Magnos magnetic chucks from Newport Pagnell-based Schunk Intec Ltd (www.gb.schunk.com) provide low-deformation workpiece clamping, accessibility and fast workpiece change-overs.

To improve ease of operation, the company is releasing Magnos square-pole plates equipped with a ‘status display by default’.

This shows the current clamping status continuously, even when the magnetic chuck has been disconnected from the control and is in pallet storage with a clamped workpiece, for instance.

Schunk is also launching a modular control unit that gives users a high degree of flexibility. The Magnos KEH Plus can be used with all Schunk square-pole and radial-pole plates.

One, two, four or eight magnetic chucks can be actuated at the same time, depending on the base version.

By selecting the appropriate connection cable, both small magnetic chucks with four-pin connectors and large magnetic chucks with seven-pin connectors can be actuated.

Being equipped with plug connectors, each cable can be exchanged quickly and easily; it is also possible to assign vacant slots at any time to additional magnetic chucks.

To ensure process reliability in automated applications, users can monitor each magnetic chuck; individual clamping states can be transmitted via a PLC interface to the system control.

The Magnos KEH Plus control unit is complemented by the Magnos Habe-S Plus hand-held remote, which is also modular in design and allows the control of magnetic chucks, as well as the 16-step holding-force regulation process.

The hand-held remote control continuously provides information on the individual clamping status of connected chucks. In the case of malfunctions, error codes are also provided on the display, making the system easy to troubleshoot.