At RÖHM, multi-part clamping systems are not only used by customers—the company also relies on this technology within its own production to further increase productivity, process reliability, and quality. The experience gained in the process flows directly into the development of practical solutions for users across a wide range of industries.
A current example comes from RÖHM’s production plant in Dillingen, where, among other products, the manually operated DURO‑M lathe chuck is manufactured. This premium chuck, featuring a scroll plate and through-hole, is used on conventional as well as horizontal and vertical turning and milling machines, and also on rotary tables and indexing units.
To further optimize chuck production, RÖHM uses specially developed multi-part clamping systems from its own portfolio. The goal was to reduce machining and auxiliary times while increasing machine runtime—with measurable success.
Reduced idle time and higher productivity
By using a self-designed 4-station clamping fixture, machining time per part was reduced by around one and a half minutes. At the same time, numerous auxiliary operations—such as loading, as well as tool and pallet changes—were eliminated. Overall, productivity increased by approximately ten percent.
“We needed a power-actuated solution with higher accuracy, since the components are milled from a pre-turned blank with finished reference surfaces,” explains Magnus Strobel, Production Manager in Dillingen. “In the second setup, the parts are clamped flat from the inside using clamping pockets so they can be held securely without clamping marks, distortion, or interference contours.”
The specially developed 4-station fixture proved to be the ideal solution. Starting from the pre-turned blank, the chuck bodies are completely finish-milled in two setups. Simultaneous machining of multiple workpieces significantly reduces idle times and improves utilization of the Heller HF5500 5-axis machine used.
Automated multi-part clamping for jaw production
RÖHM also uses multi-part clamping technology in its own production for manufacturing the stepped jaws of the DURO‑M. Here, an automated production system is employed, consisting of a Chiron DZ 16 W twin-spindle machine, an integrated industrial robot, and a custom-developed linear 8-station clamping fixture.
The robot removes raw parts from a pallet and feeds them into the multi-part clamping fixture. After the first milling operation on the underside, the semi-finished parts are temporarily stored and then machined in a second setup. Finally, the robot places the finished components in an organized manner onto the output pallet.
With the consistent use of its own multi-part clamping systems, RÖHM demonstrates that the benefits of this technology are not only recommended to customers but are also successfully applied in its own production.
Looking ahead
“We are currently planning to expand the solution by adding power-operated centric grippers, enabling us to machine cubic parts using this production principle in the future,” says Magnus Strobel.
