Automation
OK-VISE is offering automation in fixturing.
Case by case, this can mean automated clamping, which can be used in combination with robotic loading or manual loading of workpieces.
In some cases automated clamping force verification DIGIFORCE can also be useful to improve quality of machining
More information:
Electrical clamping
ELVA concept is multi-purpose, resulting in to a design which enables maximum flexibility in automation.
ELVA stands for Extra Low Voltage Actuation. This concept can be used with robotic loading or manual loading of workpieces to machining center.
The design delivers benefits like
- Easy plug and play automation
- Radically shorter production ramp-up times than with traditional clamping automation
- Need for special expertise is avoided
- Safe and clean energy supply with economical coupling and decoupling
https://joomla.ok-vise.com/en/101-products/automation#sigProIdf2487f596b
More information about automation
OK-VISE Automated Clamping principles
OK-VISE's electrical clamping system
The worlds first electrical clamping system based on low-profile clamps is here !
OK-VISE has designed multi-purpose electrical clamping system. The resulting design delivers maximum flexibility in electrical clamping automation.
- Easy plug and play automation
- Radically shorter production ramp-up times than with traditional clamping automation
- Need for special expertise is avoided
- Safe and clean energy supply with economical coupling and decoupling
System launch has been at ELMIA Machine Tool Exhibition in May 2022 ( Jönköping, Sweden ).
Pilots projects are running, and next trade show for ELVA will be in Tampere, Finland 29-30 Nov and 1st Dec 2022
https://joomla.ok-vise.com/en/101-products/automation#sigProIdf2487f596b
DIGIFORCE SCADA DFC-1
This optional system element collects information from several DIGIFORCE displays so that historical data can be viewed.
Wireless Digiforce force Verification System
Clamping force verification can now be done wirelessly. This digital concept is designed to be an integral part of any system where verifying clamping force is essential.
In the Multi-Rail RM system we have stopper modules which have built-in force sensors.
The sensor is connected to the measuring unit, which sends the measuring data by radio to the display. The display units can easily be set up with the min and max forces to trigger an alarm.
The European 868 MHz radio-technology that we use is long range technology, thus enabling transmission distances of up to 50 meters. This guarantees error-free transmission even in most harsh machining environments.
Basic components of the system are
- A stopper module with DIGIFORCE sensor option
- Wireless DIGIFORCE measuring unit
- Wireless DIGIFORCE display
- SCADA System ( optional, to collect history data )
Stopper RMS-50A with DIGIFORCE option DFS-1
Some Multi-Rail RM stoppers like RMS-50A can be ordered with the DIGIFORCE DFS-1 sensor option.
Wireless Digiforce display DF-WDA3
Includes power adapter 230 VAC to 12 VDC
Standard Modbus connection to SCADA
Touch-screen display.
The display unit shows the direct minimum and maximum I/O alarms that can easily be connected to any machining centre, and also comes equipped with a clear and intuitive visual indication screen for the operator.
Wireless Digiforce measuring unit DF-WMA3
- Transmits force data every 1 second
- Uses 868 MHz frequency ( EU standard )
- Battery duration min 3 months ( unit can also be switched off to extend battery life )
- M12 connector to force sensor
Uses 868 MHz frequency (EU standard)
Hydraulic actuator HA-VD1
| Code | Dimensions | STEP |
| HA-VD1 |  |  |
- Single acting cylinder with spring return
- Cylinder stroke 8 mm creates 2 x 3,3 mm clamp jaw movement
- Height 67 mm
- JIC 1/4 connection
- Recommendation 350 bar max
| Piston area/ pull (cm2) | 11.6 | |
| Piston force (kN) | ||
| at 250 bar / pull | 29.0 | |
| at 350 bar / pull | 40.0 | |
| Clamp force (kN) using DK2-VT clamp in standard conditions | ||
| at 250 bar / pull | 20 | |
| at 350 bar / pull | 31 | |
Installation principle
Hydraulic actuator HA-VB1
| Code | Dimensions | STEP |
| HA-VB1 | | |
- Single acting cylinder with spring return
- Cylinder stroke 4,5 mm creates 2 x 2,0 mm clamp jaw movement
- M8 thread
- Height 51 mm
- JIC 1/4 connection
- Recommendation max 350 bar
| Piston area/ pull (cm2) | 3.8 | |
| Piston force (kN) | ||
| at 250 bar / pull | 9.5 | |
| at 350 bar / pull | 13.1 | |
| Clamp force (kN) using BK2-VT clamp in standard conditions | ||
| at 250 bar / pull | 7.0 | |
| at 350 bar / pull | 9.7 | |
Hydraulic actuator HA-JB1
| Code | Dimensions | STEP |
| HA-JB1 | | |
- Hollow-rod cylinder
- M8 thread
- Height 48 mm
- Cylinder stroke 6,1 mm creates 2 x 2,6 mm clamp jaw movement
- JIC 1/4 connection
- Recommendation max 250 bar
| Piston area/ pull (cm2) | 6.2 | |
| Piston force (kN) | ||
| at 250 bar / pull | 14.9 | |
| at 350 bar / pull | 20.9 | |
| Clamp force (kN) using BK2-VT clamp in standard conditions | ||
| at 250 bar / pull | 11 | |
| at 350 bar / pull | 15 | |
Hydraulic actuator HA-JD1
| Code | Dimensions | STEP |
| HA-JD1 | | |
- Hollow-rod cylinder
- M12 thread
- Cylinder stroke 7,8 mm creates 2 x 3,3 mm clamp jaw movement
- Height 58 mm
- JIC 1/4 connection
- Recommendation max 250 bar
| Piston area/ pull (cm2) | 12.3 | |
| Piston force (kN) | ||
| at 250 bar / pull | 29.6 | |
| at 350 bar / pull | 41.4 | |
| Clamp force (kN) using BK2-VT clamp in standard conditions | ||
| at 250 bar / pull | 22 | |
| at 350 bar / pull | 31 | |
Installation
PP2VD5-2440A Powerplate unit
PP2VD5-2440A with RM option
Plate size 240 x 400 mm.
Hydraulic cylinder package ( 2 actuators ) can be installed in the middle or at the end of the plate.
Positioning holes for RM-400 Multi-Rail units are included.
Applications
POWERPLATE WITH SUB-PLATE
Hydraulic actuator sets HA-JB1, HA-JD1, HA-VB1 and HA-VD1
In addition to hydraulic actuators (= cylinders) these sets include all the adapter bolts and fittings required to automatize B- or D-series clamps.
Depending on the clamp size, a 8 mm or 12 mm bolt goes through the clamp and fixture plate to the cylinder ‘s piston. The base cylinder is bolted on to a fixture plate.
The cylinders in the sets are single-acting, enabling the simplest possible actuation of OK-VISE clamps
Powerplate concept
The Powerplate concept gives users the most straightforward access to automation.
Hydraulic actuators (from 1 to 7 pcs) are built-in under a base plate, and the cylinder package can also be moved to various additional positions under the plate for optimal clamping. So,either a single workpiece can be clamped alone or up to 14 pcs simultaneously.
The Hydraulic actuator normally uses HA-VD1, creating a 29 kN clamping force with 350 bar maximum hydraulic pressure.
Fixtures can also be built on sub plates, which can be rapidly changed using a built-in Ball-Lock quick-change system.
Generic-purpose OK-VISE Fixturing Concept components like Multi-Rail RM units can be installed directly on the plate.
There are two sizes as standard: 240x400 mm and 400x700 mm.
OK-VISE Automated Clamping principles
The key property of the OK-VISE clamps is extreme clamping force in a small space combined with the accuracy of the clamping force.
Today we offer two methods based on this principle : electrical clamping and hydraulic clamping
- Both methods use the same principle : pulling the bolt down instead of rotating the bolt which is typical in manual clamping.
- As an integral part of the OK-VISE Fixturing Concept, automated actuators can be used to build genuinely modular and scalable fixtures.
- Automated clamping can be used in combination with:
- Automated or manual workpiece loading
- Vertical or horizontal machining centers and 5-axis machines
- A continuous ( "live" ) power supply or a power supply that is uncoupled after loading.
OK-VISE low-profile clamps are known worldwide for their quality and accuracy. D-series and B-series clamps are particularly recommended for use with the OK-VISE automated actuators.
Hydraulic clamping
Hydraulic pressure (p) is first converted to the downwards force and by the use of the clamping force of the wedge clamp (F) is applied in two directions. Just like in manual clamping, a stopper is needed on both sides of the clamp.
The simplest way of creating a hydraulic fixture is to use a a single acting hydraulic actuator. Please note that in the double acting hydraulic actuator, pushing force is stronger than the pulling force.
Please study the list of our hydraulic modules.
OK-VISE Hydraulic clamping
Benefits of hydraulic clamping
Compared to manual clamping, using hydraulic clamping in the system ensures a consistent clamping force on the workpiece, makes clamping process faster and enables automated or robotic loading of workpieces.
Compared to the other hydraulic systems on the market, the OK-VISE hydraulic clamping module:
- is based on the world-renowned wedge clamp
- has a wedge design that hinders compression of hydraulic oil and prevents vibration
- creates clamping force with a pull stroke
- has a return stroke performed by a spring or hydraulics
- uses a HA-Series actuator designed for 350 bar pressure, hence a compact size
Some basic components
The principle
The operation principle of hydraulically operated OK-VISE fixtures is the same than in electical clamping : pulling a bolt down, which pulls the wedge toward fixure base, pushing the jaws against workpieces.
Hydraulic pressure (p) is first converted to the downwards force and by the use of the clamping force of the wedge clamp (F) is applied in two directions. Just like in manual clamping, a stopper is needed on both sides of the clamp.
The simplest way of creating a hydraulic fixture is to use a a single acting hydraulic actuator. Please note that in the double acting hydraulic actuator, pushing force is stronger than the pulling force.
Most typical applications
Multi-Rail RM Units + Hydraulics
Continuous hydraulic connection with horizontal machining center.
Grid System + Hydraulics
Continuous hydraulic connection with vertical machining center.
Blank System + Hydraulics
The hydraulic connection is disconnected after loading. Used in the FMS systems.
Retro-fit option
Manual fixtures can be designed in a way that adding automation later is extremely simple, plug-in operation
This is the easiest way to enter the world of an automated clamping!
Installation
Fixturing assembly can be supplied together with the hydraulic actuators. OK-VISE partners from the global distribution network offer assistance with the hydraulic installations. Sample connection diagrams are available from support@ok-vise.com.
OK-VISE CLAMPS
OK-VISE low-profile clamps are worldwide known for their quality and accuracy. D-series and B-series clamps are particularly recommended for use with the OK-VISE hydraulic actuators.
