Future-oriented vacuum clamping technology for upgrading and retrofitting

18.06.2009

The Schmalz vacuum clamping system Innospann for retrofitting all types of machines

Vacuum technology specialist J. Schmalz GmbH (Glatten, Germany) has rounded off its broad range of workpiece clamping technology for CNC woodworking centres with the expansion of its innovative vacuum clamping system Innospann. Innospann enables you to upgrade existing CNC machining centres quickly and easily. The Innospann range is strictly modular in concept and can be used with all makes and types of CNC machining centres, allowing customised clamping technology solutions for efficient make-to-order and small series production. Set-up times can be cut by up to 80%, resulting in greater machine productivity and efficiency.

The modular approach to clamping technology solutions

Innospann’s modular approach offers practical upgrading solutions based on a comprehensive range of basis systems and components, as well as accessories and spare parts. This makes it possible to put together application-specific clamping systems that are still flexible enough to be used for a variety of other clamping applications. Basis elements are selected depending on requirements and assembled on the existing smooth machine table, grid table or console table. The basis elements are then fitted with different clamping elements depending on the workpiece. Five different basis systems are currently available: the “suction blocks for grid tables” system, the “Steel-Plate” system, the “Steel-Plate-T” system, the “Adapter-Plate” system and the “suction blocks for smooth tables” system.

“Suction blocks for grid tables” basis system

Schmalz’s suction blocks for grid tables are compatible with all common CNC woodworking centres with grid table dimensions of 30 x 30 mm, 40 x 40 mm or 50 x 50 mm. The suction blocks are simply inserted into the existing grid and the workpiece fitted with suction cups.
It is also possible to use adapter rings from Schmalz’s accessory range to set different heights for working on complex workpieces from all sides or milling the edges of a workpiece’s lower surface. Suction blocks for grid tables are available in various configurations – as individual suction cups or as suction blocks for accommodating up to four suction cups. Schmalz also offers a comprehensive range of mechanical clamps for grid tables.

The “Adapter-Plate” basis system

Adapter-Plates can accommodate individual suction cups or blocks of up to four suction cups and can be attached directly to Schmalz single-circuit or dual-circuit console systems. Adapter-Plates are also available for console systems from other manufacturers, also accommodating one to four suction cups. This method of clamping is particularly suitable for fastening and clamping narrow, curved workpieces, but can also be used for mixed operation with Schmalz suction blocks for console systems.

The “suction blocks for smooth tables” basis system

The Innospann Mono-Base-G and Quad-Base-G systems can be used all on smooth machine tables. Both variants feature two vacuum connections: the first is for pre-fastening the clamping element to the smooth machine table, and the second is for accurately and securely clamping the workpiece. The Mono-Base-G is an individual suction block, while the Quad-Base-G can accommodate up to four suction blocks. Both systems provide damage-free clamping with maximum clamping power. This ensures high levels of accuracy and reproducibility, making flexible small and medium-sized series production even more efficient.

The Innospann accessory range

The Innospann modular system is rounded off with a comprehensive range of accessories and spare parts – a range that makes Schmalz a single-source supplier of complete retrofitting clamping technology. Alongside the significant reduction in set-up times, the vacuum clamping system Innospann also offers 50% higher clamping power compared to conventional clamping technology. This ensures high process safety, which means more productivity and higher efficiency.

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Questions regarding public relations:
J. Schmalz GmbH Marketing Communications Aacher Strasse 29 D-72293 Glatten	Tel.: +49 (0)7443 2403-506 Fax: +49 (0)7443 2403-9506 presse@schmalz.de

Questions regarding usage:
J. Schmalz GmbH Customer Centre Aacher Strasse 29 D-72293 Glatten	Tel.: +49 (0)7443 2403-105 Fax: +49 (0)7443 2403-9105 kundencenter@schmalz.de

Further information:

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