Polypipe Building Services is leveraging the additional benefits offered by Stäubli’s QMC122 range of magnetic platens to further improve productivity levels in the manufacture of the company’s injection moulded plastic waste fittings.

Within the plastics injection moulding sector, a key element in attaining target productivity levels is reducing the time required to change mould tools. The traditional method requires multiple bolts to be undone and clamps removed to release the mould tool from the platens. Users then have to replace these bolts and clamps and correctly re-tighten them to secure the new tool in place.

Magnetic platens offer a quicker and simpler solution to mould tool changes and the Polypipe Building Services site in Aylesford, Kent has experience of using this technology, as Steve Tulett, Polypipe’s manufacturing innovation manager, explains: “We adopted magnetic platen technology some time ago and quickly realised the benefits in terms of simpler and faster tool changes, saving on average around 30 minutes each time. However, we continually review the technologies available to ensure that we can take advantage of any new developments. We identified Stäubli’s QMC122 range of magnetic platens as a solution that provides a number of additional benefits, such as greater levels of feedback from the interface, which allows us to obtain an exact measurement of the clamping force when we install the new tools.”

Stäubli’s QMC solution integrates an interactive control panel which enables the validation of the safety points during mould changing operations. Also, the system accurately controls clamping force in real time.

The QMC 122 range is currently in use on a 150T Demag Ergotech Machine and a new Haitian 160T machine.

For further information
www.staubli.com

The new Match gripper ecosystem available from Zimmer Group enables robots to utilise multiple gripper types and end effectors, further enhancing the capability and functionality of these already flexible systems. Targeted at lightweight industrial and collaborative robots, the proprietary platform is the result of a joint project between Zimmer Group and J Schmalz GmbH that combines gripping technology expertise.

This gripper change system can be operated either automatically, with the robot releasing and collecting different grippers or end effectors to and from a docking station, or manually with just one hand in just a few seconds using simple click-to-remove functionality. The system is compatible with pneumatically or electrically operated grippers which utilise either vacuum or mechanical gripping principles.

Zimmer’s quick-change system incorporates the mechanical interface together with pneumatic and electrical connections. These options make it possible for the system to be used by many different robot types and a wide variety of end effectors. For electrically operated grippers, the quick-change system is capable of hot-swapping, changing grippers during live operation with the integrated pin array transmitting both the load and signal currents. For pneumatic/vacuum-based grippers, four internal and two lateral channels supply the gripper systems with compressed air or vacuum pressure.

The design, combined with high levels of manufacturing quality, guarantees a long service life greater than 100,000 cycles. Notably, the position and orientation of the fixed and interchangeable elements of the system are clearly defined in use, eliminating the potential for misalignment of the two halves. The flexibility of the system gives the user access to a wide range of applications, whether they are with mobile robots, collaborative robots or other types of automation.

For further information
www.zimmer-group.com

The new ZSG mini centric vice for small parts, part of the WNT Performance series from Ceratizit, is aimed squarely at improving process security and quality-critical steps in the machining of smaller components.

When it comes to machining smaller parts, fixed connections are particularly important for vices, mainly due to the need for extremely tight tolerances. There are various ways to achieve this. Christoph Retter, product manager – clamping fixtures, says: “Workpieces can be pre-stamped by investing in a special machine prior to clamping, creating a positive mechanical connection using the negative embossed profile in the jaw. However, this is eliminated with our new ZSG mini. Thanks to its very-high clamping force of 16 kN, our approach is simple: clamp, lock, go.”

Quick and easy part handling is also a deciding factor in minimising non-productive time. Here, the ZSG mini offers significant advantages as it can be easily accessed from all sides, expediting the machining of raw and finished parts, multi-clamping and automated applications. However, the biggest time saver is the ability to change jaws in a matter of seconds without any tools. This is achieved through the integrated pull-down action, which is generated via two spring pressure pins, which Ceratizit says ensure total machining precision and quality.

The ZSG mini centric vices are available in lengths of 80 mm and 100 mm, with quick change jaws in widths of 45 mm and 70 mm – all case-hardened to between 54 and 56 HRc and available in different versions with either smooth faces or serrated grip features.

“The real highlight here is the fact that all jaws can be used on any ZSG mini, which makes the system extremely flexible,” says Retter.

For further information
www.ceratizit.com

Roemheld is introducing a new range of seven double-acting arch clamps for securing dies or moulds to the bed or ram of a die casting, injection moulding or other press type. Intended for holding tools with flat edges safely, the compact clamps exert a force ranging from 30 to 450 kN.

The clamps consist of a hydraulic block cylinder and piston. Due to the internal design, the horizontally-acting force translates into an almost vertical clamping action. An integrated mechanical locking bolt maintains the clamps in position, particularly on the ram, in the event of a drop in hydraulic pressure.

Supplied without or with position monitoring, the former clamps may be used at temperatures up to 160°C (300°C on request), while the latter may be used up to 100°C. The integrated position monitoring at the side couples to the clamping bolt and signals either unclamped or clamped status, or clamping position overrun error. Special versions are available that provide a continuous signal up to the final bolt position.

The arch clamps feature sturdy construction as well as corrosion resistance due to the application of a special coating. They are intended for use with location pins or limit stops to keep the mould or die in its correct position, as during use it is subjected to side loads that, although low, may be strong enough to cause displacement.

For further information
www.roemheld.co.uk

For those who demand the ultimate in precision machined parts from their sliding-head turning centres, Floyd Automatic Tooling has introduced the Hydro-Swiss Turn range of compact hydraulic clamping tool holders for cylindrical tools. Capable of maintaining precision and run-out levels of less than 1 µm, Floyd Automatic says that ‘ultra-precise’ is now possible for all sliding-head CNC turning centres.

Regardless of whether the machine is a Star, Citizen, Tornos, Hanwha or Tsugami sliding-head lathe, Hydro-Swiss Turn holders are compatible with all leading brands. The holders are available as a standard or as an ultra-precise (UP) variant that can achieve a run-out of 0.003 and 0.001 TIR respectively. Notably, the easy clamping hydraulic holders incorporate a novel clamping system that also provides vibration damping to maximise performance and concentricity.

The Hydro-Swiss Turn holder has a through-coolant facility and an easy-clamping bolt that permits easy and free axial length adjustment. These hydraulic holders are available in a multitude of variants to suit every application from drilling and milling to PCD tool machining and boring. For Citizen machines, the Hydro-Swiss Turn is available in ST19.05, ST25 and ST25.4 configurations to clamp tools with 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 mm shanks, while for Star sliding-head machines, the system is offered in ST16, ST22 and ST32 variants. It is also available in all recognised dimensions for Tornos, Tsugami and Hanwha machines.

To ensure optimal precision and run-out levels, the Hydro-Swiss Turn holder must be used with H6 shank tools. Floyd also supplies the system with a positioning pin kit, while a 3 Nm torque T-wrench is available upon request.

For further information
www.floydautomatic.co.uk