Set-up times can be reduced drastically with the new module clamping technique of DATRON. Module plates which locate via conical centring sleeves are directly locked in position by vacuum on the table (M8) or on a base plate. The advantage lies in an extremely quick change of clamping modules and the high repetitive accuracy of the clamping position of a few hundredths of a millimetre. Naturally the modules can also be screwed up in the conventional manner.

Quick-Pallets 

Quick-Pallets reduce setup time from 30 minutes to 30 seconds.
When placing the Quick-Pallet on the machining bed, you will find the same spot every time, all the time. Quick-Pallets are keyed using a beveled boss-in-cavity system to insure location repeatability. A small vacuum pump is required to hold the Quick-Pallet in place during machining operations. Datron’s new machines are available from the factory with the Quick-Pallet receptacles and the vacuum pump pre-installed. Having workholding built into the machining system provides for optimal cost savings and the utmost flexibility. Quick-Pallets come in different sizes and configurations. Whether you need a workholding vise or a custom tray configuration for fast pallet changes, Quick-Pallets offer a fast and cost-effective solution. Now, changing a job only involves removing the pallet, sweeping the surface, and installing the new pallet – a process that takes about 12 seconds.

Vacumate 

Vacumate – workholding for flat & thin workpieces.
The VacuMate™ from Datron is designed to swiftly and efficiently secure flat workpieces to the bed of a machining system. Thin stock, which could be secured only with great difficulties before, is now secured literally within seconds. Quickly secure plastic foils as thin as 0.001”, to 0.250” large aluminum sheets. Here’s how it works:

A vacuum pump provides vacuum power for the system to work. A vacuum table features airflow-optimized vacuum ports, with recessed vacuum chambers, to provide superior vacuum distribution. A low cost gas-permeable substrate serves as a sacrificial vacuum diffuser, allowing the cutter to machine through the workpiece, without cutting into the table. 

Machine table with conical centring bushes

The module clamping systems were especially developed for the new DATRON machining system M8. As an option, the standard thread bushes can also be delivered in a conical shape. Due to the bushes, the sealed area of the clamping modules is evacuated through the bushes and therefore pressed on the table with a force of approx. 7N per cm². This generates holding forces of more than 2500 N even for a small clamping module of, for instance, 200 x 200 mm.

Pneumatic short stroke clamping with T-slot module plate

DATRON have developed these new types of clamping units for an extremely quick and comfortable clamping of parts with a small format. The individual clamping units can be positioned freely within the T-slots. Clamping and shifting are controlled with an integrated switch. The T-slot plate is 250 mm wide and 460 mm long.

Module clamping base plates

The module clamping plates are available in the sizes 180 x 280 mm and 280 x 380 mm as base plates for taking up customized clamping devices. The conical centring sleeves and the sealing for the vacuum suction unit are installed on the lower side of these precisely manufactured base plates.

Machine vice on the module clamping plate

As the machine vice is fastened onto the module clamping plate, it can be fixed on the machine table and positioned precisely within seconds.

Basic modules for module clamping plates

Basic modules are available to retrofit existing CNC machines. They are delivered together with a fastening set, a small vacuum pump and a sensor to monitor the vacuum.

Pneumatic short-stroke clamping units

The new pneumatic-hydraulic short-stroke clamping units have an adjustable holding force of 0 - 800N (at 6 bar compresed air). They can be swivelled by 360 degrees. Due to the compact design with dimensions of 105 x 60 x 70 mm (L x H x W), several elements can be used even in a small area.

Customized clamping solutions

It is very easy to construct a pallet changing system with the base plates. The example here shows the production of an Aluminium work piece. While one pallet is being machined , the next one can be prepared.