INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Magnetic chucks show clamping status

Magnos magnetic chucks from Schunk provide low-deformation workpiece clamping, accessibility and fast workpiece changeovers.

Now, to improve ease of operation, the company is releasing Magnos square pole plates equipped with a status display by default. The display shows the current clamping status continuously, even when the magnetic chuck has been disconnected from the control and is in pallet storage with a clamped workpiece, for instance.
Schunk is also launching a modular control unit that gives users a high degree of flexibility and operating comfort. The Magnos KEH Plus is suitable for all Schunk square and radial pole plates. One, two, four or eight magnetic chucks can be actuated at the same time, depending on the base version.
By selecting the appropriate connection cable, both small magnetic chucks with four-pin connectors, as well as large magnetic chucks with seven-pin connectors, can be actuated. Equipped with plug connectors, each cable can be exchanged quickly and easily. Moreover, it is possible to assign vacant slots at any time with additional magnetic chucks.
To ensure process reliability in automated applications, users can monitor each individual magnetic chuck, an action that is facilitated by transmitting the individual clamping state via a PLC interface to the system control. The Magnos KEH Plus control unit is completed by the Magnos Habe-S Plus handheld remote, which is also modular in design and allows the control of individual magnetic chucks, as well as the individual 16-step holding-force regulation process. The hand-held remote control continuously provides information on the individual clamping status of connected chucks via an LCD display and LED.
For further information www.schunk.com

Small investment with a big effect

In keeping with its company slogan of ‘Small investment – big effect’, Buchen, Germany-based rotary table manufacturer Weiss GmbH brought eight machine tools ‘up to speed’ with the help of clamping devices from Hainbuch.

“We had to reduce set-up and idle times through optimised precision and shorter machining time, and felt that Hainbuch could support us in this endeavour,” says director of tool management Thomas Schuster.
Together with Hainbuch, the existing clamping programme of conventional three-jaw chucks was promptly analysed and appropriate alternatives were found. The result was the introduction of customised clamping devices for the eight machines.
Hainbuch’s Toplus clamping system (pictured) was implemented to ensure optimal precision with high clamping forces, while the Centrotex quick-change system was also integrated into the manufacturing process to facilitate the rapid change-over of numerous component types.
The large transport cams manufactured by Weiss are soft machined with indexable-insert tools. Viktor Gruslak, acting department manager responsible for cam milling, says: “With the old fixtures we had set-up times of between 2-3 hours for a complete conversion. Now, the overall time is between 10 to 20 minutes. That is a huge saving.”
Asked whether clamping device providers other than Hainbuch were contacted, Schuster says: “At that time, we were extremely thorough in looking over the offerings from all possible vendors, but the Hainbuch solution was the best suited to our parts.”
For further information www.hainbuch.com

Momentum builds to METALTECH 2018

The 24th edition of MetalTech is set to take place on 23-26 May at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

More than 2000 companies from 33 countries will participate, showcasing hundreds of machine-tool systems and products revolving around this year’s theme of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing.
Like many other advanced countries, Malaysia’s manufacturing industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, implementing robotic assembly lines and computer controlled processes. As a result, a number of exhibitors are also showcasing complete assembly line systems, rather than individual machine tools. In addition, visitors will be treated to an opportunity to learn from industry heavyweights through the new live demonstration arena on the show floor, where ‘smartphone manufacturing processes’ will be the theme.
For further information www.metaltech.com.my

Lightweight bending tools simplify set up

The manual installation of upper tools in bending machines can be difficult and time-consuming as the tools themselves are heavy.

By the same token, heavy tools can also be a health and safety concern, especially if the job has multiple different bending requirements.
With new, patented lightweight tools from Trumpf, these problems no longer apply. The tools are over 30% lighter than the previous generation of Trumpf tools and, indeed, claim to be the lightest on the market.
All of the new tools up to 300 mm in length are also fitted with the Trumpf Safety-Click mechanism. As a result, the physical effort involved in installing the tools is considerably reduced which, in turn, leads to shorter set-up times.
These new additions to the Trumpf range are included in the new bending tool catalogue, which is available by email request from tooling@uk.trumpf.com or as a PDF download from the company’s website. As well detailing all the products in the range, the publication includes several tips and tricks from Trumpf bending experts.
For further information www.trumpf.com

Press brake will make aero parts

LVD says it has been awarded an order from Japanese technology company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), via sales agent Itochu Machine-Technos Corp, for its Synchro-Form adaptive bending technology.

The KHI order is for a custom-built, 1000-ton class of Synchro-Form press brake equipped with special tooling to produce large panels for commercial aircraft fuselage structures. Forming such large components to a desired contour is a challenging task and one that will be simplified with Synchro-Form, which maintains angular consistency and the required geometric profile, says LVD. The machine also enables in-process automatic quality control when handling, positioning and bending large parts with multiple bends.
KHI is a key production partner for the Boeing 777X, the successor to Boeing’s popular 777 aircraft. Boeing says that the 777X will be the largest and most efficient twin-engine jet in the world.
LVD’s Synchro-Form press brake meets the tight tolerance requirements demanded of the KHI application and the need for complete automation. The order was awarded to LVD after several bending trials where strict accuracy measurements were satisfied. LVD says that the Synchro-Form press brake will be manufactured at its production facility in Belgium.
For further information www.lvdgroup.com