Universal Holding Fixtures

Universal holding fixtures do not hold the workpiece over its entire surface, but typically use round vacuum suction cups. These suction cups adapt actively or passively to the local curvature of the component. In addition, each individual suction cup is raised to the corresponding height by an actuator, at least in one dimension. This also replicates the surface of the part to be held, but only at typical grid intervals of 200 mm to 500 mm. A fixture of this type can be used for a family of parts and is therefore called “universal.”

Advantages of our Holding Fixtures

Active and passive solutions

Tailor-made table size and actuator positions

Sealed for wet machining

High stiffness for drilling and milling

Stroke lengths up to 2 m

Accuracy up to 0.1 mm

Multi-end-effector capabilities

Swivelling suction cups

Low maintenance due to high-quality components

Fast and simple actuator replacement

Active vs. Passive

Depending on the specific requirements and the underlying production process, a choice is made between active and passive universal clamping devices:

ACTIVE

fast and flexible

actuators with servo drive

BECKHOFF control with HMI

All actuators move synchronously, minimizing setup time
Retraction during milling to prevent collisions with the milling head
Use of actuators to actively pull or press the component into the desired shape

More on the subject of universal clamping devices

Comparison of conventional vs. universal

Fast and flexible | Servo-driven actuators | BECKHOFF control with HMI

All actuators operate synchronously, thus minimizing setup time.

Retracts during milling operations to prevent collisions with the milling head are possible.

Using the actuators to actively pull or push the component into the desired shape.
Cost-efficient and robust | Actuators are pneumatically driven | Controlled by CNC machine

The actuators move sequentially because the milling machine defines the end position as a stop.

Direct integration into the CNC machine without a separate controller is possible.

Cost-effective solution

Very robust and reliable even in environments with a lot of water

Very high accuracy
Error: empty slot
Error: empty slot
Error: empty slot

Individual Actuator Positions

If the parts are known at the start of the project, the actuators can be perfectly adapted to their shape and requirements.

The result: fewer suction cups, maximum holding quality, and precise, collision-free positioning near the milling tool.

The high flexibility of the system enables even simple grid positions to be implemented quickly and efficiently.

Various End Effectors

In addition to round suction cups, an individual hard tool can be mounted at any position. This makes component positioning very easy and provides improved support in monolithic areas to prevent vibration.

MICADO VACUUM SUCTION CUP

freely movable in various sizes

HARD TOOL

for flat support and component alignment