FUTURE MANUFACTURING ing to production , which can be fully automated and without workers , up to ( final ) assembly and installation . Moreover , there are not only zero-point clamping modules , but also other clamping solutions , such as vacuum or magnetic clamping plates or adapted fixtures .
“ Taking along ” the zero point
Suppliers like AMF from Fellbach have specialised in working out holistic solutions
four variants of very large machine parts , which are clamped and machined in pairs . A combination of hydraulic pull-down clamps and swimming support elements take care of the first and second clamping .
First the contours are preliminarily milled and holes and threads made – also drill holes for the zero-point pull-studs , which are needed as direct clamps for the third clamping . After turning , the zeropoint clamping modules take up the pullstuds and fix the components directly ,
Workers maintain overview , as the correct positions for the respective component are colourcoded . are mounted on a base plate . Pinned hydraulic support elements can be moved easily . So the fixtures can not only seat two side parts , belong together as pairs , which can be processed on five sides after turning . All four variants of the components can be clamped in the respective processing conditions .
To ensure that the workers keep an overview despite this unimaginable complexity , the correct positions for the respective component are colour-coded . That creates the necessary reliability and accelerates simultaneous preliminary set-up . For all components , there are both clamping plans and set-up plans at the machine . Subsequent processes , such as deburring , are also equipped with zero-point clamping technology , as is a scissors lift , which receives the components quickly and securely with direct clamping and permits ergonomic working . The example shows how clamping solution with zero-point clamping modules can be combined with other clamping technology into a flexible network and a precision-fit overall solution .
Zero-point clamping technology is irreplaceable for users for the complete production process . For often a workpiece is not finished after cutting operations but is processed further on other machines . If you can “ take along ” the zero point to follow-on machines , set-up time savings are multiplied considerably . That has proven itself with additive production as well .
For example , at a machine manufacturer AMF equipped a CNC milling machine including 5-fold pallet changer with setup-time-minimising clamping solutions . The basis are flexible clamping devices for
Use of high-quality clamping and automation modules , clamping stations , vacuum or magnetic plates as well as adapters increases efficiency .
without twisting , and accessible all around for five-sided machining . To expand the capacity of the pallet changer and increase flexibility , zero-point clamping stations are also located on the machine tables . That ensures fast and precise fixture changeover with repetition accuracy .
Maintaining an overview with set-up and clamping plans
But the highlight is the flexibility of the clamping devices . Movable support plates
Zero-point clamping technology is unquestionably a gain for every production operation . The drastic reduction in set-up times directly benefits productivity . If a supplier also has a broad assortment of additional clamping technology as well as understanding of production , this can really move production forward . Through creative use and combination of a variety of clamping and automation modules , clamping stations , vacuum or magnetic plates , adapters and other accessories , comprehensive precision-fit solutions are developed for the entire process , which multiplies efficiency . In this way , zero-point clamping technology becomes an important building block in every production operation . l
Erik Laubengeiger Sales Manager ANDREAS MAIER GmbH & Co . KG
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