With the UNIQ DReaM Chuck featuring a 4.5° contour, MAPAL expands its hydraulic expansion clamping program to clamping diameters of 3 to 5 mm. This provides users with a solution for small tool diameters that combines the advantages of hydraulic expansion clamping technology with the contour of a heat-shrink chuck.
With new models of the UNIQ DReaM Chuck featuring a 4.5° contour, MAPAL now also opens up the clamping range from 3 to 5 mm for hydraulic expansion clamping technology. This new development goes well beyond a mere program extension: it provides users with a solution for small tool diameters that combines the advantages of hydraulic expansion clamping technology with the original contour of a heat-shrink chuck according to DIN 69882-8. Users can switch to hydraulic expansion clamping technology even in the small diameter range without having to make adjustments to the machining process or existing interference contours.
More than just a program extension
The fact that MAPAL now covers the clamping range of 3 to 5 mm in hydraulic expansion clamping technology is more than just a simple program extension. The new chucks have been independently designed for this range. Despite their small dimensions, the hydraulic expansion and actuation units had to be integrated in such a way that process reliability, installation space, and function are in harmony while maintaining the original heat-shrink contour according to DIN 69882-8. MAPAL addresses this design challenge, among other things, by placing the actuation unit in the HSK shank. This preserves the original heat-shrink contour while simultaneously making the advantages of hydraulic expansion clamping technology usable even in the small clamping range.
Direct clamping instead of additional accessories
For small diameters, clamping chucks with reducing sleeves have often been used until now. However, these additional components can impair roundness and negatively affect surface quality and process stability. With the new UNIQ DReaM Chuck 4.5°, tools with shank diameters of 3 to 5 mm can be clamped directly in the hydraulic expansion chuck. This is a significant advantage, especially for demanding applications in the micro range.
Continuous coolant supply and high process reliability
A central feature of the new solution is the continuous coolant supply for internally cooled tools. Without a reducing sleeve, the coolant reaches the cutting edge in a stable and loss-free manner. This is an important contribution to process reliability, especially with small and break-sensitive tools. The high system tightness ensures stable cooling and pressure conditions and supports consistent machining results.
In addition, the optimized chamber geometry of the clamping system contributes to the damping of micro-vibrations, improves running smoothness, and positively affects tool life and surface quality. This results in a clamping system specifically designed for the requirements of small diameters.
Advantages in application and handling
The new solution also offers advantages in handling. Since no additional components are required and no thermal processes are necessary compared to shrink chucks, tool changes are simplified and efficiency in production increases.
The new solution is aimed at applications with small tool diameters in milling, drilling, and reaming - for example, in medical technology, electrical engineering, mold making, as well as in the watchmaking, aerospace, and automotive industries.
At the AMB in September 2026 in Stuttgart, MAPAL will launch the new versions of the UNIQ DReaM Chuck with a 4.5° contour featuring the HSK-A63 interface in 80 mm length. Further interfaces and lengths will follow. The company is currently the only manufacturer worldwide to offer a comprehensive program of hydraulic expansion chucks with the original 4.5° contour from 3 to 32 mm.
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