Fixturing Device Simplifies Squaring
Peter Schmidt of the Hermann Schmidt Company developed a intuitive fixture for squaring blocks for the die and mold industry. The system interfaces well with components from the System 3R catalog and is capable of making a block square within millionths of an inch.
For years, machinists have squared blocks with a solid square, a vise and a knee mill. After heat treatment, block squaring is often completed on a grinder using a trusted angle square and a C clamp. Unfortunately, shops face challenges with increased offshore competition and a lack of skilled machinists capable of accurately performing this type of work. That’s why they’ve tried to develop fixtures that make the squaring process simpler and more accurate. The problem with most of these fixturing solutions is that they are complicated and don’t yield the needed accuracies.
Peter Schmidt of Hermann Schmidt Co. has developed a solution designed to overcome these challenges and take the guesswork out of block squaring. Mr. Schmidt says the solution is easy to operate and yields accurate results using machines found in the average shop. The device, called SquareTech, is produced and sold by System 3R USA Inc. (Elk Grove Village, Illinois).
SquareTech has two primary components: a base and an indexing fixture. The base can be bolted to a mill’s T-slot table or to a flat plate for attachment to a magnetic grinding chuck. The indexing fixture has a circular profile that slides into the base. It is located and locked into the base with a precision ring around its periphery. That ring engages another ring of ball bearings located inside the base to lock precisely and rigidly regardless of the fixture’s rotation angle. The ball-bearing ring is constantly engaged via spring pressure regardless of whether the indexing fixture is present in the base or not. The indexing fixture can be removed from the base by using shop air. Air pressure applied through a control valve in the base overcomes the spring pressure. The ball bearings then recede into the base to allow the indexing fixture to spin freely.
The indexing fixture is compatible with many workpiece interfaces using components from System 3R.The SquareTech system accurately indexes parts as heavy as 200 pounds every 90 degrees. A test was recently performed at a customer site using the SquareTech system to grind a block made of D-2 tool steel. The flat grinding machine used for the test was in good condition and was located in a facility with an ambient temperature of 71° F. The part was checked with certified gages on a recently certified grade-A surface plate. In preparation for the test, the top and bottom surfaces of the block were ground parallel. The block was then attached to the indexing fixture with a standard electromagnet to provide access to the remaining four sides. Each side was ground in succession until the block had made five revolutions, with each side being ground five times. This test yielded a cube with total squareness error of less than 0.000060 inch.
Related Content
When Organic Growth in Your Machine Shop Isn’t Enough
Princeton Tool wanted to expand its portfolio, increase its West Coast presence, and become a stronger overall supplier. To accomplish all three goals at once, acquiring another machine shop became its best option.
Read MoreHow to Reduce Cycle Times by 70% and More on Your Existing CNCs and Dramatically Improve Tool Life Too
By employing advanced high efficiency milling techniques for the entire machining routine, SolidCAM’s iMachining technology can drastically reduce cycle times while vastly improving tool life compared to traditional milling.
Read MoreChoosing Your Carbide Grade: A Guide
Without an international standard for designating carbide grades or application ranges, users must rely on relative judgments and background knowledge for success.
Read MoreBuying a Lathe: The Basics
Lathes represent some of the oldest machining technology, but it’s still helpful to remember the basics when considering the purchase of a new turning machine.
Read MoreRead Next
In It For The Long Haul
Curt Reed uses advanced grinding techniques in the pursuit of short-run, sub-micron work that other shops can’t perform or won’t attempt. His shop’s commitment to its customers is reflected in the high level of equipment sophistication and applied grinding acumen.
Read MoreThe Cut Scene: The Finer Details of Large-Format Machining
Small details and features can have an outsized impact on large parts, such as Barbco’s collapsible utility drill head.
Read More