Toolholder marking for the smart factory

NUMEROUS precision toolholders from Schunk can now be marked with an individual data matrix code, which allows an intelligent toolholder management. This is another milestone set by the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping system to allow smart factories to be ready for “Industry 4.0”, or the dawn of the 4th industrial revolution.

Regardless of whether it is done manually by smart phone, or fully automated with a machine tool scanner, every toolholder can be reliably identified with the help of a code, and together with the corresponding data base system, they can be exactly assigned. Within the framework of intelligent manufacturing processes, it is possible to generate a precise history together with the data from the superior cloud, with sites of operation, used tools, service life, and machining parameters. According to the individual systematic arrangement of documents, the data matrix code can be individually defined.

With a data matrix code, Schunk toolholders can be clearly identified and assigned 

In contrast to glued-on RFID tags, which require the re-balancing of the toolholders and which might get lost under unfavorable conditions, the data matrix code is permanent and has no influence on the balancing quality.

Schunk said the individual marking can be done at every TENDO hydraulic expansion toolholder (except TENDO E compact), and at every TRIBOS polygonal toolholder without any additional charge.