<![CDATA[News on SCHUNK GmbH & Co. KG and Products]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss en Wed, 22 May 2013 23:19:08 GMT Wed, 22 May 2013 22:19:08 GMT http://217.5.167.5/schunk_files/website_images/schunk_logo_top_navi_v2.gif SCHUNK - Workholding Solutions, Automation Components, Toolholding Components, Gripping Systems, Linear Systems http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22749 Tue, 14 May 2013 01:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[World Premiere: Standardized Long-Stroke Gripper with CFC Housing]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=22749&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
Complete News:
The CGH long-stroke gripper from SCHUNK is a milestone in handling: For the first time SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems succeeded in standardizing a light-weight gripper with CFC housings. The versatile module convinces in terms of energy-efficiency and economic efficiency. It helps to increase dynamics of existing systems, or enables the use of smaller robots.
The standardized CGH light-weight gripper is the result of modern simulation methods, intensive test series, and economic manufacturing processes. The long-stroke gripper benefits from the specific material characteristics of CFC: Its E-value is four times higher, and its tensile force is twice as high as of aluminum. The gripper weight has been reduced about 40%. In order to take complete advantage of the composite fiber technology, and to ensure high stability of the gripper, the SCHUNK development engineers have manufactured the gripper housing according to the specific stress requirements, and used the RTM process. The result is a light and rigid gripper, which has a correspondingly torsional stiffness. At a weight of 11.7 kg, the CGH disposes of a gripping force of 2.500 N, and a variable stroke per gripper finger of up to 160 mm. The gripper can dynamically handle workpieces up to 12.8. The decoupled re-circulating ball carriages ensure that the acting moments will be optimally distributed onto the whole rolling elements. This way an enormous efficiency is achieved: About 90% of the used energy arrives at the finger. Via quantity and distance of the guide carriages, the module can be exactly adjusted to the individual load. For particularly high gripping forces, or very long fingers, the distance between the carriages is increased. Therefore it is possible to use even fingers with a length of more than 1.000 mm, and approximately the same clamping forces will act along the whole finger length. For further increase of the gripper’s efficiency, the stroke can be scaled at damped end positions. The positions "open" and "closed" are adjusted according to the requirements, and the complete cylinder does not have to be aerated and de-aerated at every cycle. This minimizes cycle times, and also reduces compressed air consumption. The scope-free belt-drive and the synchronized fingers ensure that the gripper is also working precisely in case of varying strokes, where small and big components can be alternately handled. Various robots can be directly adapted via an ISO flange.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22816 Mon, 06 May 2013 01:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Universal high-performance lathe chucks]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=22816&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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The ROTA NCD wedge bar power chuck from SCHUNK is extremely versatile. It is used for clamping small diameters as quickly and precisely as large ones. Instead of exchanging lathe chucks and collet chucks, which can be tedious, just the top jaws of the ROTA NCD have to be exchanged against special collet jaws. This minimizes set-up times and allows a considerably higher output.
The most striking feature of the ROTA NCD is its large through-hole, which allows machining of different bar diameters. Particularly for this type of application, SCHUNK has developed and patented collet jaws, which interlock at the front with the base jaws and therefore avoid a lift up of the chuck jaws. Since small bar diameters can also be precisely machined with lathe chucks, users save valuable time and high investments for additional special lathe chucks.

Combined with common top jaws, many versions for I.D. and O.D. clamping can be designed, and users can choose between inch or metric serration. A continuous T-slot in the base jaws allow extreme positioning of the top jaws. In order to fulfill the increasing demand in quality, precision, and performance of turning operations, the lathe chuck is equipped with particularly long base jaw guidances, which optimally support the chuck jaws. The functional parts are hardened and ground on all sides, and also ensure continuous high run-out and repeat accuracy. High speeds can be achieved due to the wedge bar system for force transmission, and the low weight of the base jaws.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22763 Thu, 02 May 2013 01:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[SCHUNK grippers are setting benchmarks in assembly and handling for over 30 years]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/subject_of_the_month.html?article_id=22763&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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Milestones of the 30-years-history of SCHUNK grippers:
1983   SCHUNK Industrial hand - the first standardized industrial gripper
2000   PGN-plus - the first gripper with patented multi-tooth guidance
2006   SDH - industry-proven 3-finger hand for service robotics
2008   LEG - a symbiosis of lightweight design, modularity, and mechatronics
2010   MPG-plus - the miniature parallel gripper with the most compact performance
2011   EGP - the electrically actuated small parts gripper with the most compact performance
2012   5-finger hand - almost as talented as its human model
2013   CGH - the first standardized lightweight gripper with CFC housing
In 1983, SCHUNK the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems introduced the world’s first standardized industrial gripper on the market. The "industrial hand," has been the former designation, and has been the starting point for a fast development of gripping systems which still continues today.
At the beginning of the 1980s, Heinz-Dieter Schunk, the Managing Partner of SCHUNK GmbH & Co KG in Lauffen had a brilliant idea. Inspired by the just starting boom in the industrial robotics he noticed how bulky the individually developed gripping tools on the robots were. Due to the connected pneumatic lines, the modules sometimes had extreme interfering contours. For him it was clear: in order to make robots and other handling systems more successful, grippers are required, which are more compact, lighter, precise, and if possible more cost-efficient than any other solution which was available to date. In 1983, SCHUNK introduced the world’s first standardized industrial gripper on the market. It was comparably light and disposed of integrated air channels. Graduated sizes enabled the designers to achieve particularly efficient solutions. The "industrial hand" from SCHUNK has been the starting point for a thirty-year-story of success. SCHUNK grippers are known for precision, longevity and robustness. They are synonymous for process stability and efficiency in assembly and handling.
From a simple gripper to an intelligent high-tech module
SCHUNK continually sets new standards for grippers with their pioneering spirit. The patented multi-tooth guidance which SCHUNK introduced in 2000 is still considered today as a benchmark in gripping technology. Since it is used in modules such as the world’s well-known PGN-plus universal gripper, it is particularly compact, and is also fast and precise. A short time later in 2006, SCHUNK again performed pioneering work, and introduced a program for mobile gripping systems. In addition to mechatronic rotary units, and efficient lightweight arms, it comprises the industry-proven SCHUNK SDH dextrous hand, a sensitive three-finger hand, and is suitable for various gripping scenarios, and perfect for applications in the field of service robotics. The latest development of this business unit is a 5-finger hand. It is amazing how it resembles in size, shape, and mobility to its human model.
But SCHUNK also paved the way for new types of grippers in the field of industrial robotics. In 2008, the market leader for gripping systems combined three features lightweight design, mechatronics and modularity to its LEG electric long-stroke gripper. In 2011, the company presented a vast program of electrically actuated modules in the framework of their "Mechatronik3" initiative on the market: the electric EGP small parts gripper with the world’s most compact performance, the adaptable EGA long-stroke gripper, and the intelligent and sensitive WSG parallel gripper. The latest gripper generation indicates the direction of this trend. Modern high-tech components allow a unique measure of flexibility at handling processes. With one single module, manifold gripping scenarios can be implemented. The powerful and sensitive modules can handle various components one after the other, and without any set-up time. At every grip the finger position and gripping force are individually adjusted to the workpiece. The required sensor system, the control and regulation technology, as well as a web browser for communication with the higher-ranking system components are already integrated in the gripper. Via intuitively operable programming interfaces, the modules can be easily integrated, controlled and maintained, and no additional software has to be installed via internet.
The world’s largest standard program for gripping systems
When we compare the modern SCHUNK grippers with the industrial hand of 1983, the enormous development step in gripping technology of the past 30 years is obvious. Simple, mechanic components developed to intelligent, powerful, and highly efficient high-tech modules, which allow the users to implement flexible and closely integrated handling processes. Today, SCHUNK offers more than 10.000 components to the world’s largest standard program for gripping modules and a module program for gripping systems which is unique in its own way. It comprises grippers and rotary modules, linear axes, speedy Pick & Place units, mobile gripping systems, and compact robot accessories. Over the years, many intersections of the SCHUNK clamping technology program were formed, and the user benefits from considerable synergies from both business units when using the SCHUNK modules.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22813 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 01:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Greater efficiency with integrated vibration damping]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=22813&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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Manufactures who produce precision turned parts in large quantities have to consider several factors. Tolerances and surface qualities have to be precisely maintained, set-up times, downtimes, and tool wear have to be reduced. The TENDOturn hydraulic expansion toolholders from SCHUNK make everything feasible. The set-up process of the latest toolholder generation of the competence leader in clamping technology and gripping systems has been further simplified.
Users of collet chucks report about impressive successes they have achieved after they changed to TENDOturn. The reasons are numerous: continuous run-out and repeat accuracy of less than 0.003 mm, the easy tool change, the remarkable vibration damping, the compatibility with numerous machine interfaces, and the availability of many shank types convince. Since the toolholders minimize processing-related vibrations, and resulting micro blowouts at the tool’s cutting edge, tool life is prolonged. When using high-quality tools, the investment for mountings amortize within a very short time. Moreover, while process stability increases, tedious readjustments are no longer necessary, scrap rate is reduced, and machine down times are minimized. Instead of troublesome tool adjustments, tool change with the TENDOturn is done very easily - even when the operator has little experience. As soon as the clamping screw has been turned to the bottom with an Allen key, the high-precision toolholder is ready for use. The mounting can be comfortably adjusted via an axial length adjustment screw. Since the toolholder’s dimensions are very compact, it can be used perfectly in machine rooms. Due to its high holding forces, and the precise clamping, it is also suitable for widely projecting rotatable holders and boring bars.

Three variants for all conventional turrets and interfaces
TENDOturn is available in three styles: as a complete solution for the interfaces VDI 25, VDI 30 and VDI 40 with clamping diameters 12 mm, 20 mm, and 32 mm, and a fully cylindrical, modular double clamping insert for driven tools with the diameter combinations 20/12 and 25/20. SCHUNK has further improved this set-up process since the toolholder can be operated via two actuation screws now. One is used for clamping the tool, and the second one fixes the toolholder in the machine. The third version is a clamping insert for lathes, which can be fixed via a Weldon clamping surface in any conventional VDI boring bar holders. This way, the user can benefit from all the advantages of hydraulic expansion technology.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22784 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 01:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Automation and qualification create jobs]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=22784&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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The technology-goalkeeper talk hosted by SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems on Tuesday at the Hanover Show, was prominently manned. The event has been moderated by SKY chief reporter of the Champions League, Jessica Kastrop. Managing Partner of SCHUNK, Henrik A. Schunk, Head of KUKA, Dr. Till Reuter, Volkswagen Senior Brand Manager, Dr. Hubert Waltl, Head of the Stuttgart IFF and Fraunhofer IPA, Prof. Dr. Thomas Bauernhansl, and goalkeeper legend and SCHUNK brand ambassador, Jens Lehmann participated at the talk on the subject "Success Factor Automation" with the result: Automation and qualification ensure production in Germany. They create new jobs, and ensure the first-class quality, which is the reason why the local companies are successful all over the world. The participants agreed that the technological lead of the German industry, and the higher educational standard in Germany, offer the best preconditions for defending their position on the global markets in future. At the same time, they agreed that the success of German companies significantly depend on how far the existing lead can be maintained and expanded. In this connection politicians have to be taken to task to promote the innovation force of the German industry. "Industry 4.0", the dawn of the 4th industrial revolution, bringing another evolution stage in automation will offer Germany in future the opportunity of constantly maintaining the industrial share of the GDP at a very high level.

Key Statements of the Technology-Goalkeeper Talk at SCHUNK:

Henrik A. Schunk, Managing Partner of the SCHUNK GmbH & Co. KG:
"Germany becomes more competitive with every automated process."
Dr. Till Reuter, Chairman of the Executive Board of KUKA Aktiengesellschaft:
"We see exceptional growth potential in China. Two billion people are living in Asia, who will have demands in cars, and other products in the next years. The Chinese are also setting on quality from Germany: On products "Innovated in Germany".
Dr. Hubert Waltl, Senior Brand Manager at Volkswagen Cars for the business unit production and logistics:
"Technological innovations are continuously implemented in our factories. We are able to produce the best cars worldwide, and therefore secure jobs all around the globe. We are able to do so, since we have an excellent team, and a tailor-made educational system."

Prof. Dr. Thomas Bauernhansl, Head of the Institute for Industrial Manufacturing and Factory Operation (IFF), and of the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation IPA:
"Regarding the communication in the field of industrial production we have made great successes so far, and now we are facing the challenge of achieving an open standard. This can be compared with the social networks: Machines and objects will also network in future, and will know from each other, who they are, which demands they have, their history, where they are coming from, and what they have done."
Jens Lehmann, Goalkeeper Legend and SCHUNK Brand Ambassador:
"Goal line technology can heat up the emotions in the stadium. Half of the spectators hope: Goal. The other ones hope: No goal. During this time there is a great tension. This particular moment may create a lot of emotions."

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22576 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 01:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Precision down to the smallest detail]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/subject_of_the_month.html?article_id=22576&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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SCHUNK is significantly expanding its special range for micro machining
Many users have now recognized that they can achieve the best surface finishes and long tool service lives by taking advantage of the high absolute accuracy and dynamic properties as well as the good rigidity and damping values of TRIBOS. Due to high demand, SCHUNK is significantly expanding its range of precision toolholding systems for micro machining this year. New interfaces and a higher level of standardization should contribute to allowing users to increase the process stability and efficiency of demanding precision applications by a noticeable amount. For example, the TRIBOS-Mini designed for high-speed micro applications will shortly be joined by the ground-breaking high-speed HSK-E 20 spindle interface. The clamping technology experts at SCHUNK are convinced that this newly standardized interface is superior to many short taper interfaces due to its accuracy at high speeds. In addition, it needs much less space compared to the HSK-E 25 interface. SCHUNK has designed the robust TRIBOS-RM with an extended L1 dimension of 78 mm especially for high-efficiency 5-axes machining. The super-long high-performer can be used in a striking range of applications: In addition to direct clamping, it is suitable for clamping the smaller shank diameters in conjunction with the standardized GZB-S intermediate sleeves. In order to allow precision machining of hard-to-reach areas, the mount can also be combined with the standardized TRIBOS-SVL tool extension. As a first step, there is the universal 5-axis professional tool for HSK-A 32, HSK-A 40, HSK-E 32 and HSK-E 40 interfaces. The shank diameter is 12 mm in each case. In addition to launching these two new products, SCHUNK is going to expand its range in such a way that many of the previous special solutions will now be included in the standard assortment, meaning they will be available quicker and at a lower price. For example, TRIBOS-Mini will in the future be standardized with ø 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm and 1/8 inch. TRIBOS-RM with ø 3 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm and 1/8 inch. In addition to the HSK-A 25, -A 32, -A 40, -E 25, -E 32, -E 40 interfaces that are already available, both mounts will also be available for HSK-E 20, HSK-F 32 as well as for BT 30 and SK 30.

Whether it comes to die construction, dental technology, medical equipment, or the watchmaking, jewelry, and optical industries - the number of high-precision applications for micro machining has risen enormously in recent years. Anyone who wants to take an efficient approach to delicate tools, high spindle speeds, and extreme requirements for precision need to have clamping systems that offer stable processes even at the margins.
In view of smaller shank diameters, ultra-fine structures, tight spaces, and minimum tolerances, many toolholding systems have got to fit in advance in the micro machining area. Equally, many mounts that achieve excellent results in brand-new condition turn out to be a real thorn in the side for users over the course of time. The reasons are varied: A tailing-off in concentricity properties, defective eccentricity or dirt penetration are some explanations, as are seized tools or difficulties with tool presetting. Even with precision toolholders, it is well worth taking a closer look.
In order to achieve exact results in micro machining, the toolholder should have a concentricity and repeat accuracy of less than < 0.003 mm. Remember this applies to an unclamped length of 2.5 times the shank diameter. Due to the high rotation speeds, it is also a good idea to have a balancing grade G2.5 at 25,000 rpm. It is important for these values to be guaranteed in the long term. In many systems, material fatigue as a result of friction or heat mean that the mountings gradually lose their high precision, and tolerances can no longer be maintained. Contamination can represent a similar problem: If even the tiniest chips get into the mount and become jammed there, this can have a negative effect on the balancing grade. With every clamping procedure, the toolholder then loses precision because the chips cause wear inside the mount. This effect can sometimes arise very quickly, above all with multi-piece toolholders, such as precision collets. Specially sealed toolholders can provide protection against this, as can painstaking thoroughness during the tool change and regular, intensive cleaning.

It is worthwhile comparing systems
If you compare the relevant clamping systems with each other, polygonal clamping technology - patented by SCHUNK, the leading expert for clamping technology and gripping systems - performs outstandingly well: With heat shrinking technology, cooling lubricants evaporate leaving residues in the clamping diameter, and it is sometimes necessary to install a ventilation system in addition to the expensive, energy-intensive heat shrink unit. With polygonal clamping technology, however, the strain on the budget, the environment and the health of operators is reduced. It is not even necessary to use electricity for the clamping procedure. Furthermore, heat shrink holders quickly reach their limits when it comes to small shank diameters: Due to the thermal effects and different coefficients of thermal expansion between the holder and tool, expensive micro tools become seized time and time again, and cannot be released from the mount. Even if things do not get so far, heat shrink toolholders frequently lose their concentricity accuracy by being repeatedly heated up and cooled down over the course of time.

Remarkably simple clamping principle
In contrast to this, with TRIBOS Polygonal Clamping Technology, the concentricity and repeat accuracy of < 0.003 mm are reliably maintained with an unclamping length of 2.5 x D over several thousand clamping procedures. With a balancing grade G 2.5 at 25,000 rpm, the toolholders suitable for high speed machining are able to meet even the most demanding requirements. They are suitable for all tool shanks in h6 quality, and have been tested at up to 205,000 rpm depending on the type. To judge from users in the micro die construction field, TRIBOS is the first system ever to achieve reliably precise results when using milling cutters with a cutter diameter of 30 µm.
Instead of a round locating hole, the toolholding system from SCHUNK has a polygonal locating hole for the tool. When a defined pressure is applied from outside using a clamping device, the locating hole deforms within the permanently elastic range, resulting in a cylinder. In this condition, it is easy to insert the tool into the holder. Then, the external pressure is reduced and the elasticity of the material causes the inner diameter to return to its original, polygonal shape. The tool is thus clamped in a force-fit grip by the inherent stress within the steel. This applies even for the smallest shank diameters of as little as 1 mm. Polygonal chucks are exclusively radially deformed during the clamping procedure. Consequently, there is no expansion in the length. This guarantees that tools can be preset with a minimum tolerance of 0.01 mm in length - and this in itself is a significant advantage compared to thermal shrink holders which generally undergo what is referred to as settling, in which the preset length dimensions are reduced during cooling. Polygonal clamping technology also offers advantages compared to collet-style holders: The clamping principle means the system does not have moving parts. This makes the precision toolholders insusceptible to mechanical damage, as well as ensuring clamping without maintenance or wear over long periods. Compared to multi-piece chucks, they are also much easier to clean. In order to rule out contamination from outside, the slits on the front of the TRIBOS mounts can additionally be vulcanized if required.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22746 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 01:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Quick-change fingers increase flexibility of assembly systems]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=22746&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems, has transferred its extensive experience with quick-change systems to the design of gripper fingers. The innovative family-owned company introduces a new type of finger blank with a quick-change system already integrated as a standard feature. The quick-change fingers allow users to minimize setup times when changing over to a new parts spectrum, resulting in increased productivity and flexibility of the overall system. Compared with conventional jaw changing the new system reduces setup times by up to 90 percent. An easily accessible, form-fit locking mechanism ensures that the finger is changed in a matter of seconds, with perfect repeat accuracy, by turning an Allen key 90 degrees. As opposed to other common solutions that are available, bore holes extending through the entire finger are no longer necessary, giving users the added benefit of maximum freedom in the design of the finger contour. The fingers can be adapted over their entire length to the respective workpiece, without having to worry about jaw changing and the corresponding screw connections. The finger blanks featuring integrated quick-changing are available in aluminum (ABR-BSWS) or steel (SBR-BSWS). They can be used with all SCHUNK premium grippers and with numerous other gripper modules.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22597 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 01:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Service Robotics: A Vision becomes Reality]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=22597&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
Complete News:
Dr. Roko Tschakarow, Business Director Mobile Gripping Systems at SCHUNK, speaks about the future and the challenges of service robotics.
1. Dr. Tschakarow, the motto of the this year’s SCHUNK Expert Days on Service Robotics is, "Vision becomes Reality." How far has service robotics evolved since then?
In the meantime, service robotics developed to become a veritable economic factor. Almost all the large industrial groups have service robotics on their agenda. Moreover, the interest of associated companies in start-ups of service robotics has greatly increased.

2. What are the biggest challenges at the moment?
Three central issues will determine the coming years: safety for humans and material, the legal framework, and the development of efficient system manufacturers and integrators for service robotics solutions as an interface between manufacturer and user.
3. Let’s have a look at the technology. What kind of progress do you expect?
By using efficient and cost-effective sensors it will be possible in the future to control the performance and force of service robots according to the situation and in real-time. A second important issue is the usability. Operation of service robots has to become easier and more intuitive than it has been the case to date.

4. You mentioned the legal frameworks. What kind of frameworks are there?
There is the question of liability in case of applications with unmanned systems for example, and also data protection plays an important role. And, lastly, service robots have to record, process, and store a wide range of data in order to navigate safely.

5. What do you expect from the system manufacturers and integrators?
Similar to the conventional industrial robotics, someone has to combine modules and solutions, but also software and periphery with each other, so that user’s requirements are optimally met. System manufacturers and integrators may also take over these interface functions into service robotics. There may be established providers or new companies, which have specialized in applications of service robotics.

6. What kind of new products can we expect from the Mobile Gripping Systems from
SCHUNK will consistently expand and further develop its module program for mobile gripping systems. The most recent example for this is the anthropomorphic 5-finger hand, where we successfully have integrated the electronics in the wrist. In future, tactile sensors will also give the necessary sensitivity. This fact is important, if gripping and handling tasks also have to be carried out in unstructured and unpredictable environments. For our efficient lightweight arms we have the goal to simplify operation and control in future. It is our long-term goal that users in private and business environments will be able to easily use our modules and assembly groups even if they don’t have experience in programming mechatronic systems. Additionally to our mechatronic gripping modules and lightweight arms, we will also push the development of highly integrated drive assemblies for mobile platforms forward in the forthcoming years.

Thank you for the conversation Dr. Tschakarow.


Dr. Roko Tschakarow
Dr.-Ing. Roko Tschakarow, born 1968 in Berlin, and is married, with two children. He manages the business unit Mobile Gripping Systems at SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems. During his studies of electrical engineering (with a focus on automation and control technologies), he has gained his first professional experiences as a self-employed entrepreneur in a newly founded company in the automation sector. Within the framework of a strategic merger, he changed the company in 2003 to SCHUNK GmbH & Co. KG in Lauffen, where he is responsible for the business unit Mobile Gripping Systems. Dr. Roko Tschakarow is considered industry-wide as a proven expert for highly integrated mechatronic solutions for assistant tasks.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22771 Tue, 26 Mar 2013 01:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Mobile gripping systems: catalog and website completely revised]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=22771&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
Complete News:
The 6th Expert Days on Service Robotics have only just concluded and SCHUNK has already added a new touch to mobile gripping systems: a new catalog and the newly designed website provide an up-to-date overview of SCHUNK's wide ranging module selection for mobile applications in service robotics.
Included in this selection are the Powerball Lightweight Arm LWA 4P and the Dextrous Lightweight Arm LWA 4D, the SDH servo-electric 3-Finger Gripping Hand, the intelligent WSG 2-Finger Parallel Gripper, the PG-Plus 2-Finger Parallel Gripper, the FTM Force Torque Module and the FWS Flat Change System. On top of that, there is lots of information on application examples and applications in industrial practice. A PDF of the "Mobile Gripping Systems" catalog can now be downloaded from the website free of charge.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22713 Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[red dot Award for the Powerball Arm from SCHUNK]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=22713&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems has reason to celebrate: The Powerball Lightweight Arm LWA 4P wins the red dot Award: Product Design 2013. The exclusive principle of design behind the powerful lightweight arm convinced the jury of 37 experts of the internationally renowned competition even though the field of applicants was very large: This year the number of submissions amounted to 4,662 submissions in 19 different categories.
The Powerball Lightweight Arm LWA 4P is a compact and agile helper for stationary and mobile applications in the field of service robotics and industrial handling. Its wrist moves fluidly, even in confined spaces, and operates within a gripping radius of 700 mm and at a repeat accuracy of 0.06 mm. Due to the fluent play of the arm’s motions, it is not visible what a powerhouse hides behind this smoothness. A sophisticated design prevents the risk of crushing and shear movements, and offers optimum pre-conditions for use in the direct environment of humans.

Perfect symbiosis of mechanics and electronics
Central elements of the lightweight arm are three compact Powerball modules, which combine the movements of two axes with each other. The complete open and closed loop control unit is integrated into the multi-joint links. Position, speed, and torque can be flexibly adjusted. Since the supply lines for grippers and tools are fully lined in the interior, disturbing and error-prone cables on the periphery are no longer necessary. Due to the integrated intelligence, universal communication interfaces and cable technology for data transmission, and power supply, the arm can be quickly and easily incorporated into existing control concepts. Via a manual control unit with touch display, it can be easily taught and instructed. The mechatronics experts from SCHUNK have given special attention to the power supply and power consumption. A 24 V DC supply allows mobile applications at changing locations. A consequent lightweight design and torque motors of the latest generation reduce the energy consumption of the lightweight arm to an average of 80 W.
In the course of the announcement of the prize winners, Prof. Dr. Peter Zec, initiator and CEO of the red dot indicated that high design competence and economic success are going hand in hand today. "The winners of the red dot award product design 2013 are protagonists of a highly developed design culture and design economy. Today it is becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate well-designed products from each other. Often features are only visible if you are looking at the details. Product creations which stand the critical eyes of the international red dot jury, will not get lost in the mass, and will assert themselves in global competition."

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22595 Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[5-Finger Hand now also contains electronics]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=22595&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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SCHUNK has optimized its 5-finger hand concept study. The motor controllers have been completely integrated in the wrist of the latest anthropomorphic gripper hand, and therefore very compact solutions are available now. Via defined interfaces, the gripper hand can be connected with the lightweight arm, which is already on the market. For mobile applications, the energy supply of the 5-finger hand requires a battery-servable 24 V DC. In the first version the hand is controlled via a serial Bus. Now the gripper hand is available as a left and right hand version. It is amazing how much it resembles its human model in size, shape, and mobility. By means of nine drives, its five fingers can carry out various gripping operations. Moreover, numerous gestures can be constituted, whereby the visual communication between human and service robot is simplified, and the acceptance for applications in the human environment are increasing. The use of tactile sensors in the fingers will grant the necessary sensitivity of the gripper hand for mastering gripping and manipulation tasks even in unstructured and unforeseeable environments. Elastic gripping surfaces ensure a reliable hold of the gripped objects.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22563 Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Rapid Pick & Place for loads up to 5 kg]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=22563&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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The linear directly driven Pick & Place units of the PPU-E series from SCHUNK are considered to be the fastest pick & place units on the market. The largest size PPU-E 50, is an expert for dynamic handling of medium-weight masses up to 5 kg. For a complete cycle with a 280 mm horizontal and 150 mm vertical stroke the unit has a cycle time of 0.92 seconds with a tooling mass of 2 kg and 2 x 60 ms (for gripper).
As the two smaller sizes PPU-E 15 and PPU-E 30, the PPU-E 50 is also moved via a wear-free direct drive, and not by a guidance transmission. This minimizes the maintenance effort, increases the continuous repeat accuracy, and simplifies programming. Since the unit is equipped with two stationary motors, and the unit does not require movable and therefore susceptible motor cable, there are no cable breaks or system malfunctions. With its rapid cycle times, and excellent repeat accuracies of 0.01 mm per axis, it is setting standards for assembly of medium-sized parts in the electronics, consumer goods, and pharmaceutical industry. Every supply line for current, control unit, sensor system, and pneumatics are plugged into the stationary connection at the rear side. Cable breaks and system malfunctions do not occur. The flexible and freely programmable unit is designed for a vertical stroke up to 150 mm, a horizontal stroke of 280 mm, and a moving mass of 5 kg. Its maximum acceleration amounts to 100 ms-2, and the maximum speed to 4 ms-1.
Excellent repeat accuracy
The narrow housing and the media supply via the back panel allows a compact, maintenance and assembly friendly sandwich construction of several units next to each other. Two integrated position sensors control the vertical and horizontal movement, and thus ensure a high repeat accuracy. Intelligent controllers can control the cantilever arm and the actuators without a master control system. The required software is already integrated so the unit can be easily commissioned by Plug & Work.

Up to six integrated valves provide all pneumatic tooling with air. This minimizes compressed air and energy consumption, and ensures enormous high cycle frequency. The energy- and time-efficient unit seamlessly fits into the module program of the innovative family-owned company, and can be equipped via a uniform interface with various actuators from the modular system for modular high-performance assembly. Besides the basic version without gripper interface, the PPU-E 50 is available in six different configurations: with two, four, or six air and sensor connections, a vacuum interface, and on option, with a venture nozzle or an aggregate. Moreover, the Z-axis can be equipped with a spring-loaded compensation, and a parking break.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22192 Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Life quality with more "grip"]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/subject_of_the_month.html?article_id=22192&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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Assisting systems can be operated by amateurs, too
The lightweight arm is programmed via a suitable interface. The motion planning is set up on it and is transferred to the interface. The individual movement strategies were developed by IAT. According to Christos Fragkopoulos, employee at IAT, programming of the lightweight arm has been easy. "We control the speed or current via the interface. How the modules are working with each other depends on the individual program. This belongs to the scientific work which has been carried out by IAT," said Fragkopoulos. Since the system is based on a modular design, and each component has been individually programmed, individual modules can be used quickly and easily on request. For enabling robotics amateurs the operation of assisting systems, the IAT has developed with the support of Lena Kredel an understandable user interface for controlling the lightweight arm.
The results are impressive: At the beginning, the pure handling time for an individual book has been about 17 minutes, now Lena Kredel requires between five and seven minutes for handling, and for cataloging about 15 minutes. In the next step reliability of the system shall be further increased. The aim is to achieve a success rate of 99.9% over the course of time. According to Torsten Heyer, the model project "ReIntegraRob," sponsored by the Integration Office in Bremen with 400.000 Euro, shows the hidden potentials of assisting robots. "After an integration and orientation phase, users can work full-time in the ideal case without requiring a personal assistant."
Service robots are suitable for several fields of application. They can be used for defusing explosive devices, for milking cows, or for mopping floors. According to many experts in the field, they will be used in the professional area more and more frequently as an assisting robot for humans - for industrial applications as well as also for care and rehabilitation.
Lena Kredel suffers from multiple sclerosis. She cannot move her arms and legs, but nevertheless she is working. The literary scholar originates from Bad Segeberg, and does an apprenticeship as Liberian at the University of Bremen. The particularity: She is using the service robot "Friend" as a tool, and its lightweight arm allows autonomous environmental interaction. Now the robot specialists from the Institute for Automation Technology (IAT) Bremen have modified the mechatronic helper so that Lena Kredel can independently catalog the books in the university’s library.
"Friend is a stroke of luck for me," said Lena Kredel. The abbreviation "Friend" stands for "functional robot arm with user-friendly interface for disabled people". - This sounds a little bit lengthy, and at the first glance it also looks a little bit bulky: The electrically powered wheelchair is equipped with a monitor, all sorts of sensor systems, and a lightweight arm from SCHUNK. With a joystick at her head and via voice recognition, Lena Kredel controls her assisting robot, records books in a standard software for libraries, and uses a normal internet browser for research. In the course of time "Friend"really became a kind of friend for her. Using "Friend" has brought her a lot of pleasure, and it is obvious that Lena enjoys the attained freedom and independence.
Human and robot are working hand in hand
Since 1997, the IAT Bremen has conducted research on robot-supported assisting systems. Today, the solution which is used by Lena Kredel is the fourth generation. The system is based on a concept of shared autonomy. Things which can be independently solved by the robot, are done by the robot itself. If it reaches its limits, the user intervenes for correcting the gripping position, or if unforeseen disturbances occur. According to Torsten Heyer, project manager at IAT, presently about 95% of all processes can be solved this way without any external help. For ensuring perfect teamwork, the environmental conditions are autonomously recorded via a three-dimensional camera and an infrared camera which are positioned over the head of the user. When Lena Kredel starts the system, the camera locates the bookshelf, the books, and the storage position automatically. Then the lightweight arm approaches the determined position autonomously. Markers and colored markings are used by the system as a point of reference. The control of the whole gripping system is carried out by Lena Kredel. For this purpose, the system has been equipped with numerous features, which allow assessment and control of the gripping process. A camera at the robot gripper continuously transmits live pictures of the gripping process, which are immediately visible for the user on a monitor. At the same time the camera can be used as a reading lens which makes even small print readable. If the system should approach its limits, Lena Kredel intervenes.
Frau Kredel is working with the assisting robot Friend for over a year. How quickly did you familiarize yourself with your mechatronic helper?
Lena Kredel: At the beginning I had respect of this monster. When I started to train with the system I said to my assistants, "I have to go into the robot again today." Then I gradually learned to deal with "Friend," and quickly recognized the advantages. Later when I have been able to maneuver the vehicle unerringly with the joystick, my concerns disappeared.

Did you have experience with electric wheelchairs before?
I always had the feeling that electric wheelchairs are too obtrusive. However, I quickly familiarized with "Friend," even though it is so bulky.
What is your benefit?
The system enables me to participate in the working life again. I have my job in the library, and I make a contribution in optimizing this robot.

How did your friends react when they heard that you are going to work again?
The reactions were very different. Some didn’t understand me why I would expose myself to the work burden since I am handicapped. For me it is an enrichment doing something useful, and I am proud of being able to work independently.

Could you imagine that a service robot may replace your assistants one day?

I am skeptical since my apartment is too small for such a system, and since my social and personal contacts are very important to me.
Are there any situations where you would wish to have such an electronic helper?
In case of personal matters, the technology can be very valuable help. I am already using technical solutions for writing letters or for making a phone call. They make me independent. But I can also imagine such an assistance system for eating.

Why using it for eating?
People are eating in a different way. This can always lead to unpleasant situations during feeding. Here a robot may help. The IAT institute has already developed first concepts in this field of application with "Friend."

Thank you for this conversation Ms. Kredel.

Versatile lightweight arm
The central element of the assisting robot is a gripping arm in modular design with seven degrees of freedom, whereby three are used for orientation, three for positioning, and one for bypassing obstacles. In contrast to classic industrial robots, the lightweight arms are designed for automating changing works in the direct environment of a human. These include inspection and assembly tasks, and also the use of assistance systems. A permanently high repeatability of +/- 0.1 mm ensures optimum preconditions for precise gripping operations. It is portable, or designed for mobile utilization. The maximum payload amounts to 10 kg. At a battery-servable power supply of 24 V, the average power requirement is below 3 A. If no socket should be available, or if the system is used completely mobile, the assistance robot may be self-sufficiently operated by the standard wheelchair battery for about two to three hours. Since the power consumption of the gripping arm is below 100 W, the risk of injury of the standard version is very low. In order to exclude even this risk, the IAT Bremen additionally equips the assistance robots with force-moment sensors and sensors for spacial monitoring. Since the drive amplifier and controller are directly integrated in the lightweight arm, the system does not require a control cabinet. The complete control and regulation electronics are integrated in the joint drive. Position, speed, and torque can be flexible adjusted. Due to the integrated intelligence, universal communication interfaces and cable technology for data transmission and power supply, the arm can be quickly and easily integrated into existing concepts. Moreover, it is controlled via an embedded personal computer. Due to the light, rigid design it works particularly energy-efficiently. This pays off in terms of long run-times during mobile applications.
]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22566 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Extremely flat pneumatic Quick-Change Pallet Module]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=22566&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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With a height of 20 mm, the Quick-Change Pallet Module VERO-S NSE mini from SCHUNK is extremely flat. This provides ideal conditions for retrofitting existing machines, making full use of the engine room, and allows direct clamping of small workpieces. The patented drive concept consists of a fast stroke and a clamping stroke, and ensures that the compact module of the innovative family-owned company has a highly compact performance. At a module diameter of 90 mm, and a clamping pin diameter of only 20 mm, the NSE mini also has integrated turbo function and enormous pull-in forces of up to 1500 N. The clamping pin is positioned via a short taper and is fixed with three clamping slides. Locking is done mechanically via spring force. It is self-locking and form-fitted. The large contact surfaces between clamping slide and pin minimize the surface pressure in unclamped condition, and also the wear of the module.
Since the minimum clearance between two clamping pins amounts to 100 mm, the NSE mini has particularly small and variable gauges for bore holes for workpiece and pallet clamping. It provides flexibility in the field of zero point clamping which has never been seen before. Even small workpieces can be directly clamped, and are completely machined from five sides without restricting accessibility of the lathe chuck or chuck jaw. For this purpose, the clamping pins of the Quick-Change Pallet Systems are directly screwed in the workpiece. The components are quickly exchanged in the machine, and are positioned, fixed, and clamped in the the Quick-Change Clamping Modules at a repeat accuracy of less than 0.005 mm. In order to optimize accessibility, the clamping height of the workpieces can be adjusted with module height extensions, and therefore the machine spindle can reach all five sides of the workpiece without needing special tools.
For maximizing service lifetime and process reliability, the NSE mini and all the other VERO-S modules are fully equipped by default. All functional components, base body, clamping pin, and clamping slide are made of stainless steel. Moreover, the maintenance-free modules are protected against chips, dust and coolant. In order to avoid chips jamming in the module during workpiece change, the base plate can be provided with a bore hole for an air purge connection underneath the opening of the clamping pin. If the modules will be automatically loaded, the clamping slide positions can also be monitored. Like all of the SCHUNK Quick-Change Pallet Modules, the VERO-S NSE mini is integrated in the world’s largest modular system for highly efficient workpiece clamping, which can be combined with a great variety of clamping pallets, clamping devices and multi clamping stations. Set-up costs of up to 90% can be saved with this clamping system.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22024 Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Manual work - made by robots]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/subject_of_the_month.html?article_id=22024&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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Automated tool change
Even for changing grippers, tools and other effectors, the fitting robot accessory can reduce manual works or even replace them. While a trained operator needs between ten and thirty minutes for manually retrofitting a pneumatic effector, a quick-change system settles the same operation in ten to thirty seconds, whereby the mere locking and unlocking operation is done in milliseconds. The use of the speedy changing systems makes sense if systems are regularly adapted to new products and product variants, where various effectors are necessary for handling or machining, or where downtimes due to maintenance work of components and tools need to be minimized. As a general rule, they consist of two components: A quick-change head which is mounted at the robot arm, and a quick-change adapter which is connected with the tool. During tool change both parts are automatically or manually coupled and at the same time all the electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic feed-throughs are connected with each other. This ideally happens pneumatically via a patented self-retaining locking system, and is controlled via integrated sensors. Since the orientation of the effector is already defined by the quick-change system, no time is lost for its readjustment.

Assembling, deburring, polishing - complex tasks can now be undertaken by robots, which traditionally were manually done in the past. In this connection, technologically advanced robot accessories play an important role.
Sensors are playing key roles in many manual jobs that are now being undertaken by robots. Force-moment sensors for example are able to precisely identify process parameters, and to transmit them to the control unit. If the robot path is readjusted in real time on the basis of this data, constant forces and therefore exactly reproducible results can be achieved. Modern, standardized sensor solutions are compact, can completely merge with the actuator, and are easy to operate.

Sensors have a hidden potential
The currently most versatile force-moment sensor for industrial automation measures forces and moments in all six degrees of freedom. The sixth axis is equipped with an interface for robot control, whereby connection is considerably simplified. The high-precision sensor disposes of a high-speed data output with up to 7000 Hz, five possible communication protocols (Ethernet, Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, Profinet, and a CAN-Bus interface), remote control via LAN, a configuration via web interface, and a unique interface compatibility is offered for many applications. It can be used for product tests, robot assemblies, machining tasks such as grinding and polishing, robot surgery, and for applications in the fields of rehabilitation, neurology, and others. Since the sensor also allows highly dynamic control concepts, it can also be used for automating difficult assembly, machining, and finishing tasks, which have in the past, either done by hand, or with complex special machines.
Tactile sensors belong in the top class of modern sensors. They allow site-resolved monitoring of the gripping force and surface. This way, it is possible to identify objects and to grip sensitively at the same time. With tactile sensors, fragile parts with different geometries can be reliably and safely handled. Moreover, it is possible to position and join changing objects. In the future, tactile sensors will particularly play an increasing role in the field of service robotics. They transform gripper hands into sensitive helpers, and can also be effectively used in complex and disordered surroundings.

When choosing a quick-change system, users and system integrators should take care of a possibly low weight-force ratio, short changing times, and exactly dimensioned energy transmission modules. Modular systems are particularly economic, if various electronics and fluid modules can be combined with each other depending on the application. If locking and unlocking is carried out without force, it would be ideal if a so-called no-touch locking system is used, which also ensures safe locking if there is a clearance of a few millimeters between head and adapter. Heavy-duty changing systems are suitable for handling of heavy workpieces, and work with heavy grippers, vacuum spiders, hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically driven machining spindles, applications with rivets, welding tongues, or bolt welding with automatic material feeding. Moreover, they can be used in the automotive industry, where assembly or press bonding is common. Due to their high performance, they can be also used for set-up of flexible production lines, where light and heavy workpiece are alternately machined.
Quick-change systems are particularly valuable if they are equipped with a uniform mounting flange on all four outer surfaces. They offer more space for modules and feed-throughs, and they supply coupled effectors pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically. There is one exception, the signal module, which is coupled and decoupled via the quick-change system, but the remaining three sides can be randomly equipped. The vast SCHUNK program on robot accessories also offers high power modules, self-sealing fluid modules, bus transmission modules, and servo modules. On request, they can be customer-specifically adapted. The variety of electronic modules offered by the family-owned company for controlling the actuators and sensors is also second to none. It comprises modules for Profibus, CAN, RS232, and Ethernet TCP/IP, too.

Accessories for grinding, polishing and deburring
Robot accessories are particularly available for undefined processing methods such as grinding, polishing, brushing and deburring, are process-reliable, and the use of sensors is not necessary. They compensate tool wear and inaccuracies in workpiece positioning, as well as deviations of the robot arm from its given path. Thus the quality of the machining result is improved, and programming time can be reduced by up to 75%. Deburring spindles imitate the manual deburring process as accurately as possible. They are working at speeds of up to 65.000 rpm. Their spindle and motor system is flexibly seated on a self-aligning bearing. Several small pneumatic pistons ensure that the spindles can compensate up to nine millimeters in radial or axial direction, and therefore the compressed air motor can move relative to the housing, and compensates deviations between the tool path and the actual workpiece contour. A uniform result is always achieved, even if parts are irregularly shaped. The rigidity of the deburring spindle can be controlled via a separate air connection, and clean chamfering edges are ensured at every installation position.
Compensation units ensure that the required flexibility between effector and robot arm during joining, assembling, or insertion by the robot is ensured. They help to avoid system disturbances and damages, and are increasing process reliability. Flexibility in two directions is defined via springs with adjusting screws; in three directions via elastomer elements. Since the units do without pneumatic elements, they are very flat and excellently suitable for applications in confined spaces. Smoothly running roller guides even compensate low compensation forces without stick-slip effects. Spring-actuated re-setting pistons ensure a high repeat accuracy.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22010 Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Rapid Module for short strokes]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=22010&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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Horizontal or vertical: if small, highly dynamic loads need to be moved over short distances, the linear directly driven SLD short stroke module from SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems is up for the challenge. Compared with its predecessor module, the high-performance servo motor of the LDK is achieving a 15% higher nominal force. As with almost every module from the new LDx series from SCHUNK, the LDK modules can be equipped with an absolute encoder by default, which ensures an excellent repeat accuracy 0.01 mm per axis. Time-consuming reference runs while starting up the plant, or after emergency stop situations, are no longer necessary. Moreover, the modules of the innovative family-owned company no longer need end or reference sensors, and investment costs, programming effort and the number of cables per cable set is greatly reduced. The drive force of the servo motors is transmitted by scope-free, high-precision drive elements directly onto the slide. This particularly pays off for highly dynamic joining and placing processes in terms of extremely short cycle times, maximum precision, and permanently high process reliability. Since the modules have very few parts that would require maintenance, failures due to breakage is almost none existent. Depending on the requirements, the LDK modules can be equipped with long slides, mechanic supports for a higher rigidity, and with a parking break for the use as a Z-axis. They achieve a maximum acceleration of 40 ms-2, and a maximum speed of 4 ms-1. The maximum nominal stroke amounts to 400 mm, the maximum drive force 250 N, and the nominal force 100 N.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?22180 Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Versatile manual lathe chuck]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=22180&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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The manual ROTA-S plus lathe chuck from SCHUNK is a true classic in the field of lathe chuck technology. With version 2.0, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems extends the application possibilities of this lathe chuck. An optimized wedge bar drive system and an improved lubricant system ensure consistently high clamping forces from the new lathe chuck. Since higher speeds and cutting speeds are possible, users can apply more efficient cutting materials, which shorten the manufacturing time. The jaw quick-change system has been improved, too. An optimized drive allows fast, comfortable, and repeat accurate jaw changes. Compared with its predecessor, this lathe chuck is fully compatible, and already existing base jaws can be used in it. SCHUNK sets great importance on safety issues. The unique three-fold jaw safety device prevents operating errors. The indicator pin is located at the chuck circumference, and displays the individual clamping status.
Useful additional options complete the manual chuck: SCHUNK offers a manually actuated expansion arbor, which can now be quickly retrofitted, and is directly actuated via one of the lathe chuck’s chuck jaws. It precisely clamps I.D.s as small as 20 mm in the chuck. If required, the lathe chuck can be equipped with an enclosed protection sleeve, or a deep stop on request, and therefore is perfectly adjusted to the individual clamping tasks. The ROTA-S plus 2.0 is available in sizes 160, 200, 250 and 315 mm. Larger chuck diameters will be forthcoming.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?21744 Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Direct clamping with a membrane]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=21744&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems enlarges its program for high-performance direct clamping: the innovative family-owned company has developed the SPM plus 138 fixture membrane made of aluminum, where workpieces of various clamping geometries are clamped from all sides with a pull-down effect. First, a 0.5 mm high tuning ring is inserted between the quick-change pallet module and the fixture membrane, then the exact workpiece geometry is milled according to the blank of the fixture’s clamping surface. Once prepared, the workpieces can be inserted within seconds, and the complete circumference is clamped by locking the VERO-S module and the fixture membrane is specifically deformed. Since the whole process is carried out within the elastic range of aluminum, the clamping operation can be repeated several thousand times. In contrast to conventional clamping blocks, the clamping force of this clamping type is carried out at the circumference of the whole workpiece contour and not just along an axis. The resulting force-fit clamping ensures an even, gentle, yet very secure clamping. The membrane is actuated via an SPC quick-change clamping pin, and connects it with the pneumatically actuated quick-change pallet module. Due to the clamping depth of only a few millimeters, the workpiece is fully accessible from five sides. The fixture membrane can be located on the quick-change pallet module at a repeat accuracy of less than 0.01 mm. The use of an additional clamping unit is unnecessary. If required, it can be milled off several times, and a different workpiece geometry can be used. The clamping unit is suitable for light machining of various materials and workpiece contours for the second set-up. The maximum workpiece diameter amounts to 120 mm.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?21699 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Low-cost introduction into the square pole technology]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=21699&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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By means of comprehensive standardization, SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems succeeded in providing a very economic introduction of the square pole technology to the average consumer. The investment costs for square pole plates of the MAGNOS Performance Line are 40% lower than conventional, multi-purpose modifiable MAGNOS square pole plates. According to SCHUNK, this series will be of particular interest for all users, who will benefit from the advantages of magnetic clamping technology for the first time, or who will use the clamping chucks for their applications in a targeted manner. In comparison to regular square pole plates, the MAGNOS Performance Line from the innovative family-owned company is far superior. SCHUNK solely achieves the efficiency effect by reducing the diversity of variants. Therefore the Performance Line is limited to the requested pole size 50 MFR-A1, and the three sizes 400 x 400 mm, 400 x 600 mm, and 400 x 800. Individual modifications are not offered for this price/performance optimized version by the manufacturer.
5-sided machining with no interfering contours

The Performance Line offers a wide range of possibilities to the user. Worn out plates can be ground down by up to 3 mm. Moreover, the square pole plates of the Performance Line can be combined with the VERO-S quick-change pallet system from SCHUNK, and can be quickly exchanged on machine tools. SCHUNK offers a price-optimized control unit type KSS-01 for this new series. Moreover, all the other types of MAGNOS control units and the complete MAGNOS accessory program is available. The clamping plates are suitable for milling, drilling, and for flat grinding. They also allow five-sided machining of a workpiece in one set-up so that pockets and through-holes can be milled or drilled without damaging the magnetic clamping plate. The mono block design of the MAGNOS square pole plates ensure high stability and rigidity, and thereby minimizes vibrations while improving the surface quality. Combined with moveable pole extensions, they allow for extremely smooth and deformation-free clamping cycles.
Besuchen Sie SCHUNK vom 27. bis 30.11.2012
auf der Euromold in Frankfurt: Halle 8.0, Stand C70

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?21927 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[In the interplay between precision, flexibility and economy]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/subject_of_the_month.html?article_id=21927&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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Slim toolholders for confined spaces
Similarly impressive is the boom of tool extensions. Since the triumphant success of modern 5-axis machines, tool mountings with slim interfering contours have became vastly more important. In contrast to the toolholders with optimized interfering contour and spindle interface, tool extensions are much more versatile. For precision clamping in the field of mold making, they are based on various clamping systems, with heat shrinking, polygonal clamping, and hydraulic expansion technology. The use of heat shrinking extensions is not recommended due to the combination of low interfering contours and high transmittable torques, and for tool change, a high price heat shrinking unit is necessary. If no shrinking unit is available, or if vibration damping characteristics such as frequent tool change are necessary, SCHUNK experts recommend the use of hydraulic expansion extensions. They minimize vibrations and ensure a high true-running accuracy even in case of many clamping cycles. Without a peripheral unit, they turn every precision toolholder into a highly flexible expert in confined spaces - independent from the spindle’s interface. Its precise true-running accuracy, excellent vibration damping, and the possibility of internally supplying coolant provide for excellent machining results and long tool life. When drilling, reaming, or finish milling, its high torque ensures a safe tool hold. In case of rough milling however, it makes sense to use extensions with polygonal clamping technology. At an L1 dimension of up to 250 mm, and a true-running and repeat accuracy of less than 0.003 mm these one-pieced, maintenance-free extensions are suitable for powerful and high-precision applications.
Users who want to benefit from the possibilities of integrated CAD/CAM solutions, highly dynamic 5-axis machines, and efficient cutting material in the mold making industry, should also consider its toolholding systems, which have become to a decisive success factor, if the balancing act between precision, flexibility, and efficiency should succeed.
After the market introduction of a fully functional hydraulic expansion toolholder in 2010 from SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems, which combines high holding forces with an affordable price, it has been clear to many mold-makers that it is time to rethink the traditional toolholder concept.ken.

Universal toolholders of the next generation
Up to now, low-cost Weldon chucks have been typically used for rough applications, and the comparably expensive hydraulic expansion toolholders, heat-shrinking mountings or precision collet chucks for precise metal cutting. This is no longer the case, due to the TENDO E compact. With a torque transmission of up to 2000 Nm (at ø 32 mm), the cost-benefit optimized hydraulic expansion toolholders are used more and more by mold makers and replace the function of universal toolholders. They can be used for volume machining and also for high-precision drilling, honing, or finish grinding. Every h6 shank can be quickly and process-reliably clamped with an Allen key. This ensures a true-running accuracy of less than 0.003 mm at a projecting length of 2,5 x D, a balancing quality of HSK mountings of G 2.5 at 25.000 rpm, and excellent vibration damping. Therefore there is no comparison to conventional universal toolholders, where you always have to ensure that the shanks, the clamping screw, and the cap nut have been screwed on tight enough, not to mention the deficits in true-running accuracy and the tendency to chatter.

Experts for details
If fine exteriors, filigree bars, or particularly brilliant surfaces are concerned, the polygonal clamping technology is one step ahead of the competition. The same applies for metal cutting and for dust-creating machining of graphite. With the high-precision clamping system, even micro forms with extremely sharp edges of 10 microns can be manufactured. Experts of the micro mold manufacturing industry are using the mountings to achieve precise results with 30 micron milling cutters. This is the dimension, where heat shrinking mountings and other clamping systems can no longer compete. With polygonal toolholders, even the smallest tool diameters from 0.3 mm can be clamped precisely. Endurance tests show that despite thousands of repeated clamping operations, no material fatigue will occur. The HSC compatible, almost maintenance and wear-free precision toolholders are suitable for every tool shank of h6 quality, and depending on the type, extreme torques of up to 205.000 rpm have been tested. For milling graphite, a surface roughness of Ra ≤ 0,005 mm can be achieved. For tool change, a simple low-cost clamping device is sufficient, where the pressure which is required for tool change can be firmly adjusted, and tool change is carried out within 20 seconds.

The efficient hydraulic expansion toolholders which are exclusively manufactured at the headquarters of SCHUNK in Lauffen, prevent the cutting edge and spindle from damage, and also procure a brilliant workpiece surface. According to SCHUNK, they help to reduce 40% of the tool costs - compared with the Weldon or heat shrinking mountings. They are offered at an affordable cost because the tool mountings are exclusively offered with the most commonly used interfaces and diameters. They are available in 17 versions for the interfaces HSK-A50, HSK-A63, HSK-A100, SK40, SK50, JIS-BT30, JIS-BT40, JIS-BT50, and SK50. By using intermediate sleeves, the complete clamping range can be completely covered.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?21968 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Powerhouse for 5-axis machining]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=21968&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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The KONTEC KSX NC vise from SCHUNK is a powerful clamping system for simultaneous 5-axis machining. The compact, and easily accessible clamping system from the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems disposes of tool-free adjustable clamping forces between 4 and 40 kN, which are measured directly at the workpiece. This is a great deal of power for a safe hold, even for minimum clamping surfaces. The support surfaces at a height of 211 mm ensure that the workpieces are easily accessible from all sides. With just one lever rotation, they are quickly clamped resistant to vibrations, and have a high repeat accuracy. Since the unit is draw bar actuated, the bending load at the base body is strongly reduced. Moreover, the long guiding system and the arrangement of the clamping mechanism ensure a very stiff, dimensionally stable set-up. These are ideal preconditions for precise machining of the second side. The drive and the adjustment mechanism of the 5-axis clamping vise are completely encapsulated and thus protected against chips, dirt, and coolant, and the easy-to-clean design avoids build-up of chip clusters.
The KONTEC KSX fits smoothly into the SCHUNK modular system for highly efficient workpiece clamping. Therefore the clamping pins of the VERO-S quick-change pallet system can be directly integrated into the base body of the 5-axis clamping vise. Combined with the quick-change pallet system it can be quickly exchanged and with a maximum repeat accuracy on the machine table. Optionally, the vise of the innovative family-owned company can be equipped with standard, aluminum, or special 5-axis top jaws, pendulum plates and many other standard chuck jaws from the world’s largest standard chuck jaw program from SCHUNK. The clamping range of the KONTEC KSX lies between 0 - 250 mm. By using draw bar and base body extensions, the clamping range can be enlarged to 749 mm.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?21971 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Jaw change within less than 30 seconds]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=21971&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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The compact TANDEM KSP plus clamping force blocks from SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems are renowned for their high clamping force and repeat accuracy. Combined with the BWM jaw quick-change system, this power house is setting new standards in terms of set-up time. Independent from its installation position, the clamping blocks can be retrofitted in less than 30 seconds with a new set of chuck jaws for outside clamping. Repeat accuracy amounts to 0.02 mm. Since the base jaw and the changing jaw are interlinked via an integrated wedge, the interfering contour of the clamping block remains unchanged. A spring mechanism secures that the changing jaw will not fall out in opened position. The locking mechanism can be actuated from the top, from the back side or from two sides, the dirt-resistant and maintenance-free set-up time booster can be also used in confined installation spaces. Easy handling is ensured by a smoothly-running drive. The changing jaws can be equipped with the standard clamping inserts of the world’s largest standard SCHUNK chuck jaw program. Moreover, the workpiece-specific changing jaws can be also used. The quick-changing system is available for every type of TANDEM KSP plus clamping force blocks in sizes 100, 160, and 250.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?21567 Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Clamping force block with flexible chuck jaw monitoring]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=21567&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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The TANDEM KSP plus clamping force block from SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems, is setting new standards in automated manufacturing. For the first time ever, a standardized clamping force block provides for flexible monitoring along the whole jaw stroke. Whether using I.D. or O.D. clamping: With a few grips the positions "opened" or "clamped" for any base jaw position can be adjusted. Monitoring is done via two inductive proximity switches, which are integrated in two special recesses of the base jaws. The system is sealed, and is therefore resistant against dirt. Since the signal can be directly processed in the machine control unit, the flexible queried clamping force blocks can be quickly and easily integrated into existing machines.
The compact clamping block disposes of clamping force and precision. Its one-piece, rigid base body, the wedge hook kinematics and long ground jaw guidances provide for concentrated clamping forces of up to 55 kN. The excellent repeat accuracy of up to 0.01 mm also ensures exact results. Therefore they are absolutely suitable for demanding milling operations at a high metal removal rate, high cycle times, and minimum tolerances. Due to the two integrated jaw interfaces, top jaws with tongue and groove, and jaws with a fine serration can be used. On option, the clamping force blocks are also available with a jaw quick-change system. The optimized outside contour and the minimum gaps prevent the build-up of dust pockets, or that chips and dust will penetrate into the clamping block. A special fitting screw ensures that the clamping block can be exchanged at the highest repeat accuracy. As of size 100, the TANDEM KSP plus clamping force blocks are equipped with the jaw monitoring system.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?21492 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 01:00:01 GMT <![CDATA[Meet the No. 1 in precise gripping and concentrated safe holding at the AMB 2012]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=21492&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN Hall 1 | Booth 1G12

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Experience Jens Lehman live at SCHUNK at the AMB on September 19, 2012!
Hall 1 | Booth 1G12
Look forward to meeting Jens Lehmann in person. Seize the opportunity to exchange a few words with SCHUNK’s brand ambassador, get hold of an autograph or even have your photo taken with him.
At 6 pm the Sky presenter Jessica Kastrop wil host the technology-goalkeeper talk, a sporty celeb discussion with Jens Lehmann and surprise guests from clamping technology and sport.
Are you curious as to what awaits you? To get in the mood, here are some impressions of the Automatica 2012.

SCHUNK recognizes and develops as the world’s competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems standards with a large potential for the future.
From September 18 - 22, 2012 SCHUNK presents more than 30 benchmark products. Experience the innovative power of our family-owned company and the synergy of clamping technology and gripping systems for better production processes:
  • Cost reduced workpiece manufacturing
  • Automated workpiece handling
  • Combined production processes

The SCHUNK team is looking forward to welcoming you. Do you still require a ticket? Please contact Mrs. Tanja Oßwald tanja.osswald@de.schunk.com
]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?21185 Mon, 28 May 2012 01:00:01 GMT <![CDATA[Gripping Technology Idol Jens Lehmann fascinates visitors and exhibitors at the AUTOMATICA]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=21185&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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Gripping technology has a new face now: SCHUNK, the expert for clamping technology and gripping systems has won over the world-class goalkeeper Jens Lehmann as a brand ambassador. The AUTOMATICA 2012 show was the official kick-off for this cooperation, where the No. 1 goalkeeper fascinated the show visitors a whole day long on the SCHUNK booth. During the technology-goalkeeper discussion round with Sky TV moderator Jessica Kastrop, Jens Lehmann and leading automation experts, "passed the ball" between each other.
During the discussion round, the statement from Jens Lehmann arose that good hands decide on success, and he referred it to the goalkeeper of the future. In the field of automation the same applies, since precise gripping and safe holding are the key disciplines in modern production automation. Obviously successes in soccer and successes in automation have many parallels. This has been made clear from all contributions of the podium participants, namely Henrik A. Schunk, Fanuc’s European President Olaf Gehrels, SEW-Eurodrive Member of Board and Plant Manager Dr.-Ing. Markus Klaiber, as well as Thomas Hähn, CEO of Hahn Automation, that beside sophisticated technical solutions, commitment, passion, and the cohesion within the team decide on a company’s success. During the discussion round it was obvious, that Jens Lehmann and the soccer topic can provide valuable impulses to the companies in the field of automation. Jochen A. Rotthaus, CEO of the soccer club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim emphasized that professionalism in sports is as much important as in the economic area. Moreover, he also mentioned the values passion, loyalty, and appreciation, which are of the same importance. This fact has been confirmed by the technology experts on an immediate response. They repeatedly emphasized how important the factor of the human element is for the technological success: It is the standard for perfect gripping, and also the emotional link for a successful coexistence. In a figurative sense this also includes things such as hugging each other with joy, or concentrating for the next game, getting up again after a defeat, or after having received a red card. The impression of this evening has been that professionalism, and emotions determine a soccer game, but also the machine building and plant construction industry.
From time to time there was no chance of crossing the SCHUNK booth at the AUTOMATICA. Centre of attraction were up to 25 new benchmark products, which were showcased by the innovative family-owned company, and the world-class goalkeeper Jens Lehmann. Many visitors who haven’t had the chance of attending a VIP reception, photo shooting, or the technology-goalkeeper discussion round with Jens Lehmann, used the opportunity of having a quick glance at the exceptional athlete on the show booth, and take the opportunity for a snapshot or an autograph. The opening event at the AUTOMATICA shows that SCHUNK is setting standards in communicating in the field of machine building by employing a popular brand ambassador.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?20849 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[SCHUNK becomes a member of the VDMA’s initiative "Blue Competence"]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=20849&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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Producing more efficiently - Since many years, this is a great concern of SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems , and it’s innovative products and solutions are adapted to this commitment. By joining the indicative of sustainability "Blue Competence" of the VDMA (German Engineering Federation) SCHUNK shows it’s commitment in the field of machine and plant engineering. The initiative’s goal is to communicate the importance and potentials of an ecological product and production design, and the use of innovative environmental technologies.
The main focus is the careful handling of energy and resources. Particularly the members of the VDMA, such as SCHUNK, who is pushing this initiative forward with it’s pioneering technologies, are the ones who make this offer possible in the first place. "With our cost-, time-, and energy-efficient modules and solutions, our innovative family-owned company is making a decisive contribution to resource protection and sustainability", said Matthias Poguntke, Business Unit Manager Product- and Portfolio Management. "Therefore the success of this initiative "Blue Competence’ is of great importance for us."

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?20266 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[5th. SCHUNK Expert Days on Service Robotics Anniversary symposium with top-notch speakers]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=20266&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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For the fifth year in a row, SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems, will host the Expert Days on Service Robotics February 29 to March 1, 2012. Under the motto "Service robotics - Quo vadis?" the world's leading communication platform for applied service robotics will examine the opportunities and potentials of this rapidly growing emerging market. The anniversary event will focus on topics such as "Perception and Learning," "Marketing," "Robots and Component Design," and "Robots and People."
For two days, top-notch speakers from around the world will present current trends, the latest research, and promising business models. Two of the honored guests will be Prof. Dr. Roland Siegwart from the ETH Zurich and Steve Cousins of the US robotics firm Willow Garage. In 2012 the Expert Days will again serve as an intensive forum for the direct exchange of ideas between research, industry, business, and the trade press. Registrations for the symposium are being accepted starting immediately. For further information visit:

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?20269 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Robot Competition creates pupils a desire for technology]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=20269&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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The three-day "Robot Competiton" has been a hot head-to-head race between the pupils of the Secondary Modern School from Güglingen, which took place at SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems in Lauffen. This competition has been one of about 350 events and campaigns which were carried out between November 28 to December 4, 2011 in the framework of the "European Robotics Week" throughout Europe.
With great enthusiasm the 6th - 10th grade students assembled and programmed the robots and sent them into the race. During the egg and spoon race, collection of balls, and playing chess, both teams proved what they and their robot are capable of. They were supported by six committed professional newcomers, who have been trained as an electronics technician at the innovative family-owned company.
Even though the Red Team lead the event, all participants won, because the aim has been to inspire the pupils for the possibilities of modern robot technologies. This also includes that both teams were personally honored for their performance and commitment by Henrik A. Schunk, the Managing Partner of the high-tech company in Lauffen, who is also the Chairman of the European robotics association EUnited Robotics.

The Secondary Modern School at Güglingen will receive both robot modular systems for the use during their lessons and the working group. Who knows, perhaps one of the participants of the competition, or pupils from the school in Güglingen will occupy himself professionally with robotics. According to Henrik Schunk the professional opportunities for job beginners in this industry are enormous, as robots play more prominent roles in everyday life.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?20036 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 01:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[SCHUNK GmbH & Co. KG - A Short Profile]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=20036&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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"To offer more than the customer expects", this was the motto of Friedrich Schunk, when he opened his machine shop in a garage in Lauffen, Germany, right after the troubles of World War II. Today, SCHUNK is a German innovative family-owned company and a global player all in one.

According to the mission statement "With a pioneering spirit and perfection, we are setting worldwide standards" Heinz-Dieter Schunk, his son Henrik A. Schunk and his daughter Kristina I. Schunk manage the company. With more than 1,800 employees and a worldwide network of directly owned subsidiaries and distribution partners in more than 50 countries all over the world, SCHUNK is known as the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems.
The business unit clamping technology comprises toolholding systems, stationary workholding, lathe chucks, chuck jaws, special hydraulic expansion technology solutions and magnetic technology. The business unit gripping systems produces and distributes gripping modules, rotary modules, linear modules, robot accessories, modular assembly automation as well as automated solutions. The third and youngest business unit is the SCHUNK laser technology.
A double strategy is pursued by the owner family in terms of the product program: on the one hand, they promote the technical development and continuously explore new niches. On the other hand, the company is constantly improving the quality of its existing products. Thus, the world’s largest product portfolio of standard chuck jaws (1,200 standard chuck jaws) was developed, the most extensive range of clamping technology (more than 10,000 standard products), as well as the world’s largest product program for standard grippers (more than 10,000 components).
Over the past 25 years, SCHUNK has grown by more than 12% on average. In 1983, the company had just about 100 employees; twenty years later in 2003 there were already 1,000, ten times as much as in 1983. Today, more than 1,800 people all over the world are part of the SCHUNK family, thereof about 1,400 in Germany. For his life’s work, Heinz-Dieter Schunk was awarded the German Machine Tool Industry Award in 2008. In 2010, he received the Engelberger Robotics Award, the worldwide most prestigious award in the robotics field.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?16981 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[4th. SCHUNK ExpertDays on Service Robotics Industry discovers potentials of service robotics]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=16981&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN th. annuel ExpertDays on Service Robotics, hosted by SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems. While the leading symposium for applied service robotics primilarly focused on the issue of applied technologies in the past, this year’s topics were market development and efficiency.

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SCHUNK as a pioneer for modular robotics, has promoted the development of service robots from the very beginning. With its industry-proven, mechatronic modules and skillful, polynominal grippers the family-owned company offers a unique modular system for various applications in service robotics. It includes the Powerball Lightweight Arm LWA 4.6, a modular lightweight arm with the most compact performance on the international market. In almost 100 cooperations with universities, research institutions and highly specialized industrial companies, SCHUNK pushes the development of this new technology forward.

On February 23 and 24, 2011 experts from all over the world met at the 4th annuel ExpertDays on Service Robotics, hosted by SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems. While the leading symposium for applied service robotics primilarly focused on the issue of applied technologies in the past, this year’s topics were market development and efficiency. By means of numerous practical examples, it became clear that service robots have left the stadium of university research, and are increasingly used by industrial companies for specific applications.
Service robotics is gaining greater momentum from an economical point of view which was proven to be true at the ExpertDays: nine of the 18 speakers came directly from the industry. Polysius AG markets a fully automatic laboratory automation system for quality control during the cement production process. Audi AG intensively researches on service robots for picking of parts in the automotive industry, Harris Corp. uses service robots for bomb disposal, and Infineon Technologies AG controls the air quality in cleanrooms with service robots.

Professor Dr. Henrik I. Christensen, holder of the "KUKA Chair of Robotics" at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, USA said that the developments so far have been ignored the market. Solutions are technologically mature, but are too expensive for real-world applications. He urged for a change from technologically driven researches to market- and price-orientated developments. If costs keep within the budget, said Christensen, service robots can open up their markets. Paying $200 to $300 for a household robot is realistic. In the healthcare industry, the price limit is about $10,000. User- or consumer-orientated interfaces are equally important. Then robots can be served by robotic armatures, too. Moreover he recommended to design service robots for special applications. In the healthcare field, for example, the focus must be more on the manipulation and navigation, in the logistics however cycle times must be lower than 6 seconds, and the grippers have to be robust and flexible.

You will find information and photos on the SCHUNK ExpertDays on Service Robotics on the internet at www.expertdays.schunk.com. Also a facebook group was set up at www.expertdays.schunk.com/facebook. The date for the 5th annuel SCHUNK ExpertDays on Service Robotics is already in place, and will take place on February 29 to March 1st, 2012.

This event made clear that standardized platforms and components can contribute to economic and highly developed solutions. This applies for light-weight arms or flexibly applicable grippers, but also for mobile platforms or control units. Binding standards from ISO standard to the CE-marking up to nationals standards, as they are currently developped in South Korea, should facilitate the market entry of service robots. According to Prof. Alois Knoll of the Technical University in Munich, system integrators are required, which are specialized for individual fields of application. They should close the gap in future, between manufacturer and user. In Christensen’s opinion, system integration is a substantial portion of the value creation, and the function of a system integrator can be very interesting from the economic point of view.
Even visionary approaches were introduced at the 4th annuel SCHUNK ExpertDays. Dr. Amos Albert of Robert Bosch GmbH sees a considerable potential in semi-autonomous service robots. If you do not have your own solution strategy, you can be assisted by a central support. The so-called "Click-Worker" may be organized like a call center. If needed, they can connect to the robot, solve the problem and release the robot into its autonomy again. A concept of Dr. Markus Waibel from the Federal Technical University in Zurich went a step further. He searched for a central knowledge store, in which countless data, models, applications and programs are stored, which can be independently called off by the robot itself. The idea is amazingly easy: All the connected robots, developers and system integrators can use a common pool of knowledge, with successful solution strategies, and put self-developed strategies into the system.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?16833 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[iF Design Award for Modular Long-Stroke Grippers]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=16833&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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The PHL from SCHUNK outperformes in efficiency and design

The newly developed PHL long-stroke gripper from SCHUNK combines in a unique manner, technological know-how and functional, appealing design. As one of the first long-stroke gripper ever, it optionally disposes of a multi-tooth guidance or a profiled rail guidance, which considerably increases the module’s degree of efficiency. For this successful symbiosis, the gripper was recently awarded with the iF Product Design Award 2011.
The PHL in modular design from SCHUNK, the competence leader in clamping technology and gripping systems is offered in 90 standardized versions. The design of every version remains unchanged, and thus a high recognition value of the gripper is assured. With the PHL over-sizing can be avoided, the consumption of compressed air and energy are minimized, and the required space of applications is reduced. Efficient gripping of large strokes is also possible.

Compact powerhouses reduce costs

Within the design concept from this innovative family-owned company, light-weight design aspects were considered, and the functional aspects of a modular system. With jaw guides and a powerful multi-tooth guidance, the PHL is particularly suitable for rough environments. It is equipped with roller bearings and profiled rail guidance, achieving a 25 % higher degree of efficiency. The guide carriage of the gripper fingers are ball seated, minimizing friction and assures an optimum power distribution. Due to the closed, permanently lubricated linear roller guide, the payload capacity of the gripper increases and wear reduced. Users benefit from the permanently reliable precision and a long lifetime of the component. With the PHL SCHUNK blurred the boarders between standardized and individual solutions. Length and stroke of the PHL can be individually defined. The individual solution becomes standardized at an ideal price-performance ratio.
The new gripper generation from SCHUNK clearly exceeds the performance of conventional long-stroke grippers with T-slots or round guidance. For many applications smaller, low-priced gripper sizes will meet the requirements now, which have a lower compressed air consumption and therefore are more efficient. Alternatively, longer fingers can be used at an approximately identical gripping force. With its long stroke, the PHL is suitable for handling large components, as well as for batch production, where various workpiece sizes are manufactured on one single processing line. Components with large undercuts can be gripped safely, too.

Modular concept allows enormous diversity of variants

For grippers with the multi-tooth guidance, or the profiled rail guidance, five sizes with piston diameters between 25 and 63 mm are available. The user may choose between three strokes per size, so that every stroke between 30 and 160 mm is covered. Moreover, the gripper can be equipped with springs for gripping force maintenance for I.D. and O.D. gripping. All in all 90 standardized versions are available. The largest size of the PHL provides a gripping force of 3500 N, and a maximum admissible finger length of 600 mm. On option for every size, a version with special viton seals or a high-temperature version for hot environments of up to 130 °C is available. The gripper position can be monitored via inductive proximity switches, or via magnetic switches. For this purpose, the gripper is already equipped with an integrated sensor groove.

]]> http://www.schunk.com/RSS/news/EN/overview/index.rss?14179 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[SCHUNK twitters]]> http://www.schunk.com/schunk/schunk_websites/news/news_detail.html?article_id=14179&country=INT&lngCode=EN&lngCode2=EN
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SCHUNK is now on Twitter! Followers will receive the latest trends in clamping technology and automation right to their phone! Tweets from this innovative, family-owned company will assure that users always receive the latest news from the competence leader in clamping technology and gripping systems. Those who want to be up to date should visit http://twitter.com/schunk_hq and register as a follower.

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