At GrindingHub in Stuttgart, EMUGE-FRANKEN and MYTEC presented solutions for stable and high-precision machining processes. The focus of their joint exhibition booth was on the comprehensive portfolio of EMUGE and MYTEC clamping devices and clamping concepts, which have been developed as tailor-made special solutions specifically for demanding applications in grinding. Both companies are part of the EMUGE-FRANKEN group.
Specific clamping devices for grinding operations
Grinding operations place particularly high demands on clamping devices. Even the slightest deviations in workpiece clamping can have a direct impact on form and position tolerances as well as surface quality. EMUGE and MYTEC clamping devices are specifically designed to clamp workpieces reliably and with repeatable accuracy, even when dealing with sensitive materials and complex geometries. Optimal force distribution during clamping ensures that the necessary holding forces are applied reliably without deforming or damaging the component. At the same time precise centering mechanisms enable exact positioning for tight tolerances and stable grinding processes.
A total of nine different clamping systems are available for developing the optimal clamping solution. This means that the appropriate clamping strategy can be defined for every grinding application – depending on workpiece geometry, material properties and machining requirements. This enables clamping forces to be designed to meet specific needs and ensures that workpieces are securely clamped without compromising their structure. In this way EMUGE’s clamping solutions lay the foundation for reproducible machining results, minimized scrap and a sustainably increased process stability in grinding technology.
Stable clamping for a rotor
A recent EMUGE customer project in the pump industry demonstrates how crucial the right clamping technology is for stable grinding processes. For the machining of a rotor made from a graphite-based hard carbon alloy, EMUGE developed a two-part clamping concept for the spindle and tailstock sides of the machine. The aim was to achieve high holding forces despite the brittle material behavior, without damaging the workpiece. In a series of tests the material behavior under face clamping was analyzed and critical torques determined. In the automated process the rotor was fed in by a robot, precisely centered and then ground with run-out accuracies of up to 0.005 mm. This reduced the scrap rate from around 20 % to virtually zero and significantly increased process reliability.
Trade fair highlights
A particular highlight at the EMUGE booth was the clamping equipment featuring the patented, additively manufactured SL clamping sleeve, which can be used both in the manufacture of gear teeth and for the precise clamping of sensitive bearing sleeves. Clamping mandrels for grinding gear teeth and cams, as well as chucks for grinding cams, valve tappets, cylinders or bearing housings, were also on display.
MYTEC clamping devices represented seal-less, hydraulic expansion clamping technology, which is particular used for clamping automotive or aerospace components. A selection of corresponding clamping solutions were also presented by MYTEC at the booth.
