WEEKE TBO system

TBO is a patented system by Weeke on CNC-machining centres with grippers.

The problem:

In most cases the grippers for the workpieces on CNC-machining centres have high friction on their grip surface, which is necessary for safe clamping.

At the same time the grippers must serve as a halt for the workpiece's reference point, for being the only fixed points of the machine corresponding to the workpiece. Thus it is necessary for the workpiece to be moved over the gripper surface, risking highly to damage sensitive coating.

TBO System as solution:

As it is normal for machines in closed condition, the lower grip surface is the workpiece's reference point for the z-axis. In open condition this fixed point is to be found 2mm above the table level, meanwhile the flotation table at the feeding side is also exactly aligned with the reference point in Z. Now moving the workpiece over the flotation table to the rear stop of the collet, it doesn't touch the gripper surface. Only after the workpiece being exactly aligned, the clamping takes place by moving both jaws. Their is no friction between gripper and workpiece because the workpiece is already at the reference point in Z, the workpiece surface cannot be damaged.

Images and Videos

WEEKE TBO-System an einer BHX 500
Video
Prinzip des TBO Systems
WEEKE, 2007