Heimatec (Prospect Heights, IL), a global manufacturer of live tools, angle heads and multi-spindle drill heads, has introduced the patented U-tec flexible tool-adapter system on all right-angle heads in the company's line. Models are available for most popular lines of machine tools in the North American market, according to company President Preben Hansen.

This development will provide rigidity and quick-change capabilities to users doing deep-hole drilling with extended tools, says Hansen.

U-tec allows a standard ER output live tool to accept various adapters for different applications, so users can perform quick tool changeovers on almost any lathe or mill, using a single live tool, without having to commit to a quick-change system on the initial purchase. A face-mill adapter, for example, can be quickly positioned into the standard holder, without requiring the installation of a completely new base. This significantly reduces inventory costs as well as changeover time, explains Heimatec.

The U-tec system "represents a real improvement in lathe and mill/turn tooling design," noted Hansen. "U-tec allows greater 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 out."

Every adapter in the U-tec system, complete with any necessary clamping nuts and adapters for Arbor, Weldon, CAT 40 and CAT 50, is now available in shell mill, face mill, ER extension, side lock, shrink fit, hydraulic and blank styles. U-tec angle heads are compatible with most automatic tool changers, feature 360° manual positioning and include torque arms and stop block. Torque is rated up to 150 Nm (110 ft-lbs).

The U-tec system is available for all major turning machines on the market today. Heimatec currently manufactures more than 10,000 live tool types and has a full inventory at its Chicago-area headquarters for North American operations.