Heimatec, a manufacturer of live tools, angle heads, and multi-spindle drill heads, announces immediate availability of its popular u-tec® flexible changing system on all live tools in the company’s product line. Tools are now available for the most popular machine tool models in the market, according to Platinum Tooling Technologies Inc. President, Preben Hansen. Platinum Tooling is the exclusive North American importer. The company plans to include its u-tec flexible changing system on all live tools and angle heads, going forward, according to Hansen. He notes this design offers the benefits of quick change, while maintaining exceptional rigidity.

The u-tec patented changing system 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 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 u-tec system, according to Preben Hansen, “…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. 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.”

He further explains the unique collet nuts on the u-tec system have internal threading for clamping stability and that this new tool adapter system enables the actual cutting tool to be brought into closer proximity to the bearing, thus further improving performance in use.

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 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 Platinum Tooling, their North American importer, headquartered in the Chicagoland area.

Watch an instructional video on the u-tec flexible changing system.