On27-30 June 2023, the world’s leading trade show for intelligent automation and robotics will bring together key technologies for future production in Munich. At Automatica (Hall A5, Booth 502), Schunkis planning toexhibit smart new developments that solve handling tasks transparently, flexibly and reliably.

In Munich, Schunk will show a whole range of new products that contribute to efficiency. Among other things, the PPD positioning unit will make its debut. The PPD positioning unit enables more complex motion sequences in pneumatic handling, reports the company. In conjunction with pneumatic grippers, it is possible to control gripper fingers flexibly and with high precision, while regulating gripping force and speed.

Combined with the PGL-plus-Ppneumatic universal gripper featuring extra-long stroke, users can realise versatile handling tasks even in demanding environments, from machine loading to highly sensitive cleanroom applications. To this end, Schunk is offering the pneumatic gripper as the first in the world to have certified GripGuard gripping force maintenance. In addition, the gripperfeatures an integrated IO-Link sensor system that enables position sensing of the fingers.

Also at the show will be the user-friendly 2D Grasping Kit (pictured) for handling individual objects randomly arranged on a single level, which makes it much easier to get started with automated object handling. The core of this intelligent system is the in-house developed AI software, which is pre-installed on Schunk’s own industrial PC (SVC). Since the market launch in 2022, the automation expert has further optimised the software and simplified the teaching and labelling of components. This co-ordinated complete package of hardware, software and service comes from one source and is suitable for all robots.
For further information www.schunk.com

Hyfore is expanding its diverse range of work-holding and tooling solutions by becoming the exclusive UK distribution partner for the Heimatec brand of precision tools and systems.

Founded in 1987 in Germany, the first activities of Heimatec GmbH included the production of carrier tools for indexable inserts, which expandedrapidly into the manufacture of specialist radial drilling heads, quick-change tooling systems for driven tools and then complete tool-changing systems.

Now, the Heimatec portfolio includes a programme for static and driven tools for turning centres. This incorporates everything from axial, offset, angled and swivelling driven-tool stations, as well as static VDI and BMT toolholders for boring, turning, bar pulling and cut-off holders. Also in the turning range are multi-spindle heads and high-speed tools with gearing ratios of 1:4 for machining up to 48,000rpm, and a complete range of accessories such as bar pullers, reducing sleeves, collets and collet chucks, shrink and tapping collets, sealing disks clamping nuts, and arbors.

The German tool-holding expert also manufactures a complete tooling programme for Swiss-type turning centres with live, static and customised tools supported by a diverse range of standard and special accessories that can accommodate users of Citizen sliding-head machine tools.

In addition, Heimatec’s portfolio encompasses a complete range of solutions for machining centres. The live tooling options include 360° turnable angle heads, axial drilling and milling heads, multi-spindle heads, and double-spindle and offset heads, to list but a few. Alongside a comprehensive programme of standard angled heads, Heimatec offers a compact, high-performance slim design range.Developed for difficult contours, the slim design series is suitable for small immersion diameters and large immersion depths.
For further information www.hyfore.com

Following a recent partnership agreement, the full range of high-precision zero-point fixtures from Mate Precision Technologies is now available in the UK exclusively from work-holding and machining efficiency specialist Leader Chuck International.

Being one of the latest players to enter the zero-point fixture market, Mate Precision Technologies was all too aware of the need to bring significant advantages over the competition when it launched its next-generation Dyno range.Consisting of DynoGrip vices, DynoLock base plates and DynoMount tombstones, the ethos behind the range stems from Mate targeting manufacturing efficiencies within its own workshop. With areputation for producing high-quality punch-press and press-brake tooling for manufacturers across the globe, the company employs around 300 highly skilled staff at it manufacturing facility in Minnesota, USA. So the need for machining efficiency gains comes from worldwide competition.

Extensive trials of the previous generation zero-point systems, available from established suppliers, under real life production operations, highlighted a number of limitations that Mate addressed with its new products.

Leader Chuck’s managing director Mark Jones explains: “With Mate’s extensive knowledge of the high-quality tool steels and fine tolerances used to produce its tools for sheet metalworking, it’s only logical that the same materials and processes are used for the Dyno range of fixtures. It’s why the company offers a ‘zero wear out forever’ policy across the range with a 100% unconditional customer satisfaction guarantee.”

Mate DynoGrip self-centring vices, for example, shorten set-up time and reduce process variability. Two zero-point four-stud engagement patterns are available, 52 and 96 mm, which are compatible with other systems or can mount directly to the machine table via toe clamps or bolted through the body.
For further information www.leaderchuck.com

Building upon the company’s existing comprehensive range of zero-point clamping systems, Zimmer Group is expanding the series with the launch of its new pallet-changer technology. In addition to changing pallets in machine tools, this system also opens up numerous other applications, such as the handling of components using robots while maintaining high levels of repeatability.

The slim design and low set-up profile of the clamping plate and clamping pallets, allow both close-proximity pallet loading on the machine table and optimum use of the space within the machine. High clamping forces create arigid system, while the retaining forces enable high torque levels, together with a high-precision connection between the robot and the clamping plate to make the handling of heavier pallets, in particular, easier and safer.

The structural design of the pallet changer means that system clamping takes place without the need for pneumatic pressure. However, it is possible to increase the clamping forces further by using Zimmer’s Plus connection, which provides pneumatic assistance. In addition to four rotation locks for pallet coupling, the system features an integrated blow-out or cleaning function that prevents dirt or liquid from collecting in the pin holder, contact surface and rotation locks.

Notably, the pallet coupling is used as a pallet interface for the product and creates the connection to the clamping pallet. The rotation lock enables backlash-free positioning of the bearings when joining with the product, whilesensors for piston position and clamping position verify safe operation. All functions are controllable directly via the pneumatic connections on the sides. There is also the option to control the unit by means of alternative connections on the bottom of the product.
For further information www.zimmer-group.com