A boost for automation from SCHUNK: With the TANDEM BWA clamping force blocks, fully automatic clamping of different workpieces in small batch sizes is possible. The jaws of the latest clamping force block generation can be changed flexibly with the robot. This leads to an enormous reduction in set-up times, especially for multiple applications and tombstones.
In many industrialized countries, the labor market can no longer meet the demand for skilled workers. Many industries are also facing competitive pressures that demand more productive manufacturing operations. Both trends mean that automated processes are becoming more and more important and that companies will have to open up to them sooner or later. Application specialist SCHUNK has developed a suitable module to expand the possibilities of autonomous machining processes. With the new jaw quick-change system BWA, jaws of the TANDEM clamping force blocks can now be changed manually or fully automatically via a robot. In future, the system will be available as standard for the pneumatic and hydraulic 2- and 3-jaw clamping force blocks in sizes 100, 140, 160 and 250.
Short response times for changing batch sizes
The quick-change jaws included in the clamping devices can be automatically ex changed in seconds without the use of any tools. As an experienced full-range supplier, SCHUNK also offers the matching pneumatic PGN-plus-P parallel gripper for automated placement for this purpose. The gripper fingers are equipped with special, spring-loaded holding pieces. This allows the top jaws to be automatically unlocked, picked up and reinserted in a positive fit. The application can thus be flexibly adapted to new clamping tasks at any time. The jaw quick-change system enables five times faster manual changing compared to conventional jaw changes, too.
Monitoring integrated by default
In terms of automation, the monitoring options integrated as standard in the clamping devices are particularly future-compatible. As well as patented dynamic pressure monitoring for the basic jaw positions “opened” and “closed”, monitoring of compressed air transfer to the jaw already comes as integrated. In this way, a workpiece contact control or cleaning of the clamping surfaces can be done by the customer.
All TANDEM clamping force blocks have one thing in common: They offer consistently high clamping forces with a compact design and optimum accessibility in 5-sided machining, even in the tightest of spaces. Increased competitiveness in all industries through maximum flexibility and short response times In addition to the clamping force block and jaws, the handling components on the robot are also essential for an automated process sequence. With its extensive perfectly matched portfolio of components from toolholding, workholding, gripping and automation technology, SCHUNK offers application solutions from one source.