Inductive component detection

With the "e-sensing" digital workpiece stop and the "HRU 1" hybrid rotary feeder, SMW-Autoblok and SMW-Electronics are paving the way for conventional clamping technology into the digital factory. The SMW concept enables contactless inductive component detection and provides the signals to the system control system without contact.

Sensor technology is considered a key technology for the automation of clamping technology. The transmission of signals regarding the position and orientation of the workpiece enables fully automated loading and clamping processes. With two inductive components, SMW-AUTOBLOK, a specialist in clamping devices, and SMW-electronics, a developer of mechatronic and digital systems for clamping technology, offer a concept that also realizes automated workpiece processing for conventional clamping devices with rotating units.

"e-sensing": the digital workpiece stop

The "e-sensing" digital workpiece stop can be pre-installed or retrofitted as a sensor unit. The sensors determine the presence, position, and orientation of a workpiece at multiple measuring points. They also detect whether a chip is present between the workpiece and the stop. The machining process only begins when the workpiece is correctly positioned and aligned. Measurements are taken up to a distance of 5 mm.

This means that "e-sensing" surpasses the performance of the previously widely used air gap monitoring system, which detects components by measuring an air gap. Air gap monitoring systems only work up to a distance of 0.02 mm and are therefore unsuitable for the Operation 10 process in the machining of raw parts. "e-sensing" optimally meets the requirements of position and alignment monitoring of raw parts. Thanks to its configurable sensor technology, "e-sensing" can be flexibly used for a variety of measuring applications. Optionally, the digital workpiece stop can also be used for inductive distance measurement. It provides its output signals via IO-Link or analog in the voltage range from 0 to 10 volts.

"HRU 1": The Hybrid Rotary Union

SMW has integrated the transmission of energy and signals from the rotary to the stationary system into the rotary union. The hybrid rotary union (HRU 1) not only ensures the supply of air, oil, or coolant, but is also an inductive coupling system through which both signal and energy are transmitted via an air gap. SMW's hybrid rotary union is characterized by its compact size and high compatibility. It features three analog 0-10 V and three digital PNP connections; the media supply is via a G1/4" thread. The "HRU 1" achieves a speed of up to 7,000 rpm and, thanks to its IP67 protection rating, offers high operational reliability even in harsh environmental conditions.

SMW's concept of "e-sensing" and "HRU 1" not only shortens setup times but also increases process reliability. Thanks to this, combined with a robot, unmanned workpiece production in an automation cell is now possible, even for conventional clamping devices. This is how SMW advances clamping technology further toward the digital factory.