Newport Pagnell-based Schunk Intec Ltd (www.gb.schunk.com) gave a UK exhibition premiere of its new quick-change pallet modules — the Vero-S NSE3 138 and the Vero-S NSE-T3 138 tombstone module.

The Vero-S NSE3 delivers a pull-down force of 8kN — or 28kN with the ‘activated turbo function’. As a result, high tilting moments and transverse forces can be absorbed when machining high parts, for example.

Clamping and positioning of the modules is carried out via a short taper with a repeat accuracy of better than 0.005mm.

Clamping is achieved by spring force without requiring any external energy supply; it is also ‘form-fit and self-locking’.

Moreover, the workpieces remain safely clamped in case of a sudden pressure drop in the air system; a pneumatic system pressure of just 6 bar is required to open the clamping modules.

Both ‘open’ and ‘closed’ clamping slide positions can be monitored as standard, using dynamic pressure; among the options is a position sensor that can be used to detect locking.

The new modules are fully compatible with the previous Vero-S system.