SCHUNK, a competence leader for gripping systems and clamping technology, has developed the solution that promises short set-up times and high productivity in 3D printing - completely sealed quick-change pallet system, SCHUNK VERO-S NSE-AM mini 78-20 - and is particularly designed for the use in additive manufacturing. 

The module transfers the idea, which has proven for many years in the metal-cutting process of setting up machines for laser sintering (SLS) and laser melting (SLM) within seconds. At a maximum operating temperature of 200° C it is specifically prepared for systems with active heating. Its compact dimensions (ø 78 mm, height 20 mm above the machine table) ensure an optimal heat flow to the substrate plate, so that after the fast change process the required target temperature for 3D printing is quickly achieved, and production can start swiftly. The module can also be used for works in an inert gas atmosphere and it can be operated with this gas. The VERO-S NSE AM mini 78-20 can be fully integrated into the machine table and can be combined with further modules.

Uniform interface & continuous process

Insertion radii facilitate the loading process. SCHUNK has a version with anti-twist protection in their program to use it as a single-acting clamping module. A turbo function is integrated by default and the pull-down force per module is 1,500 N. The actual clamping takes place without any external energy supply via spring force and locks form-fit and self-retaining. Even in the case of a sudden pressure drop the substrate or base plates stay safely clamped. The repeat accuracy amounts to < 0.005 mm. For opening the module, a system pressure of 6 bar is sufficient. Since the interface of the module corresponds to the one of the VERO-S NSE mini 90-25 clamping modules for machine tools, generatively manufactured components including the base plate can be directly changed on the machine tool with the VERO-S NSE mini interface. Therefore, a continuous process chain can be implemented from three-dimensional printing to the machine tool up to the measuring machine.

The company has 3,500 employees in 9 plants and 34 directly owned subsidiaries and distribution partners in more than 50 countries throughout the world ensure an intensive market presence. With 11,000 standard components SCHUNK offers the world's largest assortment of gripping systems and clamping technology from one source, and with 2,550 SCHUNK grippers, the largest product range of standard gripper components on the market. The entire gripping system portfolio comprises more than 4,000 components.