Overview

The AQT (ALPS Quick Change Tooling) system is a compact, lightweight tooling solution designed for gang tooling lathes, offering excellent repeatability and precision. It features a quick change system with a provisional clamping mechanism and a fine core height adjustment function, enabling precise and efficient tool setup.

Key Features and Specifications

• Compact and Lightweight Design: Ensures high performance in a small body, suitable for various machining tasks including external and internal diameter processing.
• Quick Change System: Enables rapid tool exchange using a single wrench, minimizing downtime.
• Provisional Clamping Mechanism: Allows temporary tightening to facilitate easy and accurate core height adjustment.
• Core Height Fine Adjustment: Achieved through a special clamp unit and change holder structure, with a micrometer head option providing 0–13mm measurement range and 0.01mm scale for precise control.
• Versatile Holder Types: Includes clamp holders (shift and symmetric types), change holders (single, double, square byte, boring holders), and base plates adaptable to various machine core heights and mounting positions.
• Custom Manufacturing: Special holders integrating base plates and clamp holders are available for low core height or balance issues. Custom designs with fine adjustment functions are also offered.

System Configuration and Operation

The system consists of base plates, clamp holders, and change holders that can be combined flexibly. Base plates match the machine's core height and mounting position, allowing clamp and change holders to be used universally across different machines.

The clamp mechanism includes an intermediate adjustment position between clamp and unclamp states, enabling easy and accurate core height adjustment. This adjustment can be performed quickly and precisely, even compensating for tool tip deviations or workpiece center boss issues, with adjustments readable to 0.01mm.

Advantages Over Conventional Systems

Unlike traditional Ali Groove type quick change tooling, where core height varies unpredictably during unclamping, the AQT system's provisional tightening mechanism stabilizes core height, allowing anyone to perform accurate adjustments easily and reliably.

Usage Examples

• Simultaneous machining of both end faces.
• Simultaneous processing of outer and inner diameters.

For simultaneous machining, at least one clamp holder position must be adjustable along the Z or X axis. Special clamp holders with fine adjustment functions can be custom designed.

Technical Data Highlights

• Core height adjustment unit with micrometer head: 0–13mm range, 0.01mm scale.
• Clamp holders available in shift and symmetric types, allowing two-stage tool protrusion adjustment by inversion.
• Change holders usable for both left and right hand setups.
• Base plates with customizable tapped holes for precise tool edge alignment.

Contact and Support

ALPS TOOL CO., LTD. provides multiple sales and manufacturing locations across Japan, offering support and custom tooling solutions. Contact details include phone and fax numbers for each office.

Critical Information and Best Practices

• Use the provisional clamping mechanism to achieve stable and repeatable core height adjustments.
• Perform core height fine adjustments with the micrometer head for precision machining.
• Ensure proper alignment of tool edges by selecting appropriate base plates and clamp holders.
• For simultaneous machining, adjust clamp holders along the Z or X axis as required.
• Consult ALPS TOOL for custom tooling needs, especially for low core height or balance issues.