(Platinum Tooling: Prospect Heights, IL) -- Heimatec, a world leader in live tools, angle heads, and multispindle drill heads, has announced 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 president Preben Hansen. Platinum Tooling is the exclusive North American importer; the company plans to include 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 patented u-tec flexible changing system allows a standard ER output live tool to accept various adapters for different applications. This enables users to conduct a 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 with no need for a new tool purchase. This significantly reduces inventory costs as well as changeover time for a busy shop.

The u-tec system “…represents a real improvement in lathe live tooling design,” says Hansen. “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.”

The unique collet nuts on the u-tec system have internal threading for clamping stability. This new tool adapter system allows the actual cutting tool to be brought into closer proximity to the bearing, 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, its North American importer headquartered in the Chicagoland area.

Watch the video for a tutorial on the u-tec flexible changing system.

For further information and literature on this new product, contact Platinum Tooling.