ACE Issue 36 2024 | Page 26

FLEXIBILITY IN PERFECTION

SCHUNK ENSURES MAXIMUM PROCESS RELIABILITY THROUGH NC SIMULATION WITH VERICUT
When it comes to process optimisation in industrial production , it ’ s hard to overlook the gripping and clamping technology specialist Schunk . The familyowned company stands out for its innovation , top quality , and solution expertise .
This is also reflected in their own manufacturing , where the team works daily to produce the best possible components and products on high-quality machine tools , ensuring both process reliability and economic efficiency .
Alongside CAM programming and automation , the simulation of manufacturing tasks before real machining , using Vericut , plays a crucial role .
When it comes to equipping robots and production machines , Schunk is a go-to partner for many industries worldwide . Whether it ’ s smartphones , airplanes , vehicles , machines , knee joints , or nasal sprays : high-tech components from Schunk are often key players in their production .
Founded in 1945 by Friedrich Schunk as a small mechanical workshop , today Schunk is an international technology company with 3,700 employees in over 50 countries and is led by the third generation of the family , Kristina I . and Henrik A . Schunk .
The family-owned company boasts extensive expertise in clamping technology for tools and workpieces , gripping technology , and automation technology .
“ Our components , applications , and services support our customers and partners globally in process optimisation ,” emphasises Fatih Gülgönül , Head of Engineering . He adds , “ In addition to individual hightech components , we provide intelligent complete solutions for robotic systems as well as for various production and automation processes — all from one source for custom client applications .”
High Manufacturing Depth , High Quality Standards
Due to its extensive product portfolio of over 13,000 standard components and 2,000 customer-specific parts , Schunk ’ s main production sites in Lauffen and Hausen — north of Stuttgart — emphasise high manufacturing depth . “ For us , each step of the process must deliver maximum efficiency with the highest quality . That ’ s why we keep all necessary competencies in-house and control every process step ourselves ,” says Production Manager Steffen Gotzmann , highlighting the importance of in-house manufacturing at Schunk .
At the Lauffen plant alone , about 250 skilled workers and over 150 CNC machines work in three shifts to efficiently produce various components , mainly for clamping technology , from different materials . A walk through the production halls offers a great insight into Schunk ’ s high-quality standards . In addition to well-organised production lines , the cleanliness and orderliness of workstations stand out . Whether turning , milling , grinding , or eroding , only top-tier machines from leading manufacturers are used .
26 AUTOMATION , CONTROL & ENGINEERING