Automation add-on enables unmanned operation of mechanical vices

Automated operation of clamping devices saves costs and set-up times and thus ensures an increase in profits. With the new RoboBuddy, mechanical vices from the AllLite CentroLite 68 & 125 line and the Titan2 / NC8 series can be opened and closed with an adapter without the need for a human operator.

The big advantage: customers can continue to use their existing manual vices and keep their costs under control without having to resort to hydraulic or pneumatic clamping devices or retrofitted table feed-throughs. The RoboBuddy thus serves as the perfect complement to complete automation downstream. The integration can be realised without a complex conversion of the clamping devices, only two dowel pins have to be taken up to prepare the manual vice.

The automation extension can be attached via a linear guide or directly to the robot arm. The RoboBuddy is equipped with a Modbus RTU interface as standard. This enables reliable data transmission via the RS485 serial interface. Additional interfaces such as OPC-UA or digital I/Os can be made available via an optionally available control unit.

Usually the RoboBuddy is used on the robot including the handle unit. The robot inserts the workpiece and the RoboBuddy closes the vice with a tightening torque of up to 100 Nm. The workpiece is thus securely clamped throughout and can be machined. After machining, RoboBuddy opens the vice unmanned so that the robot can remove the workpiece. RoboBuddy finds the position of the crank pin independently. It can store the position of the crank pin , the clamping force and the clamping width for up to 256 vices and then call them up again.

By adding the RoboBuddy, customers have the option of automating the manufacturing processes with existing resources, even for small batch sizes. In this way, a high degree of automation is achieved in the long term while keeping investment costs as low as possible.

Further features are explained in the following video: https://youtu.be/TqH7H4Q2Jt8

For further information, please contact our customer department at sales@allmatic.de or +49 8377 929-0.

 

Short set-up times with high level of flexibility for 5-sided machining
5-axis vice TeleCentric now also available in jaw width 125 mm

With the TeleCentric 70 K & M centric vice, a centric 5-axis vice is already available, which has won over numerous companies with its unique features. A standard quick-jaw change system, the low-maintenance telescopic spindle and mounting holes for zero-point clamping systems are part of the standard equipment.

The TeleCentric 125 provides an impressive 40 kN clamping force with a tightening torque of just 60 Nm The clamping width reaches from 44 to 227 mm. The minimum clamping width can be reduced from 44 to 11 mm using a clamping width adapter. The interference contours remain independent of the clamping width due to the design of the centric telescopic spindle. Maximum accessibility for 5-sided machining is guaranteed.

The centric function means that no zero point needs to be shifted, ensuring simple programmability. The symmetrical design ensures a centred and parallel position of the workpiece, which guarantees high clamping accuracy. Mounting holes for zero-point clamping systems (centre distance 200 mm) are also integrated in the TeleCentric as standard.

The greatest possible flexibility and the shortest possible set-up times are extremely important, especially in the production of smaller batches. This is why the 5-axis vice is equipped with a quick-jaw change system. The tool-free change of each pair of jaws takes just ten seconds thanks to the quick-release fastener. The vice can be adapted to the workpieces to be machined as quick as possible without tools. Jaws for clamping pre-machined parts, gripper jaws for raw parts and carbide-coated jaws are available for the TeleCentric 125. The jaws of the TeleCentric 70 can also be used on the TeleCentric 125.

Find out more:  Allmatic Bestellsystem / eShop | TeleCentric 125 | purchase online

 

TeleSense Connect, TitanSense and PocketSense: Monitoring and documenting clamping force digitally in Hoffmann Group Connected Tools (HCT)

Clamping force data is essential for reliable production processes. This data is also a relevant factor for the automation of clamping processes. To ensure safe milling of the workpieces, the clamping force of the selected clamping device must be correct during clamping and during machining. This is possible with the new “Sense” technology. In the TeleSense Connect 5-axis vice, the clamping force is constantly monitored directly in the spindle. This ensures secure clamping with high repeat accuracy throughout the entire machining process. The TitanSense 3- and 4-axis vice is also equipped with this technology. The current clamping force can be read directly on the display and can also be transferred wirelessly to end devices. Vices that are equipped without clamping force monitoring can be checked with the new PocketSense. The wireless load cell fits all vices with a minimum clamping width of 61 mm with a minimum jaw height of 39.5 mm and a maximum clamping force of 70 kN.

New: integration of ALLMATIC products in HCT app

All products in the Sense series are now also integrated in the Hoffman Group Connected Tools App (HCT). The determined data can be transferred to a computer, tablet or smartphone.

Connect Sense products wirelessly via the app – measure the clamping force and document it conveniently – done!

Download the HCT app free of charge from the Google or App Store and revolutionise your manufacturing:

 

Handling and application advantages increase productivity

 

ALLMATIC-Jakob Spannsysteme GmbH is expanding its product range for improved 5-axis machining: the new TeleSense 125 vice with integrated clamping force monitoring offers a whole range of benefits for the user. At the AMB 2022 exhibition, visitors can see this for themselves at Stand F51 in Hall 1.

Anyone who wants to achieve optimum results with a 5-axis machine must clamp their workpieces correctly. ALLMATIC-Jakob Spannsysteme GmbH is now launching the new TeleSense 125 vice for this purpose. It offers numerous advantages such as a low tightening torque, integrated clamping force monitoring or universal quick change jaws for short set-up times.

High clamping force with low tightening torque

Users are particularly pleased with the low force required for clamping: 40 kN clamping force can be achieved with a tightening torque of just 50 Nm – made possible by a power-ratio spindle. This sets ALLMATIC-Jakob clamping systems apart from many comparable vices that require 100 Nm and more. Working with the torque wrench allows the clamping force to be defined precisely. “The uniform spanner size is also pleasant, as only one interface is required for force setting and clamping,” explains Felix Kiechle, product manager at ALLMATIC Jakob.

Thanks to the integrated clamping force monitoring, the force is always under control when clamping the workpiece and during machining. Fluctuations or a drop in clamping force are immediately apparent. This reduces errors during machining and protects both – man and machine.

The current clamping force is shown directly on the display on the vice. In addition, wireless data transmission to a terminal is possible. A long battery life as well as simple and quick changing of the batteries keep the clamping force monitoring available to the maximum. On request, the vice is also available without a monitoring unit. In this case, the clamping force monitoring can be upgraded.

Universal quick-change jaws help to reduce set-up times

Another advantage of the vice ist the quick change jaws, which enable short set-up times. A jaw change can be done in less than 10 seconds without tools. The universal quick change jaw covers a wide range of different set-ups. Clamping of parallel, round and irregular parts as well as gripping and draw-down clamping are easy to realise. Components can also be clamped reliably without pre-stamping. “This makes it very flexible fort the user,” explains Kiechle. “I can clamp parts pre-machined on the step, use gripp-studs as well as pre-screw a gripp-strip. If the user therefore don’t has to change the clamping jaw as often, this also results in a reduction in set-up times.”

With a jaw width of 125 mm, the 5-axis vice offers a clamping range of 0 to 206 mm. With an extension element, even 281 mm can be achieved – without conversion or changing the base part. The jaw assortment of the NC8, Titan 2, CentroGripp and T-Rex models can be used. This makes the user flexible.

The TeleSense 125 vice has an optimal design for 5-axis machining. The symmetrical design allows excellent accessibility from all sides. This is important in order to take maximum advantage of 5-axis machining.

The trapezoidal spindle itself adapts optimally to the contour and does not protrude anywhere. Since it is completely encapsulated, it does not get dirty or damaged during machining. The high thread pitch ensures a rapid traverse, in which fast pre-positioning of the workpiece is possible.

ALLMATIC-Jakob Spannsysteme GmbH at AMB 2022: Hall 1, Stand F51

 

Extension of the clamping system range with hydraulic vices for the NC8 and T-Rex 125 series

Allmatic-Jakob Spannsysteme is expanding its range of products to include new hydraulic clamping systems for the NC8 and T-Rex 125 series. Areas of application are machine tools in serial production, as well as areas with a high degree of automation. The hydraulic vices make it possible to clamp workpieces quickly and automatically with a precisely defined clamping force and therefore reduce set-up times while at the same time ensuring high machining quality.

Metal machining is usually done using high-precision CNC machines which must run without interruption to the greatest extent possible. It is therefore important to keep the set-up times as short as possible. Clamping systems for holding the workpieces play an important role here. In serial production in particular, the highest possible degree of automation for recurring machining steps forms the basis for cost-effective production. Hydraulic vices are the first choice here. They allow the workpiece to be fixed in place with high force in the shortest time possible. These constantly repeating clamping processes can also always be carried out with exactly the same force.
Allmatic-Jakob Spannsysteme has expanded its portfolio to include a total of six new hydraulic vices for these tasks: These expand the NC8 (in the sizes 90, 125M, 125L, 160 and 200) and T-Rex series with their tried-and-tested mechanical vices. All hydraulic models allow for “grip clamping” as standard, i.e. the teeth on the jaw “bite” firmly into the unmachined part.
Both series are suitable for materials with a strength of up to around 1,400 N/mm², depending on accessories. Continuous adjustment of the clamping force is done through regulation of the hydraulic pressure on the hydraulic unit, rough adjustment of the clamping range is done mechanically using a hand crank. The clamping systems are equipped with a low maintenance, encapsulated high-pressure spindle, meaning that only minimal effort is required for cleaning. The spindle includes a single-action cylinder with spring reset.
It is also possible to equip clamping towers with the hydraulic spindles. Allmatic also implements individual solutions according to customer requests.

Automating machining centres with NC8 Hydro

The mechanical clamping system in the NC8 series has been successfully used in vertical CNC-controlled milling machines for many years. The new hydraulic variant is a practical alternative, particularly for the automation of 3 and 4-axis machines for serial production. The hydraulic spindle allows workpieces of all types to be clamped quickly and securely with a force of up to 40 kN (up to 60 kN for the NC8-160 and NC8-200 models). The hydraulic clamping stroke is limited to a maximum of 4.5 mm due to safety regulations. The guideway is inductively hardened and ground. The available jaw widths are 90, 125, 160 or 200 mm.
The jaw interface is compatible with the NC8/CL/TC and Titan 2 series. An individual QR code on the clamping system allows for quick access to technical information, accessories, spare parts and contact with the service team.

T-Rex 125 Hydro: Ideal for 5-axis machining centres
The T-Rex 125 Hydro mechanical clamping system has proven itself as a clamping solution which can be used horizontally on vertical, CNC-controlled milling machines. Its strength lies in automated use on 5-axis machining centres in serial production. There, it guarantees secure and rapid clamping of unmachined parts, flame and saw cuts with gripping jaws, as well as clamping of parallel pre-machined workpieces with smooth jaws. Excellent accessibility (low interference contour) which can be further increased with a bracket is a further benefit.
As in the NC8 series, the hydraulic spindle also makes it possible to use support jaws, which can be used to securely clamp unmachined parts of a wide variety of types, from flame and saw cuts through to complex castings. The clamping process is done hydraulically using a pressure switch. Stamping and clamping, as well as continuous adjustment of the clamping force using hydraulic pressure can be done in just one work step. The jaw width is 125 mm, the clamping stroke is 4.5 mm so that the vice can be loaded manually.
The clamping jaws of the mechanical variant can also be used on the T-Rex 125 Hydro.

AllLite – the digital business unit of Allmatic

With a simple and fast online business Allmatic reacts to the needs of its customers for greater agility in the procurement of high-quality clamping devices – since 2017 with the establishment of AllLite. In the online shop customers worldwide can configure the first product family CentroLite online, order directly and receive it within a few days.

All products are reduced to the essential technical functionalities, are produced in optimal design in Germany / Bavaria and exclusively distributed online. And this under the highest Allmatic quality standards. More information at www.alllite.de

Many machining centers have already been waiting for CentroLite

Because CentroLite is the first centric clamp that has all the essential functions, but does not dispense with superfluous, costly features.

The modular centric clamps are produced on demand with a high degree of  automation and the sales channel is exclusively online. AllLite achieves this performance through optimized designs and manufacturing processes that meets industry standards 4.0. This is how AllLite is focusing on demand, especially from single and small series production as well as from companies with market-leading automation solutions.

Less is often more

Not every machining company requires complex clamping systems with as many different applications as possible. On the other hand, numerous companies require machine vices with only a few, but precisely defined, performance features.
Exactly these selected functions deliver CentroLite clamping systems from AllLite point-accurate and cost-effective. Without compromising on the performance – the gripping solution achieves a clamping force of 28 kN, which is an excellent value, without pre-embossing.
CentroLite is thus a flexible, powerful clamping system, which is easily and quickly configured, ordered and delivered in the AllLite online shop and thus offers an unbeatable price / performance ratio.

CentroLite in practical tests

The CentroLite product family has been developed in close co-operation with customers and so they can also report on their experience in the field of practice. Stefan Langguth, for example, owner of the device & machine building in Veilsdorf, was particularly impressed by the ratio of the torque to the spindle (100 Nm) to the clamping force of 30 kN – a perfect grip system!

This in turn ensures an extremely safe voltage with the highest cutting performance and very good vibration behavior and thus provides a high surface quality. “In addition, the stability and repeatability as well as the large span of this small centering clamp have impressed us”, says Langguth.
With regard to accessibility, an increase in the jaws, as well as the use of a console, appeared to the device and machine-tooler to be advantageous. Both points were implemented by Allmatic-Jakob Spannsysteme GmbH in serial production. “As a customer, we even had an influence on the final development of the CentroLite product family, which means real customer orientation for us,” enthuses Langguth. As the owner of a young, growing company, Langguth is also thrilled by the digital distribution channel, which significantly reduces procurement efforts and costs.

Product Variations:
1. CentroLite 68K

  • Smallest center clamp
  • Weight: max. 4.2 Kg
  • Span for tensioners with gripper jaws: 0 – 103mm
  • Span for tensioners with step jaws: 0 – 104 mm

2. CentroLite 68M

  • Weight: max. 5.7 Kg
  • Span for tensioners with gripper jaws: 0 – 163mm
  • Span for tensioners with step jaws: 0 – 164 mm

Accessories:

  • consoles (grid 30, 50, 63 and zero point system)
  • Alignment and fixing sets (T-slot, adjusting screws, clamping set, centering pin)
  • Baking (Gripping, stepping or floating jaws)
  • Workpiece stop (mechanical, magnetic)
  • Other (torque wrench, plug-in insert, screwdriving insert, plug)

Centrolite is compatible with the following zero point clamping systems:

  • GRESSEL gredoc
  • Schunk VERO-S
  • Lang Quick Point 52×52
  • Erowa
  • System 3R MacroMagnum
  • Hilma Quintus 60
  • Roemheld
  • Matzat

This is how CentroLite covers the 8 most common zero point clamping systems.

More on Centrolite

Attractive entry-level clamping system for 3 and 4-axis machining

In its new NC4 series, ALLMATIC-Jakob Spannsysteme will be offering two versatile NC vices for 3 and 4-axis machining from October 2020. The compact vices in 125 and 160 mm jaw widths are operated mechanically and achieve a clamping force of up to 60 kN with just one or one and a half crank turns. With a maximum clamping range of 317 mm, they cover a wide range of conventional clamping tasks. The range of jaws and cast body are compatible with many of the manufacturer’s other series.

The little brother of NC8
With the two vices in its new NC4 series, the manufacturer ALLMATIC is offering a precision solution for many clamping tasks in industrial 3 and 4-axis machining that is both compact and cost-effective. Thanks to the design based on the ALLMATIC NC8 series, the new high-pressure vice with its range of jaws and cast body is compatible with its big brother, whereby the slim design of the NC4 vices concentrates on essential clamping functions. These include finely milled cast bodies, induction-hardened and ground guideways, a thread for workpiece stops as well as low-maintenance and encapsulated high-pressure spindles. Two power ranges are available: Clamping ranges from 0 to 230 mm and 0 to 317 mm as well as clamping forces of 40 kN and 60 kN respectively. This type therefore already covers a wide range of conventional clamping tasks for machining technology.

Ready-to-use quality solution
The customer receives both new high-pressure vices as a complete ready-to-use solution. The new ALLMATIC vices are operated very easily using a hand crank. One real efficiency advantage is that the maximum clamping force of 40 kN (type NC4-125) or 60 kN (type NC4-160) is achieved with just one or one and a half crank turns. Another major plus point is the compatibility of the new vices’ design with the established NC8, LC and TC clamping tool series. This not only ensures that the same clamping jaws can be used for all these series, but also that they can be combined with each other and positioned next to each other – for example, to fix longer workpieces across two or three different clamping tools. The concept of compatibility also means that the new NC4 vices can offer the same maximum clamping forces as their big brothers from the NC8 series. In terms of quality, the user can rely on proven Made in Germany standards.
Since the market launch of the two NC4 vices by the end of this year will also be accompanied by significantly reduced special offer prices, they are recommended as an attractive entry-level solution for many metalworking companies and training firms.

New clamping range adapter for the 5-axis TeleCentric 70M vice

With the new adapter, workpieces from 0 to 200 mm can now be clamped – with just a few handles in just 90 seconds.

On the one hand, uncomplicated and fast handling is an essential quality factor, on the other hand the machine vice must fix the workpiece without compromise and with low vibration. With the clamping range adapter for the TeleCentric 70M we are pursuing precisely this philosophy.

The new adapter reduces the minimum clamping range of the TeleCentric 70 M for stepped and grip jaws from 42mm to 9mm. With the zero jaws, this is even reduced to 0mm. Only 90 seconds and two hexagon socket screwdrivers are needed to mount the adapter. When the clamping range adapter is mounted, however, the maximum clamping range of the step jaws (Art.No.: 6921544010131) is reduced by 40mm. The adapter is compatible with all TeleCentric 70M purchased after 01.10.2020. Older models can be easily converted at ALLMATIC. In the conversion package (375€) ALLMATIC replaces the outer spindle and installs the clamping range adapter.

To clamping range adapter

Allmatic is expanding its tombstone portfolio with the WorkBuddy clamping aid for safe, ergonomic and efficient set-up

Set-up time plays an important role in production: expensive processing machines have to be rapidly retooled and workpieces clamped for processing to minimise downtimes. The clamping of workpieces is key in this process – and what Allmatic-Jakob Spannsysteme specialises in. The manufacturer has now added the WorkBuddy to its clamping system of tombstones. The electronic clamping aid speeds up the loading of tombstones during work preparation and enables ergonomic work that is gentle on the joints. Unwieldy torque wrenches and incorrect tightening torques are now a thing of the past.

Clamping systems are among the most important machine elements for machining centres: a CNC machine can only work quickly and efficiently if workpieces are securely fitted and support the machining process. The fast and reliable clamping of workpieces is essential to ensuring that cost-intensive machine tools are economically efficient. Clamping is generally done using a torque wrench or hand crank inside the machine itself or at an external set-up station. One major disadvantage of this method is the awkward handling – often above head height. This results in physical strain and a loss of working hours, which puts a financial burden on companies. Allmatic has now found a convincing solution for these kinds of clamping processes in work preparation (WP): the WorkBuddy. The WorkBuddy is an addition to the South German manufacturer’s clamping system.

Ergonomic and efficient set-up

The WorkBuddy was developed by Allmatic and has already been used successfully for a long time in the company’s own production for mechanical workpiece clamping. It is mounted on the machine or the set-up station with an easy-to-operate guiding arm. The central tool is an electric torque screwdriver, which is fully adjustable with torques of
20-40 Nm. Thanks to the Allmatic power assist in the tombstones, these torques are enough to achieve the maximum clamping forces (up to 80 kN depending on the type). All it takes is the light press of a rocker switch.
The exact clamping forces are applied once per vice model via a USB interface and called up during the clamping process. This ensures that each workpiece is fixed with the correct torque. All tombstones can currently be operated with Titan 2-/LC-/TC-/NC8- and DUO series spindles.

The maximum opening or clamping speed is 10 mm/s. This is defined by DIN EN 692 as the maximum permissible speed without additional measures for occupational safety. This guarantees short set-up times and minimum. At the same time, the WorkBuddy also relieves the strain on employees at the machine and enables ergonomic work.

 

More on WorkBuddy

ALLMATIC is shifting gears: a delivery time of just four weeks at the most thanks to intelligent planning

As automation moves in, tombstones are gaining ground. However, even so the number of companies that produce them is still relatively small. In most cases, the tombstone is still a special-purpose solutions that has to be custom-made to meet the specific needs of a given customer. This creates unpleasantly long delivery times. “Enough of that,” said clamping device specialists ALLMATIC who now offers a standardised tombstone portfolio for horizontal machining centres that is available for the customer to use in their production facilities within three to four weeks.

lt only takes three steps to click your way through the online navigator and in just a few minutes, you can put together your ideal tombstone, thanks to the new modular product range with a total of 57 available combinations. “Not only have we reduced delivery times, but we are also the only supplier already adding value when customers visit our website thanks to our innovative online configurator,” explains ALLMATIC CEO Herbert Mayr. For now, they are still a niche player in this segment. However, anyone who knows the name ALLMATIC, knows the high quality and service the Unterthingau team endeavours to provide for their customers.

“Standardizing tombstones propels automation,” says Mayr and thus he and his team are trail blazers. All variations of the ALLMATIC tombstones already meet future requirements thanks to their zero point clamping system. With the 3D data and other technical specifications customers can be sure that the solution they have chosen will match their workpieces and machining centres. The online configurator provides support during the selection process, but it cannot be compared to an online shop. “We wish to reduce the internal processing time, but first and foremost the delivery times for our customers. Being in touch with our customers personally remains high priority for us.” Nevertheless, thanks to the intelligent online tools, it will only take a few minutes, not a few days like before, for you can getan offer for your new tombstone.

At the launch of the configurator, ALLMATIC offers nine different spindles and numerous jaw combinations. This way, raw blanks can be machined using the GRIPP technology, as can rough­ machined workpieces with different clamping widths. Up to 2 workpieces can be clamped on either side; the number and positioning of the clamping sides are determined by each individual customer.

“We took our time to think this through and to develop a modular system with which we can beautifully cover most of the specifications.” What was the brilliant idea that the ALLMATIC developers came up with? This supplier has pre-machined workpieces available that only have to be adjusted to meet individual final specifications. Thus, the company that is based in the Allgäu region in southern Germany is less dependent on their own suppliers and can also offer shorter delivery times for the final product in this segment as well.

To tombstone configurator