Flat quick-change pallets allow direct clamping of small workpieces

At just 20 mm high, Schunk says its Vero-S NSE mini is the flattest pneumatic quick-change pallet module in the world and, thus, ideal for retrofitting to existing machines to allow direct clamping of small workpieces.

The patented drive of the Schunk Vero-S NSE mini system consists of a fast stroke and a clamping stroke. An integral turbo function provides pull-in forces of up to 1,500 N. Modules are 90 mm diameter, and the 20 mm dia clamping pins are positioned via a short taper and fixed with three clamping slides. Self-locking occurs mechanically using spring force. The large contact surfaces between clamping slide and pin minimise both the surface pressure in unclamped condition and module wear.

The 100 mm minimum clearance between two clamping pins allows particularly small and variable gauges for bore holes for workpiece and pallet clamping. This means even small workpieces can be directly clamped and completely machined from five sides, without restricting access to the lathe chuck or chuck jaw. For this purpose, the clamping pins of the Schunk quick-change pallet systems are screwed directly into the workpiece. The components are quickly exchanged in the machine and are positioned, fixed and clamped with a repeat accuracy of less than 0.005 mm, says Schunk. Workpiece clamping height can be adjusted via module height extensions to allow the machine spindle to reach all five sides of the workpiece without special tools.

To maximise service life and process reliability, the NSE mini and all the other Vero-S modules come fully equipped. All functional components – base body, clamping pin and clamping slide – are made of stainless steel. To avoid chips jamming in the module during workpiece change, the base plate can be provided with a borehole for an air purge connection underneath the opening of the clamping pin. If the modules are to be automatically loaded, the clamping slide positions can also be monitored.

Author
Celia Cadwallader

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Schunk Intec Ltd

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