The iTENDO is an intelligent toolholder that monitors metal cutting process directly on the tool, and enables real-time control of the cutting parameters.

 

The screeching sounds of machine tools being operated by experienced machinists in Hall 1 could be heard over and over again, sending shivers down everyone's spines before moments later almost silently sliding through the workpiece. SCHUNK, the competence leader for gripping systems and clamping technology, calls its intelligent clamping technology “Smart Clamping”, which will help to ensure that even the most demanding processes will run smoothly in the future. 

 

The iTENDO is an intelligent toolholder that monitors metal cutting process directly on the tool, and enables real-time control of the cutting parameters. It is one of these smart technologies. For the first time, it will become possible to record vibrations, chatter marks, and tool failures in real time and to adjust the process immediately and fully automatically as soon as deviations occur. The smart tool, which is set to reach the market very soon, allows complete documentation of process stability, unmanned limit value monitoring, tool breakage detection, and real-time control of speed and feed rate. 

 

For Henrik A Schunk, Chief Executive Officer of SCHUNK GmbH & Co KG, smart clamping devices and gripping systems will assume a key role on the way to the smart factory due to their ‘closest-to-the-part’ position. "The goal is comprehensive communication between all components, maximum process transparency for users while at the same time, maximum data security as well as a dynamic reaction to events,” opined Schunk, outlining the company's roadmap. 

 

He added, "Intelligent components are creating important prerequisites for Industry 4.0, and are paving the way for new fields of application with maximum flexibility and efficiency."

 

Monitoring and flexibilization of the processes is the aim 

Under the motto "Open. Smart Clamping in Smart Factories", SCHUNK left no doubt of its pursuit of a leading role in the digitalization of manufacturing processes. The key idea is that due to their exposed position, clamping devices and gripping systems play a special role in this process: They allow more flexible processes and permanent process monitoring and optimization directly on the workpiece. 

 

SCHUNK is making an impressive presentation of how sensitivity, connectivity, and a high degree of functional integration become key factors in the real-time monitoring of clamping devices. For example, clamping force, clamping path or vibration behavior during machining can be permanently recorded, and analysed. If deviations occur while a process is running, the machining parameters can be adjusted completely automatically in real time based on the data detected. 

 

Monitoring of pull-down force, clamping slide position, and workpiece presence

The smart SCHUNK VERO-S NSE-S3 138 quick-change pallet module enables permanent monitoring of the pull-down force and clamping slide position. For this purpose, strain gauges, measuring amplifiers, as well as inductive analog sensors are integrated into the module. Furthermore, the presence of workpieces or clamping pallets are detectable by means of inductive proximity switches. This ensures that the entire clamping process runs under optimum conditions. 

 

Power supply and signal transmission occur through cables via spring contacts. Since the measured values are outputted as analog signals (0 to 10 V DC), simple signal processing is possible. The complete intelligence is integrated into the module in a way that the dimensions completely match with those of the conventional VERO-S NSE3.

 

Variable clamping force

Going one step further, we have the clamping force block SCHUNK TANDEM KSE 100. In addition to integrated monitoring of the clamping path and clamping force, this intelligent powerhouse is also capable of individually adjusting the clamping force and position of each of the chuck jaws to the respective workpiece. The advantage: Chuck jaws can be pre-positioned in the ongoing process, thus reducing the cycle time. In addition, it is possible to reduce the clamping force in order to prevent deformation or damage to the surface. The required sensor technology is also integrated into the component. 

 

Intelligent toolholder

One undeniable highlight in the area of tool clamping technology is the smart hydraulic expansion toolholder SCHUNK iTENDO, which was developed in cooperation with the Vienna University of Technology and TOOL IT GmbH Vienna. "The iTENDO is a milestone in toolholding technology. For the first time, we combine the outstanding mechanical properties of our flagship TENDO with the possibilities of digital process monitoring,” emphasised Henrik A Schunk.

 

According to Friedrich Bleicher, Managing Board Director of the Institute of Manufacturing Technology (IFT) of the Vienna University of Technology, and founder of TOOL IT, the intelligent toolholder facilitates a unique synergy: "Embedded systems technology combines the highest degree of process transparency with the potential of autonomous process control, without users having to do without the quality and performance of proven precision toolholders," said Bleicher. 

 

During machining, the intelligent toolholder permanently analyses the machining process. If the process becomes unstable it can either be stopped in real time and without the intervention of the operator, reduced to previously defined basic parameters, or adapted until the cut returns to a stable range. On the one hand, the system enables complete documentation and limit value monitoring as well as an improvement of the machining quality by automatically adjusting the cutting data during vibration. 

 

Moreover, the intelligent toolholders should additionally enable an analysis of the tool condition as well as an increase in the material removal rate. The system is extremely easy to retrofit without the need for modification or replacement of machine components. Since the algorithms run autonomously and the operator defines only maximum values and reactions, no expert assessment of the data determined is necessary. Instead, the system manages the process autonomously and in real time based on the specifications.