Platinum Tooling Technologies
The Heimatec u-tec® flexible changing system.

Flexible Changing System for Live Tools

Aug. 18, 2022
The u-tec process allows a standard ER output live tool to accept various adapters for different applications, significantly reducing inventory and changeover time for lathe users.

PLATINUM TOOLING TECHNOLOGIES is offering the Heimatec u-tec® flexible changing system for all live tools in its product line. The system offers the advantages of quick-change functionality, while maintaining very high rigidity.

Tools are now available for the most popular machine tool models, and Platinum Tooling plans to include its u-tec® flexible changing system on all live tools and angle heads, going forward, according to the company’s president Preben Hansen.

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.

Hansen said the system “…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.”

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

Adapters in the u-tec® system are furnished 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, and Heimatec currently manufactures over 10,000 live tool types

Learn more at www.platinumtooling.com