Energy Efficient Electro-Mechanical Clamping Reduces Costs

Röhm Products of America (Suwanee, GA) offers electro-mechanically actuated e-QUIPMENT steadyrests, clamping heads, grippers, cylinder systems (with and without through holes) and tool locking systems that are powered by electricity instead of hydraulics, helping to make the concept of all-electric machine tools a reality. Unlike hydraulically actuated clamping units, these energy-efficient e-QUIPMENT clamps only require energy during actuation, eliminating the need for ‘on-demand’ hydraulic power. Additionally, tools are far more intelligent than hydraulically actuated units. The machine control electrically manages clamping forces and strokes, optimally adjusting them to save time and facilitate the processing of delicate workpieces. Forces can be adjusted during operation, such as reducing clamping force during a finishing process to avoid workpiece deformation.

Replacing hydraulics and pneumatics with these electro-mechanically actuated tools can save more than 10,000 kW per year of energy per machine tool, with faster cycle times. Electrical components are also more compact, creating space saving, minimal maintenance clamping and gripping systems. Storage, replacement and disposal of hydraulic fluids is eliminated, along with the risk of environmental contamination.

Röhm also offers the F-senso chuck clamping force gauge that quickly measures the clamping force and rotational speed of 2-jaw and 3-jaw chucks, simplifying regular maintenance checks and ensuring continuous machining accuracy. This device determines the retention force of a chuck in a broad range of machining environments, from practical solid workpiece applications requiring extremely strong holding power to sensitive, thin-walled parts that could easily deform if clamped too hard. Through interchangeable pressure pins, the gauge can accommodate clamping ranges between 3 in and 7 in diameter (75 mm and 175 mm). It measures up to 22,480 lb of force (100 kN) per chuck jaw and rotational speeds up to 8,250 rpm. This gauge can also switch from two to three clamping points in mere seconds.

Operation of the F-senso clamping force gauge, which includes automatic switch-off, is quick: it simply clamps in the chuck with no additional attachments required. The supplied insert aid allows for easy positioning of the gauge within the chuck. Through Bluetooth technology, the gauge wirelessly transmits the measured values in real time to its accompanying tablet PC, which comes pre-installed with highly intuitive measuring and analysis software. The gauge and its complementary components come with a hard-shell case that protects everything from damage and makes for easy transport.

Röhm Products of America, 2500 Northlake Drive, Suwanee, GA 30024, 770-963-8440, Fax: 770-963-8407, www.rohm-products.com.