Heimatec recently announced that its U-tec flexible adapter system is now available on all right-angle heads in the company’s line. According to Heimatec President Preben Hansen, the company plans to include its U-tec adapter system on all angle heads going forward. Hansen said this development will provide the system’s rigidity and quick-change capabilities to users doing deep hole drilling with extended tools.

U-tec is the company’s patented flexible tool adapter system that allows a standard ER output live tool to accept various adapters for different applications. This allows users to changeover tools 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 facemill adapter, for example, can be quickly positioned into the standard holder, without the need for a completely new base being installed. This is meant to reduce inventory costs as well as changeover time, for the busy shop. 

The U-tec system, according to Hansen, “represents a real improvement in lathe and mill/turn tooling design. U-tec allows great user 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.”

The collet nuts on the U-tec system have internal threading for rigid mounting. 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. This is due to the short and compact tool length design. Internal coolant up to 2000 psi (140 bar) is provided as standard.

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 360º manual positioning and include torque arms and a stop block. Torque rated up to 150 Nm (110 ft-lb).