ROEMHELD: New electromechanical wedge clamps with programmable control for presses and injection moulding machines

• Minimal effort for installation and simple integration in the machine control

Hilchenbach, 18. July 2018. Dies can be clamped automatised and hydraulic-free with the new electromechanical wedge clamps from ROEMHELD, characterised by their programmable drives, high clamping forces and mechanical self-locking. They can be used in all applications which require an oil-free clamping system with high safety standards for working on pressing benches and pressing tappets, sliding tables and injection moulding machines.

As well as the clamping and unclamping position, the speed of the clamping bolt and the obtained clamping force are measured by the current consumption for the wedge clamps. In addition, the position and clamping force can be adjusted via a control module, which is supplied with each clamping element. The position monitoring is integrated into the drive to save space. The transmission of different status signals allows fully automatic operation in conjunction with the programmable drive, whereby the wedge clamp is an optimum Industry 4.0 element.

The control module is freely programmable, has different interfaces and can be quickly integrated into the existing machine control system. Moreover, only a minimal number of cables is required for installation and hydraulic piping is excluded completely. The electromechanical wedge clamp is therefore ideal for retrofitting of existing systems.

Stroke and clamping speed freely programmable

With the standard drive, the clamping and release position of the bolt can be freely determined up to a maximum stroke value of 25 mm. The travel speed of the clamping bolt is also freely selectable. In the event that the die clamping edges yield somewhat, retightening can be performed directly at the clamping point.

Even if the power supply is interrupted, the die remains securely fixed due to the mechanical self-locking of the wedge clamp. Programming of the drive, including the values last entered are also retained in the event of a power failure.

The retention forces have been significantly increased for the new 24 volt variants: Up to 240 kN can be attained with a power consumption of only 3.8 A. This allows dies to be fixed with high retention forces, even with minimal spacial capacity. Additionally, the new version features a high-grade corrosion protection for the drive.

Maximum flexibility enables diverse application possibilities

The electromechanical wedge clamps are based around the same modular principle as the hydraulic product family and can be flexibly adjusted to suit the respective customer requirements. They are therefore suitable for dies with straight and angled clamping edges of various heights and bolting dimensions in compliance with the Euromap standard or individual specifications. There are also permanently lubricated versions available, as well as optional high-tech coatings for clamping bolt and housing which will improve the wear properties.