Speedy Swiss switches

Automotive Design & Production, Feb, 2003

Who: Kennametal Inc. (Latrobe, PA)

What: KM Micro quick-change tooling system for Swiss-style machines

Why you should care: Kennametal says this is the industry's first line of quick-change tooling that accommodates Swiss-style machines. The KM Micro series reduces insert change time from about five minutes to 30 seconds.

Pertinent Data: The KM Micro is based on Kennametals KM quick-change tooling design that uses a clamping unit attached to the gang plate which locks a special tool-holder using a coincidental cone arrangement that provides three-point contact. When an insert needs to be indexed the operator just switches out one toolholder for another.

More Info: www.kennametal.com