Modular vacuum clamping system
Clamping with vacuum technology is efficient and universal. It increases the process reliability when clamping large, flat metal-workpieces with smooth bottom surfaces on CNC machining centers. Vacuum clamping guarantees very short set-up times. Even components which are difficult to clamp mechanically can be easily and quickly clamped without the risk of distortion.
The vacuum clamping technology enables:
- Clamping with short set-up times
- High holding force
- Excellent precision
Flexible layout of a complete vacuum clamping system
The vacuum plate, vacuum chuck can be secured quickly on the machinetable with the aid of clamping claws or a zero-point clamping system.
The modular design ensures maximum flexibility, since the components are easy to handle and the various versions can be combined freely.
The complexity of the workpiece geometry, the type of machining and the horizontal forces which have to be handled determine which version of the vacuum plate should be used.
Exclusive Spreitzer feature:
Friction pads for higher horizontal clamping forces
Unique friction pads permit 30% higher horizontal forces
Vacuum plate with friction pads
Friction pad inactive
Friction pad active
High horizontal holding forces (up to about 30% higher than a vacuum plate without friction pads)
- Friction pads generate no additional forces on the workpiece
- Oil- and ozone-resistant; pads can be replaced individually when worn
- Automatic activation and deactivation when vacuum is switched on/off
Safe clamping even of complex workpieces
For machining of simple workpieces, widely spaced slots are sufficient. Complex workpieces with holes or apertures must be additionally sealed around their edges with sealing rubber in order to maintain the vacuum. If a plate with closely spaced slots is used, this sealing rubber can be positioned close to the edges of the apertures and holes. This ensures flexible sealing and minimises the loss of clamping forces.
Simple workpiece
• Simple geometrical structure
• Few webs and apertures
• Web width > 30 mm
Recommendation: slot spacing 25 x 25 mm
Complex workpiece
• Complex geometrical structure
• Many webs and apertures
• Web width < 30 mm
Recommendation: slot spacing 12.5 x 12.5 mm
Overview vacuum clamping plates and accessories
Practical application examples
Clamping device for the aerospace industry
The often very complex geometry of parts used in the aerospace industry frequently require the use of lamping solutions matched specifically to the application. Maximum precision and careful handling of the workpieces are also very important.
Spreitzer has already developed special solutions for many customer-specific projects. With the vacuum plate, it is possible to clamp even very thin workpieces securely without damaging them. Further arguments in favour of vacuum clamping systems are the reduced set-up times and the high level of flexibility.
Milling with vacumm plate and suction blocks
The use of grid table suction blocks makes itt possible to machine holes and apertures in workpieces. For this, the workpiece is clamped on a vacuum plate / vacuum chuck with very low height tolerances for the first machining step.
For the second step, the grid table suction blocks are placed directly in the slots of the vacuum plate and the suction blocks are positioned to match the positions of the holes. The holes can now be drilled through the workpiece without damaging the vacuum plate or the actual workpiece.
Efficient clamping of aluminium cubes
This application shows a Vacuum-Plate in use on a CNC machining centre. It is secured to the machine table with the aid of mechanical clamping elements. The use of vacuum makes it possible to clamp the thin bases of the workpieces precisely and without distortion for five-axis machining without repositioning.
The vacuum is generated by the powerful vacuum unit AGG.The compact design makes it suitable for mobile use. It has castors and a handle by which it can be moved ergonomically to the desired position.