Process-reliable automation of vises
14.02.2023
There are many ways of automating workpiece holders. They are meant to boost the economic efficiency of workpiece production. This goal can only be attained, however, if the entire manufacturing process runs reliably and without any hitch.
The Erowa VPC (Vise Power Clamp) tooling system guarantees a powerful clamping of workpiece holders, fixtures and workpieces with a pitch of 52 mm or 96 mm. (Source: Erowa)
Erowa’s VPC (Vise Power Clamp) tooling system was developed for precisely that purpose. In combination with the suitable Erowa loading station, it guarantees an automation that is absolutely reliable and trouble-free. In addition, the universal applications of the tooling system allow for the highest degree of flexibility in workpiece production.
The key component is constituted by the two VPC chuck sizes (52 mm type and 96 mm type) and the matching VPC chucking spigots. All the workpiece holders that have been prepared with the common 52 mm or 96 Erowamm pitches can be clamped in the matching VPC chucks.
Preparation is simple: screw the VPC chucking spigots into the workpiece holder, the fixture or the workpiece itself, and tighten it. The time-tested functional and well-thought-out clamping technology of the VPC chuck includes an integrated Z-support, status monitoring and a circumferential seal.
VPC chucks can be attached to the machine table directly or through a base plate. Workpiece holders and workpieces are powerfully clamped in the chuck with 15 kN. Workpieces are exchanged within seconds, and with a repeatability of <0.003 mm.
The VPC chucking spigots are made of high-quality hardened steel and have a long lifecycle. The ground function surfaces ensure optimal run-in behavior into the VPC chuck. This ensures reliable clamping and trouble-free automation.
With the help of adapter pallets, the VPC tooling system can easily be combined with other Erowa tooling systems such as UPC or MTS. In this way, flexibility in workpiece production can be maximised. The automated loading/unloading of machine tools substantially boosts the number of productive hours.
Source: www.etmm-online.com