Product category:
Workholding - miscellaneous clamping systems, components
News Release from: Oetiker UK | Subject: Electronically controlled clamping system
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 11 January 2007
Clamps programmed to be consistent
An electronically controlled clamping system allows users to program specific closing parameters for clamps, including force and diameter set-points and tolerances.
For any production facility, reliability is crucial, and companies go to considerable lengths to ensure that product quality is not compromised by any errors or delays on production lines One particularly critical area is the clamping of hose connections
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 21 May 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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The Oetiker Electronic Clamping System (ELK01) has been developed in line with our range of clamps to satisfy the requirements of industry, as well as manufacturing where accurate, reliable clamping is required.
Essentially, clients require accurate and uniform, full 360 deg clamping and a means of verifying the integrity of every single clamp and logging the process to a database for product traceability purposes.
* Quantify - The Oetiker ELK01 v4 allows users to program specific closing parameters for clamps, including Force and Diameter set-points and tolerances.
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* Qualify - The system automatically measures every closure against the set parameters and indicates either Pass or Fail.
* Verify - Software (CPM) allows recording of each closure to ensure 100% process traceability.
The only system to fully meet these criteria is the ELK01 electronically controlled pneumatic pincer from Oetiker.
The ELK01 system allows the user to program their process requirements into a control box at the location of processing.
The unit can accommodate a series of programmes and execute them in a predetermined sequence should clients wish to carry out a number of different closures at one station.
To allows this, the ELK01 can differentiate between separate programs and indicate any failure.
In the event of clamp closure failure the ELK01 unit will recognize the deviation in voltage output from the LVDT unit in the pincer and indicate the failure via the unit LCD to the operator.
Also, the ELK01 unit will not allow subsequent closures until the failed item has been replaced and closed successfully.
This is the failsafe operation of the ELK01.
Our new software GENERATION V4, has enhanced the ELK01 considerably, and simplified, flexible integration into the assembly process.
With New features such as the following.
* Extended PC communication (V24 outputs).
* May be integrated into automated system using PLC or PC communication.
* Separate entry of +/- tolerances for closing gap and force.
* Process parameters specific for pincer head.
* Optimised Force or Stroke priority action, with or without holding feature.
* New closure process for Low Profile Clamps with verification.
* Additional sub menus, new entry masks, and enhanced graphics added to buttons.
The ELK01 itself does not constitute Oetikers full package.
The company will ensure that customers are using the correct clamps and will also train customers employees whilst simultaneously programming the required parameters into the ELK01 unit.
After-sales support continues for the life of the system with technical advice being available from Oetiker technical consultants.
In addition to its obvious production benefits, the ELK01 considerably reduces the risk of repetitive strain injury associated with constant use of manual crimping pincers.
Oetikers system is established through much of the UK's Automotive industry including those involved in engine, chassis and subsystems (fuel tanks, pumps, shafts, etc).
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