Simple tool changes in a matter of seconds

With its new CMS, Schunk is launching a user-friendly manual change system for the rapid replacement of components. As well as simple and convenient operation, the extensive range of optional modules and complementary end effectors is also notable with the CMS.

Schunk’s CMS manual change system enables rapid, process-reliable changeover at the robot front end, or also on stationary systems such as in fixture construction. The manually operated system consists of a CMS-K interchangeable head and a CMS-A interchangeable adapter, handling payloads of up to 58 kg. Users can flexibly combine the system with handling or machining components from the extensive Schunk portfolio – from grippers to machining tools from the R-Emendo series, for example, for automated deburring, polishing or filing.

The CMS is the further development of the SHS changing system, which is already an established part of the Schunk portfolio, and can replace it 1:1 due to its having the same height and screw-on patterns. According to the company, the successor version now offers decisive optimisations in terms of operation, design, process reliability and usage options.

Tried-and-tested push lever technology makes operation of the CMS extremely simple and convenient. It is possible to lock the interchangeable head by hand with the adapter without the use of any additional tools. Integrated air ‘feed-throughs’ via sealing pins with cylinder seals support manual locking, so that only minimal force is required. In addition, the thrust lever has a new, cranked shape that does not conceal any of the numerous connections. As a result, all system connections are also now suitable for radial use.The CMS manual change system is available in six sizes from 40 to 125.
For further information www.schunk.com

The Hainbuch approach to zero-defect manufacturing

Work-holding specialist Hainbuch takes a comprehensive approach to zero-defect manufacturing. Stefan Nitsche, director main products, describes the basic requirements for clamping devices: they must be impervious to dirt and require almost no maintenance. Furthermore, they must offer very high rigidity and holding forces, with high concentricity accuracy offering deviations of no more than 5 µm, and minimal centrifugal losses.

Nitsche also recommends that users always use the right clamping device for the workpiece, even if this increases the set-up effort. For example, ID clamping is the best solution for five-sided machining. However, if the workpiece does not have the necessary clamping bore for this strategy, Nitsche believes that OD clamping with chucks is the ideal solution.

Says Nitsche: “We make use of our Centrotex quick change-over interface and Docklock zero-point clamping system to keep manual set-up times to a minimum – under one minute with our system instead of 30 minutes or so using conventional means – and change-over accuracy down to no more than 3 µm.”

Hainbuch’s measuring intelligence, which enables in-line process control, has been in successful use for over 15 years now; the company describes it as its third ‘zero-defect’ component. It checks the pre-machining clamping diameter down to the nearest micron, and detects the workpiece system.

“In addition, the actual clamping force on the workpiece is measured continuously,” says Nitsche.“As components gain in complexity, this represents a crucial process stability factor. We’ll be showcasing all three technologies and products live at the EMO 2023 exhibition in Hanover in September. Using Centrotex or Docklock, it’s child’s play to change over our clamping devices in seconds with microscopic precision, or use our IQ clamping devices for high-precision clamping while simultaneously performing various measuring operations.”
For further information www.hainbuch.com

Gripper technology supports cobot applications

The adoption of collaborative robots across multiple sectors continues apace as increasing numbers of manufacturers realise the potential these robots offer to provide a cost effective and productive solution. Just as these robots have evolved in recent years to provide greater reach and payload capabilities, so too have the gripper technologies they use. Why? Well, not only to cater for a wider range of applications, but also to ensure that the gripper design and functionality complies with ISO TS 15066, which provides guidance for cobot use.

New additions to the Schmalzrange include the FXCB/FMCB area grippers, which support handling with cobots. Applications include end-of-line packaging, and pick-and-place tasks. The design of these gripper systems, which uses 3D printing as part of the manufacturing process, complies with ISO TS 15066, while the FXCB variant also includes integrated vacuum generation. Additional features of the range encompass communication technology via IO-Link, and an integrated NFC (near field communications) chip.

The Schmalz FQE series offers flexible handling of workpieces, regardless of size and geometry from different pick-up positions. Also designed for use with cobots, these gripper systems provide solutions to handling applications across multiple sectors that include the automotive, glass and electronics industry, in addition to end of line packaging and intralogistics tasks.

The ‘X’ variant of this area gripping system comes compete with an energy-efficient, fully integrated pneumatic vacuum generation system, while the alternative ‘M’ variant is for operation with an external vacuum generator. With their low weight and low noise levels, together with their smooth rounded design, the grippers are also suitable for human–robot–collaboration applications, meeting the ISO TS 15066 standard.
For further information www.schmalz.com

Teenage girl wins Young Engineer of the Year

Ranita Ariyibi, a 15-year old student at Colchester County High School for Girls, has scooped been crowned UK Young Engineer of the Year 2023 for her invention of a device that enables hearing and deaf people to communicate more easily.InterSign acts as electronic interpreter between British Sign Language (BSL) and English, meaning it can see a sign then give the meaning in English – both spoken and written on screen. Similar to smart speakers, it has the additional advantage of being able to take action. So, signing ‘help’ could trigger the device to call emergency services or a family member.
For further information www.bit.ly/3pyHHYC

Partnership drives industrialisation of laser texturing

The laser processing group at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has joined forces with 13 research organisations and leading companies across Europe to design and deliver the next generation of laser texturing systems.The SYNTECS project is driven by sustainability and digitalisation principles to ensure maximum efficiency and productivity, and aims to increase the uptake and industrialisation of the technology among European manufacturers.

Component surface treatments offer a valuable way of improving the end results in areas such as roughness, scratch resistance and microbial resistance. Although used in manufacturing for decades, increased industrial demands for more complex, customised and better performing components have resulted in a growing need for multi-functional surfaces.

Laser surface texturing techniques provide an alternative way of achieving functional surfaces, but the full potential of the technology is limited due to the scanning technology and the digital architecture used.

MTC laser processing technology manager Tian Long See says the SYNTECS project will address these challenges by developing a versatile, low-cost laser texturing approach to generate surfaces with multi-functional performance responses, combining the two most promising scanning techniques – direct laser writing (DLW) and direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) into a single module.

“The hardware development will be supported by a sophisticated digital design module that will accelerate the design and optimisation of functional surfaces by considering the sustainability aspect of the component during the design stage,” he explains.“This will enable greener manufacturing fit for the future.”

Supported by funding through the EU’s Horizon Europe Framework Programme for research and innovation, the project consortium will develop a fully integrated versatile laser texturing system that reduces design and production time with a ‘right first time’ approach.
For further information www.the-mtc.org