MDA - Schunk

With all of the talk about Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) it is easy to get excited about the possibilities the future has to offer. All of the innovation in manufacturing over the years has resulted in more production with higher quality. The limits on what is considered precise have constantly been improving. While Industry 4.0 focuses on adding more tracking and data to improve manufacturing, it will accomplish the same goal of more production at a higher quality. The way that it will accomplish this is with intent. Engineers and managers will be able to make decisions with more intent based on the information at hand. Another technology that will advance manufacturing through intent is applied expansion technology for ID/OD clamping.

Applied expansion technology has the ability to provide the highest level of accuracy in part/tool locating and holding. With repeat accuracy in the 0.003mm range, applied expansion technology will advance precision workholding to improve production quality as manufacturing becomes more sophisticated. From applications in the aerospace industry to the energy sector, by designing fixturing with intent, manufacturers will achieve tighter tolerances and produce superior products. Engineered solutions for part holding, whether mechanical or hydraulic, will become more common in the manufacturing environment, just like connectivity; both pursuing the goal of higher output while redefining precision.

Schunk is a competence leader for gripping systems and clamping technology. About 3,000 employees in 9 plants and 33 directly owned subsidiaries ensure an intensive market presence. With more than 11,000 standard components, Schunk offers the world’s largest assortment of gripping systems and clamping technology from one source. Since 2012, Goalkeeper legend Jens Lehmann is brand ambassador for safe, precise gripping and holding.