By August 15, 2016 0 Comments Read More →

Schunk to demo the benefits of Industry 4.0 at AMB

150815_SchunkAutomated machine loading and the trend toward Industry 4.0 are the central topics of AMB 2016, according to Dr. Markus Klaiber, the CTO of clamping and gripping specialist Schunk. “Modern machining center concepts must take three factors into account: the shortest possible cycle times, maximum system availability and the ability to respond very flexibly to product modifications and changes in demand,” emphasizes the production expert, who sees a need for action primarily in SMEs.

Manufacturers who use machining technology face the challenge of having to produce the largest possible parts spectrum with the smallest possible number of operations and minimal set-up times. At the forthcoming AMB exhibition, Schunk will be discussing its product lines and expertise in this field in Hall 1 Booth 1G12.

At AMB, Schunk will present an advanced line of system components for automated loading of machining centers. This will comprise numerous low-maintenance clamping devices and gripping systems that ensure a stable production process when the workpiece is changed. The range of application extends from the production of large series to efficient loading in batch size one production. Highlights will include the TANDEM-plus, the ROTA THW-plus and ROTA NCX power chucks, the compact pallet-loading and clamping tower solutions of the VERO-S series, the multi-functional KONTEC KSC centric clamping device, the PRONTO quick-change jaw system and the PGN-plus and PGN-plus Electric grippers, the world’s first grippers with permanent lubrication in the multi-tooth guidance.

To increase process reliability and efficiency in the machining process, Schunk is also expanding the high-performance, vibration-damping hydraulic expansion holders of the TENDO E compact and TENDO Aviation series. These holders guarantee enormous clamping forces and feature mechanical pull-out protection, which is required for example in the aviation and aeronautics sectors.

Schunk sees Industry 4.0 less as a short-term trend than as a logical consequence of a development that has been going on for decades. “Production systems of tomorrow will feature excellent networking capabilities. With the help of clamping devices and gripping systems, these systems will be able to constantly monitor their own status and that of their environment,” explains Klaiber, with a view toward the future and describing the biggest challenge of machine construction. “Industry 4.0 will put us a big step ahead, as soon as automated, autonomous systems can remedy their own faults.”

Schunk components will play an important part in this connection: “Intelligent grippers will give us the opportunity to detect errors on the workpiece and therefore optimise the production process in coordination with the higher level control technology and clamping devices in real time.” This should enable highly efficient automated production even of very small batch sizes in the future. For more information on how Schunk can optimise your processes with Industry 4.0, please visit the Schunk Stand at the AMB Show in Stuttgart from the 13th to 17th September.

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