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Hydraulic-free clamping concept using pneumatic technology
By switching to KOSMEK High-Power Pneumatic Technology, the manufacturer reduced system pressure and energy use while maintaining or increasing holding forces for stable precision machining.
Established in 1976 by current owner and managing director, RD Castings Ltd has been at the forefront of the die casting industry, providing businesses with precision-engineered aluminium and zinc components.
The company wanted to move away from hydraulic clamping and improve the efficiency, cleanliness and stability of its machining process. One specific challenge involved a thin cast frame for a medical diagnostic device. During machining, the frame was bending under clamping load, making it difficult to achieve the required tolerance and surface quality.
KOSMEK High-Power Pneumatic Technology provided an effective alternative to hydraulic clamping. The system pressure could be reduced, helping to lower energy use, while the High-Power series delivered the same or higher holding forces required for stable machining. In the thin frame application, KOSMEK High-Power Pneumatic Work Supports, type WNC, were added along the length of the component to prevent buckling and create a firm, stable support surface in the Z direction.
System pressure was reduced from 250 bar hydraulic to 5-6 bar pneumatic while increasing the required holding force.
Successful transition from hydraulic to pneumatic clamping, lower energy use, improved surface quality and reliable achievement of the required tolerances.
KOSMEK
Schleppeplatz 2
9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Austria
