How Zero Point Clamping Increases Machine Tool Spindle Utilization

To increase productivity, many shops continuously look for ways to better utilize their machines. This is particularly important now, with the increase in demand for manufacturing of individual parts and small batches. Zero point clamping systems are particularly well-suited for this environment, because they can drastically shorten ineffective idle times of machines and systems by connecting workpieces, vices, pallets or devices with the machine table precisely and within seconds. Since multiple pallets can be equipped outside the machine tool during machining time, the machine spindle utilization is extended significantly and can achieve up to 90 percent in set-up time reduction.

Zero point clamping systems from Röhm Products of America (Suwanee, GA) include the Easylock zero point clamping system. With this improved solution, the draw bolt system serves as a precision interface between the pallet carrier and the receiver unit. The pallet carrier can be fitted with vises, stationary lathe chucks, collet chucks and customized fixturing solutions. The benefit of this system is the outstanding repeatability of less than 5 µm. A practical example would be the set-up operator that has to set up a new job on a vertical machining center. The preparation needed to set-up the job could take as long as two hours when all the steps needed to accomplish this are considered: tearing down old set-up, cleaning the table and T-slots, stoning the table to remove nicks and burrs, retrieve new workholding, determine new layout, use a dial indicator, finish the alignment, enter fixture offsets into the CNC control, enter the program, clamp the workpiece, bring the tool to proper Z-position and carefully step through cuts. But by utilizing the Easylock system, all of these wasteful steps are eliminated by an established zero point that is maintained to ensure considerably shorter set-up times for the machine – and is completely automation-ready.

Röhm offers palletizing as well as clamping devices from a single source. The Easylock zero point clamping system can be actuated pneumatically or hydraulically. The prefabricated pallets can be combined in a modular system with a multitude of standard clamping devices. Different sizes with diameters between 62 mm and 138 mm are available. All clamping units consist of stainless steel; the receiver carrier and pallets are designed with high strength aluminium. This system is very well suited for manufacturing processes such as milling, grinding or drilling, as well as for measurement-related processes.

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