GRESSEL at the AMB 2024

Three further steps into the future

From September 10 to 14, 2024, Gressel will be demonstrating at AMB in Stuttgart how workpiece clamping solutions can massively increase efficiency and precision in machining. At the same time, the company is driving automation forward in times of a shortage of skilled workers and increased cost and competitive pressure. Three new solutions in particular will be presented in Hall 1, Stand 1G37: the “CLH” large-stroke clamp, the “grepos-5X-E” electric 5-axis clamp and the “VERO-S” tombstones with hybrid technology.

CLH large hydraulic lifting clamp

One of the world firsts at Gressel’s AMB presentation is the CLH large lifting clamp, which is designed as a hydraulic centric clamp and offers a clamping force of 40 kN. With an operating pressure of 10 to 230 bar, this results in a maximum total clamping force of 80 kN. The clamping range is 20 to 345 mm with standard jaws. The CLH stands for high flexibility thanks to its large clamping stroke of 110 mm, universal jaw interface and flexible jaw screw connection. Hydraulic and pneumatic integration is carried out individually via the side connections or the base-side connection. The base-side connection plate can be designed specifically for the machine or substructure. Depending on customer requirements and the application, the large lifting clamp can be equipped with or without a position measuring system and pneumatic media transfer for sealing air (dynamic pressure sensing). Electrical sensor monitoring on the sliders is also possible. An IO-Link interface enables the position measuring system to be read out and simple integration into automation systems. Based on these features, individual clamping solutions can be implemented with the new CLH large stroke clamp from Gressel, whether in single part production or in an automated process.

The new “CLH” large stroke clamp from Gressel is designed as a hydraulic centric clamp with a clamping force of 40 kN and a clamping range of 20 to 345 mm. (Pictures: GRESSEL)

Electric 5-axis clamp grepos-5X-E

Designed as a universally applicable large-stroke clamp, the new grepos-5X-E mechatronic workpiece clamping system from Gressel is characterized by a range of practical features. These include the infinitely programmable clamping stroke of 120 mm, a clamping range of 5 to 420 mm (other lengths on request), a monitored clamping force that can be programmed to suit specific requirements and self-locking. With a width of 125 mm, the high jaws of the clamp guarantee very good accessibility in 5-axis complete/simultaneous machining. At the same time, the grepos-5X-E is suitable for flexible single part and series production. High process reliability in all clamping situations is ensured by the sealing and encapsulation to IP 67 as well as the monitoring of the jaw position and the clamping force of max. 40 kN (total clamping force 80 kN). The 100 % electrical function is a central element of end-to-end production automation. The grepos-5X-E 5-axis vice, which is supplied with a voltage of 24/48 V, has an IO-Link interface for networked communication.

The mechatronic 5-axis clamp “grepos-5X-E” guarantees excellent accessibility for 5-axis machining of individual and series parts.

VERO-S hybrid tombstones

Gressel has constructed the new VERO-S tombstones using hybrid technology from a mineral cast core with a steel shell, thus combining the advantages of both materials. Mineral casting, for example, is characterized by excellent vibration damping and a low specific weight of 2.3 kg/dm³. This results in a comparatively low dead weight, which allows significantly heavier workpieces to be clamped and modern table designs to be optimally utilized. The damping properties, which are six to ten times higher than those of gray cast iron, also enable higher machining speeds with lower tool wear and higher surface quality. In addition, the VERO-S hybrid clamping towers react slowly to temperature changes due to their low thermal conductivity. The steel sheathing protects the tombstones against external influences. They are corrosion-resistant and resistant to aggressive and abrasive media. The clamping towers are prepared ex works with the Schunk “VERO-S NSE-T3 138-V1” zero-point clamping modules so that they can be quickly equipped with clamping devices from the large modular Schunk and Gressel range. Set-up times can be drastically reduced while at the same time extending the machine running time.

Constructed from a mineral cast core with a steel shell, the new “VERO-S” hybrid tombstones combine the advantages of both materials, for example excellent damping properties with high corrosion resistance.

GRESSEL AG
Markus Lau
Head of SMarketing
Schützenstrasse 25
CH-8355 Aadorf