Description for a device on beam saws: see pressure beam

Describes a function to hold down the workpiece flexible in special CNC-machining centres.

A new machine concept established itself on the market in the mid-2000s. For the processing of carcase furniture, CNC-machining centres were developed to convey the workpiece with clamp grippers through the machine. There is no strong support on the machine table and also no clamping over vacuum. There is a clamping device in the area of the processing units which is mostly designed as a panel or a pressure beam.

Problem:

• In the area of the gripper, the side-pressure device and also the processing units can only be moved limited in the surface area as they would otherwise collide with the gripper. Therefore, some areas of the workpiece cannot be processed.

Solutions:

• The use of at least two grippers allows that these can change their position during the processing. A frequent change of the position of the workpiece is, however, a potential source of error. Processing in the area of the workpiece front and rear edge, for example, could also arise unfavourable holding positions, as in this case the gripper clamp the workpiece far away of these edges and there is a risk for vibration and bending.
• The side-pressure device is implemented as large as possible and is at least devided into two pieces (devided pressure beam). Processing up to the grippers can be carried out with reliable workpiece clamping. In order to work the complete workpiece surface, the devided pressure beam needs to be combined with clamp grippers, which can change their position.