The tool clamping system has had a revolutionary impact on the machining industry, and the modular clamping system draws on its advantages. Its function is far more than just a reference benchmark, and it also provides functions such as positioning, clamping, and interface universality. This clamping principle is now considered one of the effective methods to improve production efficiency, widely applicable to various processes from small parts to large parts, from rough machining to assembly applications. As a pioneer in this technology, as well as in clamping technology and gripping systems, Schunk has always been committed to developing new application areas and has added professional standard modules suitable for direct clamping of workpieces and micro and small parts in its modular system.

Whether it is traditional workshop production, small batch production, 24-hour automatic uninterrupted operation, or tool manufacturing - any company should fully consider the potential advantages of quick change clamping technology before investing in new machine tools. This technology can install, position, and clamp a single clamping device, workpiece tray, or workpiece equipped with positioning pins in a machine tool with reference accuracy in just a few seconds. During processing, the actual clamping operation is completed outside the machine tool. This can increase output, reduce costs, and prevent operator errors during the clamping process. Therefore, the quick change clamping system is a system that can optimize installation time - especially when integrating it into the overall concept from engineering design to finished products. Many companies will introduce quick change clamping solutions as a springboard to achieve more process organization and successfully apply them to other machine tools.

As an enterprise in clamping technology and gripping systems, Schunk is always leading the way by integrating Schunk VERO-S - possibly the breakthrough quick change clamping system in the current market - with numerous other clamping devices to create a standard, modular system suitable for workpiece clamping. Schunk's experts have developed a system that simplifies module selection based on different types of machine tools. This program contains over 500 possible combinations. It includes height expansion modules, ranging from multi face fixture towers, clamping trays, pneumatic and hydraulic clamping blocks, to claw type chucks, magnetic clamping solutions, modules for lathe processing and automatic machine feeding. The module series even includes independent clamping devices for high-precision precision machining or high clamping requirements tasks. The system program has high compatibility and can be widely applied to different machining applications.

All combinations have one thing in common - they can be installed and connected through the interface of the VERO-S quick change clamping system. Within seconds, the workpiece, clamping device, pallet, clamping system, and fixture tower can be tightened and clamped in the equipment through one or more positioning pins. In the quick change module, the radially arranged clamping sliders are locked in the form of spring groups, causing the positioning pins to retract and achieve self-locking. With two patented technologies, fast travel and clamping travel, the tensile force of VERO-S can reach up to 12000 N. Due to the integrated boost function in each module, the pulling force can reach 50000 N. Thanks to the stiffness of the entire clamping solution, VERO-S can reliably absorb the huge shear force generated when clamping from the bottom and machining high-level parts at high altitudes without the need to change the workpiece position. Thus, even for complex machining processes with high cutting parameters, high accuracy can be ensured. The clamping force can reach 200 000 N.

Installation and positioning are achieved through a short cone, which ensures a repeatability accuracy of less than 0.005 mm. By using a conical joint, the positioning pin can be easily connected to the module even with inclination and eccentricity. To extend service life and improve machining reliability, functional components such as the substrate, positioning pins, and clamping sliders must be made of hardened stainless steel and corrosion-resistant. In addition, most modules are fully sealed to prevent the infiltration of debris, dust, and lubricants. Due to the presence of air connectors at the bottom and sides, these connectors can be flexibly used in any installation position.

Compared to other clamping systems, the Schunk quick change clamping system does not consume energy during processing. Even if the pressure in the air system suddenly drops, the workpiece will still remain in a safe clamping state. A pneumatic system pressure of 6 bar is sufficient to open the module, which can replace expensive hydraulic systems and complex pipeline designs. In addition, every existing machine tool can be matched with the system after renovation. As a standard configuration, Schunk integrates an air purification connector and a monitoring option for clamping the slider in the system. This way, various modules can be automatically loaded when necessary.

The Schunk quick change module can be selected in different sizes ranging from 230 to 49 mm depending on the specific processing technology. The latter is the VERO-S NSE mini, with a height of 12 mm and is a flat quick change module. The outer diameter of the accompanying positioning pin is only 10 mm. Thanks to the superior features of the VERO-S series, the internal design of this micro module is impressive: patented drive concept, including a dual stroke system to ensure a pull-down force of 400 N, integrated boost function, and a clamping force of up to 6000 N. This micro module is suitable for rapid replacement of workpieces, components, and pallets in lightweight machining applications, assembly units, and measuring equipment.

Schunk has also developed a modular system suitable for directly gripping workpieces, which plays an important role in improving the production capacity and efficiency of individual components and small batch production. The use of modular clamping pillars allows for direct clamping of complex and irregular workpieces on the machine tool workbench within seconds - without the need for any other clamping devices, thus avoiding contour interference. The clamping pillar can ensure that there is no collision during operation, complete the defined clamping application, and conduct reliable simulation of the machining. In addition, high-precision clamping solutions help achieve rapid workpiece replacement. The modular system includes a VERO-S WBD matrix suitable for machine tool workbenches, a VERO-S WDN clamping module (with a diameter of 99 mm), and a freely combinable VERO-S WDS stacking module. The standard heights of these components are 30 mm and 50 mm, so there is no need for any special solutions. The clamping pillars can continuously change from a height of 80 mm to an accurate spacing of 10 mm.

The clamping connection between individual modules has an extremely strong pull-down force of up to 25000 N, suitable for higher cutting parameters. Use an Allen wrench to immediately turn it on. To ensure that there is no deformation when clamping the workpiece, a continuously adjustable hydraulic clamping type VERO-S WDA compensation element can be used to continuously compensate for the height difference. All interfaces come with an open-ended short cone centering mechanism located between individual components, ensuring a repeatability accuracy of less than 0.005 mm. The built-in air through hole can drive the clamping module and monitor whether the workpiece is in place without the need for external media through holes.