Review GRESSEL + SCHUNK Clamping and Automation Days 2025
Two days full of innovations
Full halls, great discussions and real practice: In short, our Clamping and Automation Days 2025 in Aadorf were a complete success. Over 140 participants (a new record) took the opportunity to find out about the latest developments in clamping technology and modern machine automation (vise automation, workpiece automation, pallet automation, workpiece & pallet automation R-C2, flexible manufacturing system). The visitors experienced practical demonstrations to see the advantages of the respective solutions directly in practice and to gain valuable insights into the future of manufacturing technology.
Clamping technology and automation in practice
The focus of the days was on 8 practical stations where our experts were able to demonstrate the advantages of different solutions directly and engage in close dialogue with the participants. Among other things, our participants were able to experience live:
Workpiece automation R-C2
Two stations were presented as part of the R-C2 workpiece automation. The first station combined R-C2 systems with the systems of our partners Black Forest Smart Automation (BFSA) and HandlingTech. The presentation was given by the experts Christopher Mayer (BFSA) and Tobias Kaiser (HandlingTech). The second station included an R-C2 system from Roth Technik AG, supervised by Markus Roth, as well as our own R-C2 systems in GRESSEL production from Promot and Cellro, presented by Andreas Brunhofer.
The presentations focused on minimising set-up times, increasing spindle running times and implementing unmanned production processes. A central technical highlight was the 6-sided station, which enables complete machining of the workpiece on all sides without manual retooling and is therefore ideal for continuous, unmanned operation.
NEW: ViceVersa vise automation
Introduced at EMO, the ViceVersa vice automation system was on show for the first time this year and then live at our clamping and automation days last week. With this automation system, the vises are stored in a magazine and are changed and removed directly in the machine tool using a robot. The simple and space-saving design is particularly suitable for getting started with automation or for automating simple recurring clamping tasks. The system impresses with low investment costs and high reliability with simple and convincing software.
Pallet automation
Reiner Hartmann presented GRESSEL clamping technology for pallet automation. The pallet automation storage system allows several workpieces to be prepared, thus increasing the machine running time. A highlight with GRESSEL gre4doc Multiple clamping solutions for all those who want to organise their production processes as efficiently as possible.
GRESSEL clamping technology
In addition to the right automation solution, choosing the right clamping technology is also crucial for efficient production. Frank Scheurer presented some highlights from the GRESSEL product catalogue. These included the new 5-axis centric clamp C5X and the GRESSEL zero-point clamping systems gredoc and gre4doc.
The C5X scores points with its excellent accessibility and a high clamping force of up to 40 kN. Thanks to various heights and base body lengths and compatibility with the C2.0 jaw programme, the C5X can be used to produce workpieces of all sizes and shapes.
Almir Imeri presented digital service tools such as the GRESSEL configurator: https://www.gressel.ch/en/configurator/ and also the digital catalogue: https://www.gressel.ch/en/gressel-catalogue/
SCHUNK clamping technology
In the field of automation, Benjamin Schober presented selected highlights of SCHUNK clamping technology, which impress with innovative functions and high process reliability. As with the automation stations, the focus was clearly on minimising set-up times and increasing spindle running times.
SCHUNK machine loading
Markus Michelberger gave a live demonstration of automated lathe loading for small batch sizes by means of an automated jaw change on the lathe chuck. When used correctly, automated machine loading can massively reduce set-up times.
Greater interest than ever before
With over 140 participants, we were delighted to welcome a record number of visitors this year – more than ever before! This great response shows impressively how important the topic of automation has become for the future of manufacturing.
Because one thing is clear: productivity, efficiency and competitiveness today depend more than ever on maximum machine running times and minimum set-up times. Automation is the key to economical and future-proof production.
A big thank you to everyone who made our Clamping and Automation Days two inspiring, practical event days! The numerous discussions, the open dialogue and the shared interest in innovative solutions have once again shown how strongly the industry sticks together.
We would also like to thank our partners: Roth Technik AG, Black Forest Smart Automation, HandlingTech and STS Maschinendienstleistung GmbH – many thanks for their excellent cooperation, without them this event would not have been possible in this form.
📅 Save the Date 2026
You can already look forward to the GRESSEL + SCHUNK Clamping and Automation Days 2026 on the 21st and 22nd of October 2026 – two days full of innovation, practice and enthusiasm for the future of manufacturing.
You couldn’t be there?
Even if you couldn’t register in time, you don’t have to miss anything: Visits to our production facilities are possible at any time by appointment.
We are also happy to organise individual factory tours for interested customers, clubs or associations, including exciting insights into our product range.
Further exciting events relating to clamping technology, automation and future-orientated production are already being planned. Stay tuned, it’s worth it!
Impressions of the Clamping and Automation Days 2025
