Work holding equipment manufacturer Roemheld will unveil on its stand (E54 in hall 4) at EMO 2023 a new, smaller version of its electric swing clamp, intended for automatically securing components for machining in areas where space is limited.
The two clamps are said to be the only models on the market to be electrically rather than pneumatically or hydraulically actuated, so are ideal for use when those services are not available.
Whereas the existing, larger model has an adjustable axial pulling force between 3 kN and 9 kN, the latest, compact model is rated at 2.7 kN and has a clamping stroke of 13 mm. Axial movement of only 3 mm is required to swivel the clamp through 180 degrees.
Belleville springs facilitate mechanical reclamping for precise work holding. Safe operation is ensured due to the self-locking spindle drive. The clamping force is maintained even if the energy supply is disconnected. For automation, all commands and information can be transmitted wirelessly via an optional IO-Link connection.
Industry 4.0-ready
On the stand, Roemheld will also show how its work holding technology meets current and future requirements of Industry 4.0. A demonstration will feature different clamping elements such as hinge, swing and bore clamps equipped with sensor technology for automated applications. Integrated clamping force, stroke position and pressure sensors will measure values in real time and feed data back to a display to be monitored and recorded.
The sensor technology offers extensive information about the workpieces and fixtures prior to machining to ensure that a component is correctly and securely positioned. If errors are detected, the process is interrupted so that they may be corrected before production resumes.