Metalworking in motion

SCHUNK at the AMB Stuttgart 2024

If you want to accelerate your production, you cannot avoid automation. Customized innovative solutions are the cornerstones for healthy production in productive and economically successful companies. At the AMB, the international trade fair for metalworking 2024 in Stuttgart, SCHUNK shows various automation options that make production processes more efficient and prepare companies for the future. According to the SCHUNK motto "Hand in hand for tomorrow".

Automation is the key to productive and cost-effective production despite a shortage of skilled personnel and cost pressures. But automation does not just start in the machine. To fully utilize the production potential of the machine, it is essential to ensure reliability and speed even during loading and unloading. SCHUNK, the specialist in clamping technology, gripping technology and automation technology, offers a comprehensive portfolio of components, which are necessary for automated production in the machine, as well as for automated loading and unloading of parts. Equally important: SCHUNK supports customers with solid knowledge of components and applications in the selection and realization of the individually optimal automation solution.

From simple tool handling to intelligent machining

Which automation is the right one depends on various parameters: Process chains, space conditions, batch sizes and product variations, for example, play a decisive role. SCHUNK is presenting a wide range of options for automated machine loading at the AMB, from simple entry-level solutions to high-end solutions. In addition, visitors will see examples of automated workpiece handling with innovative handling solutions. The 2D Grasping Kit for example, which won the HERMES Award 2024, offers a quick and easy introduction to the reliable automated handling of unsorted parts. Brand new is the mechatronic EZU centric gripper. The robust and resistant gripper is perfectly suited for tough working conditions and processes cylindrically or eccentrically positioned workpieces of different sizes without loss of gripping power. A large number of communication interfaces, PLC function modules and plug-ins for well-known robot manufacturers ensure easy integration.

More freedom when clamping workpieces

SCHUNK offers in its range for workpiece clamping technology manually operated, automatic and intelligent clamping solutions for almost any application. The existing production range is continuously expanded and adapted to customer requirements. With the flexible, hand-operated ROTA-ML flex 2+2 chuck for example, any workpiece geometry can be clamped. With the revision from diameter 500 mm, chuck heights have been reduced by up to 30 percent, reducing chuck weight by up to 40 percent. This gives users significantly more freedom regarding the size and weight of workpieces to be machined.

With the KONTEC KS-H-LH SCHUNK introduces a compact and powerful hydraulic clamp with a total clamping force of 80 kN. This enables a clamping range from 20 to 345 mm with a hydraulic clamping stroke of 110 mm. In addition, data such as stroke measurement or dynamic pressure can be transmitted to the machine control via IO-Link.

There are also innovations in the field of magnetic clamping. SCHUNK has revised the proven MAGNOS MFRS magnetic chucks and equipped them with an additional digital function.

In the future, a new ePaper status display will provide the user with information about the clamping states "MAY ON" and "MAY OFF" to ensure reliable clamping and maximum process reliability.

Intelligent process monitoring

There are also innovations in the field of intelligent process monitoring with iTENDO², the application possibilities of which SCHUNK is significantly expanding. With the magnetic holder iTENDO² users can now place the intelligent real-time sensor system anywhere in the engine room and use it for testing and process optimization. Another hydraulic expansion tool holder is now also part of the iTENDO² family: the slim iTENDO² Slim 4ax in a standardized shrink contour now also offers the possibilities for process monitoring in fine machining. Both modules can be seamlessly connected to the basic version for analyzing vibration data.

Automated and AI-assisted toward the "healthy factory"

These innovative automation and digitalization modules contribute to healthy and economically successful production. Timo Gessmann, CTO of SCHUNK, summarizes, "Especially small and medium-sized industrial companies achieve productivity increases with automation, which compensates for shortages of skilled labor and secures their global competitiveness. At AMB, we will not only show turnkey solutions, but also how we at SCHUNK are already using artificial intelligence to increase the efficiency of processes and increase the productivity of our customers."

We look forward to welcoming you at AMB. Visit us: Hall 1, Stand 1G30
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