100 percent electric!

With the Kontec KSX-E, Schunk is launching the first 100 percent electrically driven 5-axis clamp with a continuously programmable clamping stroke - another future building block for digitalized, energy-efficient production.

Digital technologies make it possible to make manufacturing processes more energy-efficient, efficient and flexible. They are key building blocks for a "Healthy Factory", a healthy and economically successful production. With this goal in mind, Schunk is also increasingly designing its clamping devices to be parameterizable and networkable. The advantages are particularly evident in the processing of small and medium batch sizes and in transparent process monitoring. For this purpose, Schunk has supplemented its proven 5-axis clamps in the KSX series with an electrically driven version with a freely programmable clamping stroke - the Kontec KSX-E.

Digitalized process monitoring

The new Kontec KSX-E is controlled with 24 volts DC via spring contacts on the base or with a wired plug connection on the side. All programmable parameters such as clamping force, clamping stroke or jaw position can be monitored simultaneously and transmitted to the machine control via the integrated IO-Link interface and evaluated there. IO-Link is a fieldbus-independent point-to-point connection in which the clamping device can be integrated into the corresponding fieldbus system via an IO-Link master. In the future, it should also be possible to transmit and set the data wirelessly or wired to an app.

Optimal 5-sided accessibility

A large clamping range of up to 420 mm and the jaw pre-positioning make the Kontec KSX-E particularly flexible for automated machine loading with a high degree of part variance. Thanks to its geometry with very high jaws, the clamp guarantees optimal accessibility for 5-sided complete machining on 5-axis machines. The spindle at the top ensures that the clamping force is introduced directly below the workpiece, thus preventing the jaws from rearing up.

The continuously programmable clamping force of up to 40 kN per jaw also ensures that the workpiece can be clamped in a process- and vibration-safe manner even with minimal clamping surfaces. The clamp works reliably even under the influence of chips, dirt or coolant. Thanks to its complete sealing and encapsulation, the electronics and actuators are also well protected.

Schunk's extensive jaw portfolio of system and top jaws rounds off the overall package of the Kontec KSX-E. Suitable clamping jaws can be easily found using the digital Schunk clamping jaw quick finder. Schunk will be offering the Kontec KSX-E in size 125 from the first quarter of 2025.