Workholding Technology Reduces Operations, Scrap, Labor

Blue Photon’s photo-activated adhesive workholding system is said to save time and money by reducing the number of operations, scrap and labor. The company is also introducing its universal fixture kit, which adapts easily to most parts, enabling users to begin using the workholding system immediately. The kit is simple to implement with existing machine tools.

The company’s workholding process involves application of its BlueGrip workholding adhesive to the grippers, followed by spot curing by ultraviolet light for 60 seconds, enabling five-axis machining. The part debonds with a ¼-turn twist of the gripper or a hot water soak. The residual adhesive is simply removed by the application with pressurized steam or a hot water spray and a light peeling action.

The holding force produced by the grippers is said to easily withstand the requirements of most machining applications. The system can secure ferrous and non-ferrous materials as well as superalloys, composites and plastics.