Cool clamping method

 For complicated applications with intricate, thin walled components it is not so much the machining process, which is a challenge but more the correct method of holding the parts. Witte Far East Pte Ltd's vacuum clamping technology can be used in nearly all machining processes required in the aerospace manufacturing sector.
 The aerospace industry, which deals with the engineering sector of the aviation, is booming in Singapore and is now serving customers from all over the globe. The Government forecasts the industry to grow at 10% annually with a projected growth of US$9 billion by 2018. Singapore's aerospace manufacturing sector is expected to grow wi th the U.S. Bi lateral Safety Agreement (BASA). This allows Singapore companies to design and manufacture aerospace products to be used in the U.S.
 The usage of vacuum clamping system at the metal processing in the aerospace industry clamp even very thin workpieces securely without damaging them. Often time's very complex geometry parts use clamping solutions that match specifically to the application.

 Freeze clamping technology
 When holding parts where flat large surfaces are concerned, vacuum clamping technology is often the best method. But for small difficult parts, this method is often not satisfactory, and conventional clamping elements are also not suitable due to the high risk of part deformation.
 For a long time tiny 3D parts could only be fixed for machining using complicated, time-consuming methods for example specially manufactured forms or by mould clamping. The fact that meanwhile these problems belong to the past is due to the development of freeze clamp technology. For machining processes, parts can be clamped accurately and tension-free by freeze clamping them.
 The Ice Vice chuck developed by Horst Witte Geraetebau Barskamp KG is available in standard dimensions of 75 x 140 x 300 mm (clamping s u r face 100x150mm). For operation only a compressed air supply of 6-8 bar is required and air consumption amounts to approx. 25m/h. Freezing and thawing - corresponding to clamping and releasing – is done with a simple on/off switch. Integrated mufflers ensure a comfortable reduction in operating noise level.
 Within a short time, parts are enclosed and firmly frozen via the capillary effect of the water, whereby a temperature of up to -10℃ has proven to be suitable for most processes. Since parts are also frozen on the sides, no vibrations develop during machining process and very high accuracy can be achieved.
 After setting the perfect temperature, under consideration of temperature expansion coefficient values, manufacturing accuracy of approx. +/-5 μm is possible. The parts are held securely and remain undamaged during clamping and releasing processes.

 Principal and technical details
 ● AFP (=air freeze plate) generates cold air by using circulating air principal, chuck can be connected to any air pressure supply
 ● 6 - 10 bar pressure are required for working temperature of -6 to -10℃ (6-10 bar at environmental temperature of 20℃ however also air pressure not over 27℃!)
 ● Thaw process begins by using switch on EFP chuck (air pressure draws the cold out of the chuck
 ● Special ICEVICE - AFP also available for use on lathes
 Future prospects of Singapore's aerospace market is bright, the Seletar Aerospace Park (SAP) is planned to be the centre piece of the industry. When developed, the SAP is expected to provide 140 hectares of additional industrial land for manufacturing, MRO and training. The engine giant Rolls Royce is building a facility to assembly and test civil aero engines. When built it will be the only such facility outside UK and it will start with the assembly ofAdidas