Schunk Gets to Grips with MACH

Schunk Gets to Grips with MACH

(9 May 2012)

 

Schunk used MACH 2012 as an opportunity to introduce a number of new products alongside established technology to emphasise the company's position as the competence leader in work, toolholding and automation applications.
Following its successful EMO launch and receiving its UK exhibition debut was the VERO-S NSE mini Quick-Change Pallet System. Introduced to further strengthen the company's workholding program, the new VERO-S NSE mini module is the most flat pneumatic Quick-Change Pallet Module in the world. With a height of 20mm, it provides an ideal platform for retrofitting existing machines to allow direct clamping of small workpieces. At a module diameter of 90mm and a clamping pin diameter of only 20mm, the NSE mini also has integrated turbo function and enormous pull-in forces of up to 1500N. This new innovation won plaudits from manufacturers with limited work envelopes in their machine tools.
The VERO-S NSE was complemented at MACH by the new range of MAGNOS magnetic chucks. Taking the renowned MAGNOS to a new level, Schunk has now equipped the MAGNOS with a permanent display that informs the operator on the clamping status of the magnetic chuck. Customers can now see at a glance whether the MAGNOS is activated or not. The display is completely independent from the main energy supply and users that already work with the Schunk MAGNOS magnetic chucks, can order a retrofit set for existing magnets from the innovative family-owned company.
The magnetic chuck is fixed to the machine table and then connected via a sealed quick release connector to the control unit. As soon as it is activated, the light of the permanent status display turns to green. The display works independently from the power supply and will also be visible if the power cable has been disconnected after activation of the permanent magnet. With the MAGNOS square pole plates, workpieces can be quickly clamped and are machined in one set-up from five sides, ideal for 5-axis machining. Already acknowledged as the market leading brand of magnetic chucks, the new MAGNOS innovation generated significant enquiry levels.
Alongside the MAGNOS at MACH was the new ROTA-S plus lathe chuck. The unprecedented success of this classic chuck now sees the launch of a Version 2.0. The new ROTA-S Plus Version 2.0 incorporates an optimized wedge bar drive system and an improved lubricant system to ensure consistently high clamping forces from the new lathe chuck.
Since higher rotational speeds and cutting speeds are possible, users can apply more efficient cutting strategies that shorten the manufacturing time. The quick-change jaw system has now been improved, too. A new optimised drive allows fast, comfortable and repeat accurate jaw changes. Compared with its predecessor, this lathe chuck is fully compatible and customers' already existing base jaws can be used in the new Version 2.0.
Maintaining a gripping theme at MACH, Schunk was also delighted to introduce its new 'coolant operated grippers'. Another UK exhibition first, the GSW series of two or three finger parallel grippers are actuated hydraulically by the internal coolant supply from the machine tool or pneumatically via filtered compressed air.
The new GSW series operates on the principal that the pressure produced by the central internal supply of coolant is reduced by a pressure distributor, which is integrated in adapter plates. The gripper can then be subjected to pressure and can allow the base jaws to grip via the piston and wedge hook to offer a gripping force from 140 to 5900N. During the gripping operation, coolant or compressed air is continuously supplied to the gripper and the flow is adjusted via the lateral pressure control valve in order to adjust the gripping forces of the gripper. Capable of holding a workpiece weight of 0.7 to 20kg with dimensions of 50 to 100mm, the lightweight units can be incorporated into all machine tool types with its Capto and HSK spindle interfaces.
The new GSW series can be fitted with Schunk's PGN & PZN Plus series of grippers as well as the recently launched RGG series of machine cleaning modules. The ability of the GSW series and its interchangeable modules enable the end user to grip and position parts within a machine tool. After machining, the GSW can remove the parts to a holding area whilst the RGG unit can be called upon to automatically clean the work envelope. This potential for automation was very well received at MACH 2012, especially among visitors with production facilities or batch run production.
From a toolholding perspective, Schunk used MACH as an opportunity to re-introduce its TENDOzero hydraulic expansion toolholder. Developed to deliver micron precision for micro machining applications such as drilling, reaming and line boring, the TENDOzero is equipped with four lateral set-screws that directly adjust the tool shank, so the angular position of the tool is corrected and the run-out is precisely adjusted. With this precision toolholder, even demanding applications with tight tolerances on the form, position and surface finish can be rapidly and reliably machined.Schunk used MACH 2012 as an opportunity to introduce a number of new products alongside established technology to emphasise the company's position as the competence leader in work, toolholding and automation applications.
Following its successful EMO launch and receiving its UK exhibition debut was the VERO-S NSE mini Quick-Change Pallet System. Introduced to further strengthen the company's workholding program, the new VERO-S NSE mini module is the most flat pneumatic Quick-Change Pallet Module in the world. With a height of 20mm, it provides an ideal platform for retrofitting existing machines to allow direct clamping of small workpieces. At a module diameter of 90mm and a clamping pin diameter of only 20mm, the NSE mini also has integrated turbo function and enormous pull-in forces of up to 1500N. This new innovation won plaudits from manufacturers with limited work envelopes in their machine tools.
The VERO-S NSE was complemented at MACH by the new range of MAGNOS magnetic chucks. Taking the renowned MAGNOS to a new level, Schunk has now equipped the MAGNOS with a permanent display that informs the operator on the clamping status of the magnetic chuck. Customers can now see at a glance whether the MAGNOS is activated or not. The display is completely independent from the main energy supply and users that already work with the Schunk MAGNOS magnetic chucks, can order a retrofit set for existing magnets from the innovative family-owned company.
The magnetic chuck is fixed to the machine table and then connected via a sealed quick release connector to the control unit. As soon as it is activated, the light of the permanent status display turns to green. The display works independently from the power supply and will also be visible if the power cable has been disconnected after activation of the permanent magnet. With the MAGNOS square pole plates, workpieces can be quickly clamped and are machined in one set-up from five sides, ideal for 5-axis machining. Already acknowledged as the market leading brand of magnetic chucks, the new MAGNOS innovation generated significant enquiry levels.
Alongside the MAGNOS at MACH was the new ROTA-S plus lathe chuck. The unprecedented success of this classic chuck now sees the launch of a Version 2.0. The new ROTA-S Plus Version 2.0 incorporates an optimized wedge bar drive system and an improved lubricant system to ensure consistently high clamping forces from the new lathe chuck.
Since higher rotational speeds and cutting speeds are possible, users can apply more efficient cutting strategies that shorten the manufacturing time. The quick-change jaw system has now been improved, too. A new optimised drive allows fast, comfortable and repeat accurate jaw changes. Compared with its predecessor, this lathe chuck is fully compatible and customers' already existing base jaws can be used in the new Version 2.0.
Maintaining a gripping theme at MACH, Schunk was also delighted to introduce its new 'coolant operated grippers'. Another UK exhibition first, the GSW series of two or three finger parallel grippers are actuated hydraulically by the internal coolant supply from the machine tool or pneumatically via filtered compressed air.
The new GSW series operates on the principal that the pressure produced by the central internal supply of coolant is reduced by a pressure distributor, which is integrated in adapter plates. The gripper can then be subjected to pressure and can allow the base jaws to grip via the piston and wedge hook to offer a gripping force from 140 to 5900N. During the gripping operation, coolant or compressed air is continuously supplied to the gripper and the flow is adjusted via the lateral pressure control valve in order to adjust the gripping forces of the gripper. Capable of holding a workpiece weight of 0.7 to 20kg with dimensions of 50 to 100mm, the lightweight units can be incorporated into all machine tool types with its Capto and HSK spindle interfaces.
The new GSW series can be fitted with Schunk's PGN & PZN Plus series of grippers as well as the recently launched RGG series of machine cleaning modules. The ability of the GSW series and its interchangeable modules enable the end user to grip and position parts within a machine tool. After machining, the GSW can remove the parts to a holding area whilst the RGG unit can be called upon to automatically clean the work envelope. This potential for automation was very well received at MACH 2012, especially among visitors with production facilities or batch run production.
From a toolholding perspective, Schunk used MACH as an opportunity to re-introduce its TENDOzero hydraulic expansion toolholder. Developed to deliver micron precision for micro machining applications such as drilling, reaming and line boring, the TENDOzero is equipped with four lateral set-screws that directly adjust the tool shank, so the angular position of the tool is corrected and the run-out is precisely adjusted. With this precision toolholder, even demanding applications with tight tolerances on the form, position and surface finish can be rapidly and reliably machined.