Automation leads the way

The system, based on patented ‘form-closure technology', requires just 3mm of clamping depth on a square or rectangular workpiece to provide what is described as the maximum holding power at minimum clamping force.

Advantages resulting from this method of fixturing include material savings due to minimal wastage, fast set-up, and unrestricted access for five face machining, which facilitates the use of short cutting tools. In addition, the modular system offers an inexpensive route to unmanned operation during evening hours and weekends.

A specific pattern of indentations is stamped into two opposite sides of a workpiece – a process that takes between three to five seconds using either a bench- or trolley-mounted unit with a maximum between jaws clamping range of 355mm. The stamped workpiece can then be positioned (and, if required, re-positioned to an accuracy of ±0.02mm) in a Makro Grip centre vice, the jaws of which have a matching pattern of holding teeth.

The Makro Grip vice is equipped with precision clamping studs for precise zero point location on a 27mm deep Quick Point pallet. According to Thame, this is the lowest zero point clamping pallet on the market, with clamping of the vice instigated mechanically via a single tightening screw. The workpiece can then be transferred via an integral vertical elevator into an Eco Tower, a space saving vertical configuration magazine capable of storing up to 120 Quick Point pallets.

Stored pallets slide down the Eco Tower's spiral chute under gravity – the number of spirals determining the unit's storage capacity – and are transferred as required to the designated machine tool by an Eco Feed handling unit. This can be fitted with either a uni-axial gripper or, as an option, with a 90º swivel gripper. The floor mounted Eco Tower and Eco Feed units can be sited to provide either a front or side entry load/unload capability for various makes and models of machining centre.

An alternative to the Eco Tower is the Eco Compact, which is the latest addition to the Lang system and a cost-effective load/unload option specifically designed for small batch production. The Eco Compact features a horizontal indexing table capable of holding up to ten Quick Point pallets that are accessed by an integrated Eco Feed handling unit.

Whatever the eventual configuration of a Lang modular automation system, the low pneumatic drive forces involved mean a minimum requirement in terms of housing, enclosure or other form of man/machine safety barrier. This imposes much less restriction in terms of the operator's freedom to access the working environment around the machine tool.

Thame Workholding
www.thameworkholding.com