The rationalisation factor: vacuum technology leads to more productivity and makes investment in a new machine unnecessary.

In order to improve the handling of the workpieces and the conversion from one workpiece to another, the Krines GmbH, a medium-sized woodworking company, decided to convert their CNC woodworking centre to the vacuum clamping system Innospann completely. The conversion costs were only about 10% of the expected costs for a new machine. Due to its modular concept this clamping system is ideal for retrofitting on CNC woodworking centres.

To reduce the times needed for tool changing and handling, while providing the required flexibility in use, even in multishift operation, the vacuum clamping was configured out of two base plates Steel-Plate-T with laser-cut slots, 420 valves,  24 suction blocks Quad-Base-T, 20 frame clamps and lifting cups. This permits the clamping of all conceivable workpieces rationally, safely and flexibly.

The double table of the machine has the benefit that finished parts can be removed and new workpieces can be mounted on one half of the table while other workpieces are being machined on the other half. Both the existing vacuum generator and the laser-projection system for fast and simple positioning of the workpieces were retained, which kept the costs as low as possible.

As the Innospann system realized a machine loading of 120% and an 80% reduction in the setup times, the investment in vacuum clamping technology was amortised within just over eight months.