Automatic Loading of Machining Systems and Automatic Clamping of Workpieces

Summary For precise machining of workpieces the exactly positioned clamping of the workpiece is a fundamental presupposition. By increasing automation of the machining units it is necessary to automatize the workpiece handling as well as the clamping operations. This automation was nearly achieved in large batch production. Here you can see solutions which make it possible to transfer the automation of loading and clamping workpieces to the small batch and single-part production. An essential contribution for these operations are the numerically controlled clamping systems which are developed and constructed in the Institute for Machine Tool of the University of Stuttgart.