Every adapter in the Unitec system comes complete with any necessary clamping nuts and adapters are immediately available in face mill style, ER extensions, side lock, shrink fit, hydraulic and blank. The Unitec system is available for all major turning machines on the market today.  Heimatec currently manufactures over 10,000 live tool types.