An important step into an exciting future

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

25 years of Starrag Sprint Z3

Machine tool builder Starrag is looking back on a special engineering anniversary: 25 years of Sprint Z3. The inconspicuous machining head of the EcoSpeed series was officially presented for the first time in 2000. What began as a solution for a military aircraft soon became a key module in modern aircraft production.

The Sprint Z3 parallel kinematic machining head has proven to be a real drawcard and, despite its compact design, is always a talking point.Even after 25 years, Starrag says the technology behind it still amazes. The drive head contains a highly dynamic, three-axis kinematic system which, unlike conventional fork heads, swivels via articulated kinematics to enable rapid yet precise tool movements. More information www.starrag.com

Success for Hurco Demo Deals Day

Strong customer engagement and sales were reported at Hurco Europe’s annual Demo Deals Day, which took place last month at the company’s High Wycombe showroom and technical centre. In total, 39 visitors representing 22 companies attended the event,all looking to take advantage of ex-demonstration and used machines at discounts of up to 20% (on selected models).

Demand was strong in the lead-up to the event, with several machines sold or reserved with deposits before the doors even opened. Among the most sought-after models that sold quickly were the five-axis VMX42UDi and VMX30Ui, the latter fitted with a ProCobot Profeeder-X five-drawer system. The popular VM10i and VM30i machining centres also attracted significant attention and were swiftly reserved, reports Hurco.

More information www.hurco.com

Big Turnout at Mills CNC Tech Show

Machine tool supplier Mills CNC reports that ‘The One Show,’ the company’s recent one-hit machining technology event at its campus facility in Leamington, was a roaring success. Over 180 visitors attended the event, where two new machine tools from DN Solutions made their UK debuts:the DVF 5000 Mk II simultaneous five-axis machining centre and the entry-level DNX 2100SB multi-axis mill-turn machine.

CEO Tony Dale says: “We wanted to do something different and host an event relevant to the future productivity and process efficiency needs of component manufacturers.As a result, we focused the whole event around one-hit machining, and it definitely paid off.A number of enquiries for the new DNX 2100SB and DVF 5000 Mk II are being actively followed up as we speak.”

More information www.millscnc.co.uk

Free-of-chargework-holding seminars available

According to 1st Machine Tool Accessories, workholding may not always be the most glamorous part of machining, but it is one of the most important. For engineers, a strong understanding of work-holding principles is essential asit directly influences product quality, efficiency, safety and overall manufacturing costs.

At its core, workholding ensures that a workpiece is positioned securely and accurately during machining. This stability not only guarantees precision but also enables engineers to optimise operations, reduce waste and design parts that are manufacturable at scale.

Several key reasons exist whyevery engineer should understand workholding.Optimised workholding set-ups not only prevent workpiece movement, ensuring finished parts meet exact tolerances, they can also minimise defects, rework and wasted material, directly reducing manufacturing expenses.

Of course, production efficiency also sees an increase, where quick changeovers and standardised set-ups keep machines producing for longer. Here, the ability to select the optimal device – jig, fixture, vice or chuck – for specific part geometries and production volumes, is paramount. By understanding workholding, engineers can design parts that are easier to hold and machine, even when complex.

Safety is another critical factor. Properly held workpieces prevent dangerous accidents resulting from components that shift from the held position.

1st MTA believes knowledge of workholding is essential to developing skilled, confident engineers. That is why the company is offering free-of-charge work-holding seminars to educational establishments and training centres.These sessions cover best practice, principles and hands-on demonstrations of the latest equipment, helping to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

More information www.1mta.com