Sensor Status System Directly Integrates Into Part Clamping Systems
Blum-Novotest, leading provider of high-quality measuring and testing technology, will be presenting the new MG81 multi-purpose measuring device at CONTROL 2025 in Stuttgart (Hall 3, Booth 3410). The compact device, which is the size of a bank card, has been specially developed for sensor-based status assessment of clamping systems. The recorded values are transmitted wirelessly to the machine tool control system in real time, meaning they can be incorporated directly into the process.
Recording Process Data Real Time During Machining.
Winfried Weiland, Head of Marketing at Blum-Novotest explains: “The aim of an automated machining process in the spirit of Industry 4.0 is to record all relevant influences and come up with appropriate actions. As you already know, BLUM offers many innovative solutions for this purpose, which can be used to monitor machining tools and measure produced workpieces in the machining centre. But with the new MG81, we are taking another decisive step: By integrating the transmission system and sensor technology directly into the clamping systems, it is possible to record important process data in real time during machining. This includes the current workpiece temperature, the clamping pressure, the presence of the workpiece and the clamping jaw position. This means the machining centre can access and react to the process-relevant data of the clamping device at any time.”
The System Can Also Monitor Clamping Pressure
As an example, the MG81 is used in automated processes in which workpieces with strongly fluctuating input temperatures are machined. Sensors integrated into the clamping jaws record the temperature of the current part, which is then transmitted to the control system, where it can be immediately taken into account in the process. The system is also used to monitor the clamping pressure. This is how corresponding sensors can detect whether a workpiece is being clamped securely and with constant force. Another example is automatic pre-positioning of the clamping jaws according to the current workpiece size that will be machined: If workpieces with different dimensions have to be automatically fed to the clamping device, this process is supported by integrated position measuring sensors. This enables reliable and efficient parts supply for the shortest cycle times.
BLUM offers 3 types of communication depending on the application. The customer can either initialise a single query or query the sensor data with adjustable, low query frequencies during continuous operation. The third option, the ‘DIGILOG mode’ developed for BLUM analogue measurement, is available for quick transmission of large amounts of data. It can be used to transmit 1000 values per second, which can be used to control travel movements, for example. Like all radio-based measuring systems from BLUM, the MG81 also works with proven BRC radio technology. This means that if a BLUM radio tool or workpiece measuring system is already installed, no additional radio receiver, including the associated electronics assembly, has to be integrated into the machine. In addition, several pallets are often equipped with an MG81 in series production – this is no problem with the RC66 radio receiver, as it can control up to 16 MG81 units sequentially.
“This gets really interesting when the multi-purpose measuring device is used in line operation or with chaotic assignment with several machines and a large number of pallets. In this setup, there is one RC66 receiver and one MG81 per pallet in each machine. If the pallet moves from machine to machine, the MG system used in each case can be identified using the pallet currently being changed and communication can be established automatically. In combination with tool and workpiece measuring systems, users have full control of the automated machining process,” Weiland adds.
Hall 3: Booth 3410
For more information: www.blum-novotest.com
