Tooling History 1978-1999
Pre 1992 tooling:
Standard tooling was first introduced in 1978 and used until 1992. In the mid to late 80’s, Universal Instruments Corporation developed several versions of 5mm tooling. Changeover from standard to 5mm required complete tooled housing. Insertion reliability for 5mm was significantly lower than standard tooling.
For Footprint specifications, refer to GS-110.
1992 tooling:
Available in Standard, high density, large lead, and 5mm (improved insert reliability).
Stronger inside former than older tooling.
Easy (tooling only) changeover between standard, large lead, hi-density, 5mm.
For Footprint specifications, refer to GS-173.
For Retrofitting, see Lotus Notes Axial Retrofit Catalog data base.
1994 tooling:
Available in Standard, high density, large lead, and 5mm (improved insert reliability).
Front cam rails are lengthened (extended) for longer life, smoother operation.
Driver bodies have oil grooves.
Driver bodies are easier to install because detents don’t try to fly out.
Top surface of housings have replaceable wear plates for shear blades.
Improved dentent action prevents binding when subjected to upward pressure from clinch.
For Footprint specifications, refer to GS-374.
For Retrofitting, see Lotus Notes Axial Retrofit Catalog data base.
1996 5 & 5.5mm tooling for Dual Head and VCD/Sequencer:
Not Available in Standard version.
Most tooling pieces increased life 300 to 400 percent.
Outside formers are slightly larger for more strength (footprint .090 x .090).
Outside formers have carbide for longer life.
Outside formers have a bigger bottom V to handle bent components better.
Outside former vertical groove is a true V to provide two lead contact surfaces for more secure lead holding capability.
Kickout arms and driver body cam surfaces have been redesigned for smoother operation.
Inside former and shear blocks are longer to work with the kickout/driver body changes.
New sequence tape guides feed bent components into head better than dual head VCD.
For Footprint specifications, refer to GS-367, except for outside former footprint. The GS has an incorrect footprint dimension.
For Retrofitting, see Lotus Notes Axial Retrofit Catalog data base.
1998 Standard Tooling Available for VCD/Sequencer Only:
Outside formers are slightly larger for more strength.
Outside formers have carbide for longer life.
Outside formers have a bigger bottom V to handle bent components better.
For Retrofitting, see Lotus Notes Axial Retrofit Catalog data base.
Outside former vertical groove is a true V to provide two lead contact surfaces for more secure lead holding capability.
Kickout arms and driver body cam surfaces have been redesigned for smoother operation.
Inside former and shear blocks are longer to work with the kickout/driver body changes.
For Footprint specifications, refer to GS-367, except for outside former footprint. The GS has an incorrect footprint dimension.
For Retrofitting, see Lotus Notes Axial Retrofit Catalog data base.
Series 8 high speed tooling (1999)
Designed for the higher insertions speeds of the VCD 8 series machines.
Same long life characteristics as the carbide 1996 5mm and 1998 standard tooling.
For Footprint specifications refer to GS-374.
Estimated Tooling Life* History
* Tooling life is highly dependent upon a number of factors. These factors include:
Lead composition variance
Lead diameter variance
Tooling maintenance
Working environment (dust, humidity, temperature, etc.)