The AMB in Stuttgart covers the entire spectrum of metalworking: As the leading trade show, it showcases every area of machining in one location – from machine tools to precision tools and measurement technology, all the way to software, digitization, and automation. In this environment, SCHUNK positions itself as a partner for productive manufacturing that can be reliably designed and developed to be future-proof. "The AMB is all about efficiency in production: less setup time, fewer manual interventions, and more stable runtime. To that end, we showcase clamping levers throughout the machining process: from individual clamping concepts to high-performance comprehensive solutions," says Markus Michelberger, Head of Sales Clamping Technology at SCHUNK in Mengen. A holistic understanding of the process and the optimal interplay between machining and automation are crucial here.
SCHUNK demonstrates how end-to-end automation works in practice using a live application. An AMR (autonomous mobile robot) equipped with a robotic arm handles the transfer between the setup station and the machine tool, integrating the relevant steps into a seamlessly coordinated process. The focus is on the coordinated interaction between VERO-S pneumatic and electric quick-change pallet modules. Pneumatics demonstrates its strengths in applications requiring high forces, dynamic performance and direct machine integration. Electric modules offer advantages in any application where autonomy, mobility and flexible logistics are crucial without a compressed air supply. This illustrates how both technologies can be integrated into a productive, end-to-end system without any disruption, thereby reducing throughput times and increasing efficiency throughout the entire process.
VERO-S quick-change pallet modules are a key component for precise production with optimized setup times. When combined in SCHUNK tombstones, they can also be quickly and easily unlocked as a series of modules. To go along with this, SCHUNK is introducing a new accessory at AMB: the VERO-S taper aligning hook. This retrofittable fail-safe mechanism provides protection when loading and unloading the tombstones and increases process reliability.
Versatile and secure workpiece clamping is also essential for consistent machining processes – especially for small batch sizes and high part variability. That’s what the ROTA THW3 2+2 4-jaw power chuck is designed for. With centrically balanced workpiece clamping, a wide range of workpiece geometries, from round to irregular shapes, can be clamped quickly and flexibly. The fully sealed chuck provides consistent clamping forces and ensures consistently high workpiece quality. Users also benefit from long maintenance intervals. In combination with SCHUNK's extensive jaw range, this offers versatile customization options regarding material and geometry.
The toolholder mounting is also a key factor in machining quality and process stability. For this purpose, SCHUNK offers a product portfolio that is consistently tailored to meet requirements for precision, surface quality, stability, and accessibility. The complete range, from mechanical toolholders to low-vibration precision toolholders and intelligent process optimization, covers every machining task, meeting the tolerance requirements, quality specifications, and interfering contours. The new Tool Guard intermediate sleeves provide additional stability during heavy-duty machining and can be used in SCHUNK toolholders as well as all standard hydraulic expansion chucks. The integrated pull-out protection increases radial stiffness and reduces bending forces on the tool shank, ensuring reliable machining results even with dynamic milling strategies.
The type of clamping system required is determined by the specific manufacturing task. This is exactly where SCHUNK Engineering comes in. When standard solutions are pushed to their limits by workpieces, geometries, or specific process requirements, SCHUNK develops custom-fit clamping solutions, ranging from customized modules to functional assemblies. This is based on a broad portfolio of components and systems, a deep understanding of applications, and a structured engineering process.
This expertise becomes especially evident in an industry context. SCHUNK combines engineering expertise with proven standard and system solutions for a variety of industries. In the aerospace sector, VERO-S Aviation is known for its flexible and low-distortion clamping of setup-intensive structural components. Its compensating system reduces clamping stresses and setup effort. In addition, when used in combination with SCHUNK vibration-dampening toolholders, it ensures high surface quality and dimensional accuracy. For infrastructure applications, the MAGNOS rail clamping system demonstrates how rails, separator switches, and components for rail vehicles can be used for secure, maintenance-free and process-stable clamping for the milling process. The examples show how application-oriented solutions are developed—depending on the specific requirements—from the standard portfolio, modular systems, or custom engineering.