#Trade Shows & Events
ROEMHELD at the Euroblech: rush of visitors, new products and an award-winning innovation
· Overview of easy-to-install, retrofittable die clamping and changing systems · Clamping tools for automated operations and oil-free, extra-compact elements
Hilchenbach, 14th November 2016. The numerous innovations presented at the Euroblech ensured a constant stream of visitors to ROEMHELD’s exhibition stand. Andreas Reich, head of quick die clamping systems, estimates that there were around twice as many visitors compared to last time. The prize awarded to the company at the beginning of the event also contributed to the large amount of interest shown: the newly developed, energy-free grip rail coupling, which was being presented for the first time, received the Euroblech award in the category of “Automation & Handling”.
In addition to this award-winning innovation, the focus was on a number of compact and easy-to-install new products for die clamping and changing systems, which are equally suited to initial installation and retrofitting. These included compact sliding clamps, single-action and electro-mechanical wedge clamps, the fully automatic rapid clamping system “Flexline” with push chain for clamping on the press ram and a new, particularly sturdy die-changing cart.
Furthermore, an overview of ROEMHELD’s wide range of products was presented in the extended version of the app on die clamping and changing technology, which is now available in twelve languages.
Award-winning rapid clamping system: energy-free clamping and coupling on transfer presses
The new grip rail coupling does not have to be fitted with tubes or pipes, due to the fact that it does not require any hydraulic, electric or pneumatic energy for the automatic clamping and unclamping process. Instead, the patented innovation makes use of the movement of the transfer rail. It is also particularly easy to install and retrofit.
The system is made up of one passive part on the grip rail and one active part, which is fixed to the transfer rail drive of the press and houses the elements for positioning and centring, building up clamping force and monitoring the position. As the passive part of the coupling does not contain any moving elements, it is completely maintenance-free. Clamping takes place by means of an interlocking connection and spring force.
This makes the system particularly suited to transfer presses in which high clamping forces and high dynamic rigidity are required in tight spaces. As the housing on both elements is made of specially coated, high-strength aluminium, the grip rail coupling is also particularly lightweight.
Rapid clamping system “Flexline” for fully automatic clamping on the press ram
Dies of varying sizes can be clamped automatically on the press ram using “Flexline”, the new rapid clamping system. Thanks to its modular design and large number of possible configurations, it can be used on virtually all press models and for any die. The system is suitable for initial installation or for retrofitting as well as for the automation of entire press lines.
The core of the “Flexline” system comprises electro-mechanically driven push chains which automatically move the clamping elements from the parking position to the clamping edge of the ram. Various clamping elements can be fitted in accordance with the manufacturing situation and die geometry. A central control unit applies the pressure evenly for all clamping elements and thus ensures uniform securing of the die.
“Flexline” is available in both single-action and dual-action variants, with maximum clamping forces of up to 104 kN per clamping point. In addition to the module for position monitoring which comes as standard, there are also various other monitoring options, different adjustment tracks and versions for varying DIN and inch slot widths. The motor can be mounted alternatively on the left or right in just a few simple steps, as can the module for position monitoring.
The perfect retrofitting element: the new “compact” sliding clamp
ROEMHELD has developed a new version of hydraulic sliding clamps for clamping in narrow spaces in machines, systems and presses. The new “compact” range provides the same clamping force as the “classic” sliding clamp, but the size and weight have been reduced, in some cases considerably. The elements have also been given a new, ergonomic design which facilitates die changing especially in tight installation spaces.
A recessed grip on the clamping block ensures easier handling, while the rounded edges make it easier to insert the element into the T-slots. Clamping takes place by applying a maximum of 400 bar to the piston, achieving clamping forces between 19.6 and 78 kN depending on the version. The piston is released by means of spring force. Standardisation of the dies with regard to their width and depth is not necessary, which makes the elements ideal for retrofitting.
Automated clamping with electro-mechanical wedge clamps
The new electro-mechanical wedge clamps from ROEMHELD are specially designed for oil-free and automated operations and are characterised by programmable drives and high clamping forces. They can be used wherever clamping systems without hydraulic support are called for when operations on sliding tables, injection moulding machines and forming presses require the oil-free clamping of dies - for example in the food industry and in cleanrooms.
In the new 24-volt variant, the clamping forces have been increased significantly. With current consumption of just 3.8 A, the clamping bolt with guide housing can now generate up to 240 kN. This ensures that even in tight spaces, forming dies are clamped securely.
As well as the speed of the clamping bolt, the clamping and release position of the bolt can also be programmed, with a maximum stroke value of 25 mm. The fact that all functions are electrically monitored means the components can be integrated optimally into automated systems.
The self-locking mechanism of the clamping element ensures that the die is held securely even in the event of a power failure. The current drive programming is also retained in this event.
Range of wedge clamps extended to include single-action element
The ROEMHELD range has now been further extended to include new, single-action wedge clamps. Dies are clamped mechanically by means of an integrated spring, which is returned hydraulically in the unclamping action. The self-locking mechanism of the elements enables hydraulic-free, long-term clamping. A visual clamping force display indicates whether the die is clamped securely, and an inductive position sensor is also available.
The new wedge clamps are protected against aggressive ambient conditions thanks to their special coating, and are available for any machine size. They can be mounted to any standard machine clamping plate using a hole pattern in accordance with Euromap specifications, and special versions are also possible.
Transport and changing of heavy dies
In addition to the optimisation of clamping processes, ROEMHELD also focuses on the safe transport and changing of dies and workpieces. A new die-changing cart with a carrying capacity of 1,600 kg rounds off the product range, which also includes carrying consoles, media couplings, roller conveyors and ball bars. The cart is equipped with an integrated and rapid-charging battery which supplies sufficient power for several hours of driving operation. A special safety mechanism ensures that heavy dies can be transported safely without slipping. The hydraulic balls or bars used to slide the die onto the cart are lowered when the cart is uncoupled. Drive operation of the cart is only enabled again once the die is seated firmly.
Die-clamping technology app extended
The user interface of the app is now available in twelve languages, and the catalogue sheets can be called up in five languages: The die-clamping and changing technology app from ROEMHELD is now even more comprehensive. It not only contains the entire product catalogue with over 1500 articles and variants, but also 25 product videos with sophisticated 3D animations and numerous application photos.
In addition, some products such as roller/ball bars and the “Flexline” rapid clamping system can also be configured in the app. The application can be used online in the Google Chrome browser or be downloaded for tablets with Android, Windows and iOS operating systems as well as for Android smartphones. Catalogue sheets, videos and photos can be sent directly to your contacts from the app, and product enquiries can be sent using a corresponding form. The app can be found at http://www.roemheld-gruppe.de/app.
