The solution developed by Wenzler for machining aluminium structural castings impresses with its tidy design. Integrated cable guides ensure free chip fall. The base body is pressurized with sealing air to protect the mechanical components.

While workpieces such as aluminium structural frames from the chassis area usually require a four-point support, the intelligent clamping device from Wenzler offers two fixed support points. A virtual third point is formed via a rocker from the two additional support points to avoid overdetermination. At the same time, the deflection of the rocker is used to measure whether the geometric shape of the blank is within the specified tolerances at critical points. The kinematics of the rocker is located completely in the base body and is thus well protected from external influences. The rocker is additionally clamped for fixation. The workpiece is clamped by hydraulic swing clamps.

The integration of sensor technology increases process reliability: It is thus possible to determine much more quickly which workpiece can be machined perfectly and which must be rejected. In addition to the classic dynamic pressure sensing, force sensors have been integrated into the fixed support points. In addition to the presence check, this ensures direct clamping force measurement in the fixed support point to ensure correct clamping. Via the path measurement in the rocker, the shape of the component is recorded and a possible deformation is detected. All information is continuously transmitted via an inductive interface in real time to the control system of the machining center and transferred to a higher-level control system.