Clamping technology for the smart factory

AMB News

"On the path toward achieving the smart factory, gripping systems and clamping devices will take a central role in the future," asserted Henrik A. Schunk with a view to AMB 2018. "They enable efficient flexibilization as well as process monitoring and optimization closest to the part," explained the Chief Executive Officer of SCHUNK GmbH & Co. KG from Lauffen am Neckar. At the leading metalworking trade fair, SCHUNK will showcase the possibilities for the future: sensitivity, connectivity and a high degree of functional integration will become the key factors for clamping devices and grippers for monitoring clamping force, temperature and vibration characteristics in real time. If deviations occur while a process is running, the machining parameters can be adjusted completely automatically based on the data detected. This ensures a secure process and maximum efficiency.

Intelligent quick-change pallet modules, clamping blocks and grippers

For example, the compact, electrically actuated SCHUNK VERO-S NSE-E mini 90 quick-change pallet module positions and clamps workpieces, components and pallets in less than one second at a repeat accuracy of < 0.005 mm. Due to 24V technology and optional clamping slide position monitoring, the fluid-free module is suitable for use in manufacturing environments as well as for applications in assembly processes, on measuring devices, or for 3D printing where parts require precise clamping. SCHUNK also stepped up its game with its top seller VERO-S NSE quick-change pallet module. Last year, the company further optimized the VERO-S NSE3 pull-down force and rigidity, and introduced standard dynamic pressure monitoring and an optional spring-actuated cone seal, which automatically locks the module's changing interface as soon as the clamping pin is lifted. SCHUNK is now announcing a special module for automated machine loading and a sensory quick-change pallet module for AMB. The SCHUNK TANDEM KSE intelligent clamping force block, in turn, enables fully automatic monitoring of the clamping path, clamping force, internal temperature and number of cycles. In addition, the position of the chuck jaws can be individually adjusted to the respective workpiece. As for parts handling in the smart factory, the SCHUNK EGL parallel gripper can be used, which SCHUNK has further developed as special cutting-edge technology for smart gripping. The gripper detects faulty components without additional external sensors and determines whether they should be ejected from the process. Networking several intelligent grippers within a process chain makes it is possible to detect changes in the process.

SCHUNK at AMB 2018: Hall 1, Booth 1H20

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Smart clamping systems 1

Smart SCHUNK clamping devices use their position closest to the part to provide machine tools and higher-level databases with process information. Photo: SCHUNK

Smart clamping systems 2

Smart SCHUNK clamping devices use their position closest to the part to provide machine tools and higher-level databases with process information. Photo: SCHUNK

VERO-S NSE3 processing

SCHUNK VERO-S NSE3 has high pull-in forces and high dimensional stability of the clamping module body. The changing interface is automatically closed as soon as the clamping pin is lifted. At the AMB, the program will be expanded to include smart modules for integrated process monitoring. Photo: SCHUNK