The TP32 Tool Management, Tool ID (TiD) and Tool Tracking System (TTS) were developed by Nikken to meet the evolving demands of smart manufacturing and using connectivity between systems to improve information exchange and streamline processes. According to the company, these systems provide system integration, leading to improved visibility and efficiency that empower manufacturers to maximise uptime, reduce waste and centralise critical data.

Built as a comprehensive, fully integrated tool management solution, TP32 brings visibility and data exchange to the shop floor. Designed for connectivity with CAM systems, CNC machines, ERP software, vending systems and more, TP32 manages every tool and resource within a production environment, ensuring nothing is misplaced or overstocked, and all usage and costs are visible.

For manufacturers seeking a reliable entry point into digital tool data management, Nikken says TiD is ideal as a cost-effective, plug-and-play system for managing tool identification and data transfer.

TiD utilises handheld scanners to read a data matrix tag (similar to a QR code) directly from the tool at the presetter and machine. This unique identifier allows specific tool measurement data to be located and loaded directly into a machine’s NC, bypassing the need for embedded RFID chips or costly hardware modifications.

TiD is suitable for manufacturers looking to digitise their tool data without overhauling existing infrastructure. Nikken saysit offers a smart bridge between the physical and digital tool environment, while removing the change of erroneous tool measurements ending up in the machines tool table.

As the manufacturing landscape evolves toward full digitisation, Nikken reports that its TP32 and TiD software platforms provide the critical infrastructure needed for high-efficiency operations.

More information www.nikken-world.co.uk

At the recent EMO 2025 exhibition in Hanover, Schunk showcased battery-powered electromechanical clamping devices with IO-Link connectivity for the first time – a technology with wireless data transmission between clamping device and machine control. Schunk says this innovation represents an important step to further automation of the clamping process and the implementation of Industry 4.0 principles. Companies benefit from a media-independent clamping position, expanded options for data transmission and increased productivity.

EMO visitors seeking electrically actuated quick-change pallet modules with fully integrated electronics and actuators needed to look no further than the Schunk stand.Thanks to a multitude of interrogation and transmission options, the Vero-S NSE3-PH 138 IOL offers greater transparency during the clamping process, without further interfering contours.

With the new battery-powered clamping device, Schunk says it offers a pioneering solution for companies that want to capture process-relevant statuses in real time and transmit them efficiently to the machine control. The technology is particularly attractive for industries looking to move away from cost-intensive pneumatic and hydraulic solutions – whether to reduce operating costs or to avoid contamination, which is undesirable in cleanrooms or the food industry.

In this new development, Schunk relies on IO-Link for wireless communication between the clamping device and the machine control. For the first time at EMO 2025, battery-powered Tandem clamping force blocks of the KSE3 series – as well as Vero-S quick-change pallet modules – were presented that utilise this technology. The actuation and transmission of the permanently recorded statuses of the clamping devices are carried out via IO-Link Wireless and an IO-Link Master, which then transfer this information to the machine control.

Despite the switch to battery operation, users do not have to compromise on clamping force or pull-down force. On the contrary: the new clamping devices deliver the same performance as pneumatic or hydraulic systems.

More information www.schunk.com