MATRIX ® SAFELY ON THE ROAD IN MANY INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS

The overriding principle is to avoid local clamping force peaks that could damage the geometry of the workpiece. Especially the use in complex production lines or systems requires safe and short intervals in order to be able to machine workpieces economically. This also includes methods of measurement and quality assurance, for example on a 3D coordinate measuring machine, i.e. not only pure mechanical processing.

MATRIX® has developed a technique of clamping devices that allows the entire clamping sequence to be redefined. A modular clamping system uses a large number of pins arranged in a grid to reproduce the individual contour of the clamping surface on the workpiece. After the workpiece contour has been moulded, the pins are locked in their movement. The workpiece remains fixed in the clamped position. The principle is a combination of force-locking and form-fit clamping. This enables the clamping system to adapt to any workpiece geometry. Free-form parts can be clamped effortlessly without any damaging pressure between clamping element and workpiece.

By the sequence of inserting parts, moulding jaws, fixing plungers and automatic clamping, the large number of defined clamping points prevent damage to the workpieces. The rams are moved and controlled pneumatically or hydraulically. Likewise, the large number of rams in contact with the contour reduces possible vibrations during mechanical processing. The positive result is an improvement in tool life.

These positive aspects are understandable in the economic view when used in the precision mechanical and electrical engineering industry. The sanitary industry also looks at economical production processes in the field of metal-cutting shaping, such as machining, milling and subsequent digital measurement. MATRIX® clamping systems can be easily integrated inline in partially or fully automated series assembly processes.

The immense range of applications fascinates engineers and production technicians in automotive and aerospace manufacturing as well as users in research. In the automotive sector, the rational and target-oriented rapid implementation of rapid prototyping of new types of vehicle parts is a priority before series production. With the adaptive clamping system of MATRIX ®, engineers and designers have the possibility to fix and machine complex and sensitive prototypes made of aluminum or stainless steel. In order to precisely position components, even of the smallest dimensions, additional adjustable indexing pins can be installed in the ram field.

For the aerospace industry, the clamping device can provide a secure hold at the required high precision levels during the production of turbine parts and turbine blades.

Medical technology is also likely to be of interest for the assembly of sensitive and high-quality production parts. For example, the mold pins or special MATRIX mold nests first hold the impression of a masterpiece and then secure the workpiece itself during the production run. If a change for a new design requires a differently shaped mold cavity, the pin fields are returned to their original position by loosening the fixing screw. The new fixing is just as secure as the previous one and withstands further processing or measurement.