With the KFDF flat-element flange mandrel, Ringspann says it offers a compact precision clamping tool for optimising many turning, drilling, grinding, milling and balancing processes in gearbox construction, gear production and tool manufacturing. It scores with precise concentricity, a short clamping length and a standard clamping diameter of up to 375 mm, which can be extended to up to 560 mm by using alternative clamping elements. Its flat clamping body centres the workpiece and aligns it level.

The turning and drilling of steel coupling elements, the grinding of carbide rolling rollers, the milling of aluminium gearbox covers and the gear grinding of hollow shafts made of stainless steel are just a few applications examples of the KFDF flat element flange mandrel from Ringspann. They illustrate the versatility of this compact clamping fixture, whose domain is mechanical machining processes that place increased demands on precision. Apart from its concentricity of ≤0.01 mm, it ensures precise centring and a flat alignment of the clamped workpiece.

“The uneven deformation of workpieces – a common problem when using three-jaw chucks for example – can be ruled out with our KFDF thanks to complete 360° clamping,” says Christoph Schulz, product manager for clamping fixtures at Ringspann.

The KFDF is one of the group of purely mechanical precision clamping mandrels in the Ringspann portfolio and can be individually configured in the company’s one-stop web shop in all standard variants for executable clamping diameters from 120 to 375 mm. In addition, the manufacturer offers standardised flat elements that can be used to extend the clamping diameter up to 560 mm. Additional adaptations to different spindle connections, special workpieces or customer specifics are possible via adapted holders, assembly rings, intermediate flanges or spring accumulators.

More information www.ringspann.com

The industrial metaverse streamlines and accelerates industrial processes. By utilising digital twins and the use of artificial intelligence, automation tasks can be digitally planned, simulated and optimised prior to physical implementation. Work-holding and tool-holding specialist Schunk is therefore enhancing its portfolio with digital engineering to unlock new potential and boost customer productivity.

Virtual simulation not only accelerates the development of new products and systems but also reduces commissioning times, production interruptions and costly post-corrections. Schunk is now also utilising this technology to develop new digital components and drive progress in all areas of automation.

Schunk employs a five-stage approach in developing accurate digital twins. Each stage progressively refines components and assemblies from clamping, gripping and automation technology to mirror their physical counterparts. These digital twins encompass not only electrical properties and interfaces but also physical behaviours such as force, friction and wear.

The company has successfully digitally modelled the complete physical behaviours of several products, including new mechatronic parallel and centric grippers. A significant advancement is Schunk’s AI-supported 2D Grasping Kit, which automates repetitive sorting and handling tasks. The kit comprises a camera with lens, an industrial PC, AI software and an application-specific gripper, facilitating reliable handling of randomly arranged parts even under varying conditions.

“By simulating automation tasks, we offer customers a highly refined and productive solution, quickly optimised for their manufacturing requirements,” says Timo Gessmann, CTO of Schunk. “Thanks to AI, we can greatly simplify engineering. With digital tools and simulations, it is possible to validate all variants digitally in no time.” More information www.schunk.com

Work-holding equipment specialist Röhm has invested over €800,000 in a new Index G320 turn-mill centre. The company says the investment underlines high levels of confidence in its innovation and long-term competitiveness.

The investment project was launched exactly one year ago and the machine is currently in the commissioning phase following installation. Commissioning will make the production of components for cylinders, which were previously turned and then drilled in two individual clamping operations, significantly faster and more efficient. The Index G320 replaces older machines that have reached the end of their life cycle.

The machine is characterized by its special technical features: it has two workpiece spindles, three tool carriers (two star turrets and a milling spindle) and 12 axes that work synchronously with each other. A unique feature is the ability to move the turrets out from under the chucks, creating space for the other turret.

With a weight of 21 tonnes, the machine offers space for up to 80 tools (24 on the turrets and 56 for the milling spindle). It is equipped with chucks, steady rests and Röhm’s iJaw technology. iJaw facilitates the measurement of clamping force in real time during the process to ensure maximum process reliability. Errors are detectable at an early stage, which increases productivity and sustainably improves workpiece quality.

In the coming weeks, the machine will undergo final commissioning and a final acceptance test. Once the tests are complete, operators will undergo training to ensure a smooth start to production.

With this investment, Röhm is demonstrating that innovation and safeguarding the future are top priorities, even in challenging times.

More information www.roehm.biz

Additive manufacturing machine specialist Stratasys has signed a memorandum of understanding to partner with German-based software company Trinckle 3D. The agreement will integrate Trinkle’s Fixturemate software into Stratasys’ GrabCAD Print Pro software package. With Stratasys and Trinckle’s software technology, users can produce a precision metrology inspection fixture that securely positions parts for accurate measurement. The 3D-printed design eliminates costly machining while maintaining tight tolerances.

This integration will complete Stratasys’ tooling workflow. It allows for simplified fixture design by non-CAD designers and broadens the range of users who can benefit: the addition of Fixturemate enables manufacturers without CAD expertise to design and configure custom 3D-printed fixtures within Stratasys’ GrabCAD Print Pro.

“Eliminating the need for specialist CAD skills gives customers flexibility with their manufacturing workforce when it comes to the development of complex fixtures and tooling,” explains Victor Gerdes, vice president of software at Stratasys. “This new offering is targeted at delivering significant savings in time and workforce development, while allowing customers to use our solutions for both print preparation as well as critical design tasks for manufacturing.”

Using intelligent automation, Fixturemate software automates the design of custom fixtures, permitting manufacturers to create secure, precise holding solutions in minutes.

“We’re removing one of the biggest barriers in additive manufacturing: the need for specialist CAD skills and the costs associated with the manual design process,” says Florian Reichle, CEO and co-founder of Trinckle 3D. “By integrating Fixturemate with Stratasys’ GrabCAD Print Pro, we’re making it easier than ever for manufacturers to create bespoke, production-ready fixtures that eliminate bottlenecks, accelerate workflows and maximise the value of additive manufacturing.”

More information www.stratasys.com