Schmalz VCMC-S4 QUICK User manual

Mechanical Clamp VCMC-S4 QUICK
Operating instructions
Note
The Operating instructions were originally written in German. Store in a safe place for future reference. Subject
to technical changes without notice. No responsibility is taken for printing or other types of errors.
Published by
© J.SchmalzGmbH, 10/21
This document is protected by copyright. J.SchmalzGmbH retains the rights established thereby. Reproduction of
the contents, in full or in part, is only permitted within the limits of the legal provisions of copyright law. Any mod-
ifications to or abridgments of the document are prohibited without explicit written agreement from
J.SchmalzGmbH.
J. Schmalz GmbH · Johannes-Schmalz-Str. 1 · 72293 Glatten, Germany · T: [phone]
[email protected]
EN-US · 30.30.01.03007 · 00 · 10/21

Contents
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Contents
1 Important Information ...................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Note on Using this Document ............................................................................................................ 3
1.2 The technical documentation is part of the product ........................................................................ 3
1.3 Type Plate ............................................................................................................................................ 3
1.4 Warnings in This Document................................................................................................................ 3
1.5 Symbol.................................................................................................................................................. 3
2 Fundamental Safety Instructions...................................................................................................................4
2.1 Safety ................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Intended Use........................................................................................................................................ 4
2.3 Non-Intended Use ............................................................................................................................... 4
2.4 Personnel Qualifications ..................................................................................................................... 4
2.5 Workplace Requirements.................................................................................................................... 5
2.6 Modifications to the Product.............................................................................................................. 5
3 Product Description ........................................................................................................................................5
3.1 Description of Mechanical Clamp VCMC ........................................................................................... 5
3.1.1 Use ................................................................................................................................................ 5
3.1.2 The Adjustment Mechanism .......................................................................................................5
3.1.3 Clamping the Workpiece ............................................................................................................ 5
3.2 Design of Mechanical Clamp (VCMC)................................................................................................. 6
3.3 Near Field Communication (NFC) ....................................................................................................... 6
4 Technical Data .................................................................................................................................................7
4.1 General parameters............................................................................................................................. 7
4.2 Dimensions........................................................................................................................................... 7
5 Checking the Delivery.....................................................................................................................................7
6 Installation.......................................................................................................................................................8
6.1 Installation Instructions....................................................................................................................... 8
6.2 Positioning the Mechanical Clamp on the Vacuum Clamping Console ........................................... 8
6.3 Setting the Clamping Height.............................................................................................................. 9
6.4 Changing the Clamping Range ........................................................................................................ 11
7 Start of Operations .......................................................................................................................................12
7.1 Clamping the Workpiece .................................................................................................................. 12
7.2 Machining Limitations ...................................................................................................................... 13
7.3 Releasing the Workpiece .................................................................................................................. 13
8 Warranty........................................................................................................................................................14
9 Spare and wearing parts ..............................................................................................................................14
10 Disposing of the Product..............................................................................................................................14
11 EC Conformity ...............................................................................................................................................14

1 Important Information
1.1 Note on Using this Document
J.SchmalzGmbH is generally referred to as Schmalz in these Operating instructions.
These Operating instructions contain important notes and information about the different
operating phases of the product:
• Transport, storage, start of operations and decommissioning
• Safe operation, required maintenance, rectification of any faults
The Operating instructions describe the product at the time of delivery by Schmalz.
1.2 The technical documentation is part of the product
1. For problem-free and safe operation, follow the instructions in the documents.
2. Keep the technical documentation in close proximity to the product. The documentation must be accessible
to personnel at all times.
3. Pass on the technical documentation to subsequent users.
ðFailure to follow the instructions in these Operating instructions may result in injuries!
ðSchmalz is not liable for damage or malfunctions that result from failure to heed these instructions.
If you still have questions after reading the technical documentation, contact Schmalz Service at:
www.schmalz.com/services
1.3 Type Plate
The type plate (1) is permanently attached to the prod-
uct at the location shown and must always be clearly
legible.
It contains important information about the product:
• Part sales designation/type
• Part number
• Serial number
• Coded date of manufacture
• Permitted pressure range
1
Please specify all the information above when ordering replacement parts, making warranty claims or for any
other inquiries.
1.4 Warnings in This Document
Warnings warn against hazards that may occur when handling the product. The signal word indicates the level of
danger.
Signal word Meaning
WARNING Indicates a medium-risk hazard that could result in death or serious injury if
not avoided.
CAUTION Indicates a low-risk hazard that could result in minor or moderate injury if
not avoided.
NOTE Indicates a danger that leads to property damage.
1.5 Symbol
This symbol indicates useful and important information.
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üThis symbol represents a prerequisite that must be met prior to an operational step.
4This symbol represents an action to be performed.
ðThis symbol represents the result of an action.
Actions that consist of more than one step are numbered:
1. First action to be performed.
2. Second action to be performed.
2 Fundamental Safety Instructions
2.1 Safety
CAUTION
Noise pollution from leakage
Hearing damage
4Correct position.
4Wear ear protectors.
CAUTION
Falling product
Risk of injury
4Securely attach the product at the site of operation.
4Wear safety shoes (S1) and safety glasses when handling and mounting/dismounting the prod-
uct.
2.2 Intended Use
The mechanical clamp VCMC is used for clamping dry, rigid workpieces. It may be used only in combination with
suitable clamping consoles from SCM. The VCMC is to be installed by the customer.
The VCMC-S4 is attached to the console and secured by activating the customer’s clamping mechanism.
When the operating vacuum is switched on, the workpiece is clamped by means of a vertical stroke of the clamp-
ing disc.
To guarantee safe operation of the VCMC, ensure the following:
• During installation, the clearance between the workpiece surface and the clamping disc must be no more
than 6mm. Caution: crushing hazard!
• Do not allow anyone to reach between the workpiece and the clamping disc during the lowering process.
The workpiece is released by switching off the operating vacuum and venting the vacuum circuit.
The product is built in accordance with the latest standards of technology and is delivered in a safe operating con-
dition; however, hazards may arise during use.
The product is intended for industrial use.
Intended use includes observing the technical data and the installation and operating instructions in this manual.
2.3 Non-Intended Use
Schmalz accepts no liability for damages resulting from use other than as intended. In particular, the following are
considered non-intended use:
• Use in potentially explosive atmospheres
• Use in medical applications
2.4 Personnel Qualifications
Unqualified personnel cannot recognize dangers and are therefore exposed to higher risks!
1. Task only qualified personnel to perform the tasks described in these Operating instructions.
2. The product must be operated only by persons who have undergone appropriate training.
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These Operating instructions are intended for fitters who are trained in handling the product and who can operate
and install it.
2.5 Workplace Requirements
The following requirements must be fulfilled to ensure a safe workplace:
• The Mechanical clamp must not be used outdoors.
• The type plate and warning signs must be legible.
• The surroundings of the Mechanical clamp must be dry.
• The operator must have a clear view of the whole working area, the workplace must be adequately lit and
free of glare, and the area around the workplace must be clean and clear.
2.6 Modifications to the Product
Schmalz assumes no liability for consequences of modifications over which it has no control:
1. The product must be operated only in its original condition as delivered.
2. Use only original spare parts from Schmalz.
3. The product must be operated only in perfect condition.
3 Product Description
3.1 Description of Mechanical Clamp VCMC
3.1.1 Use
The VCMC is used for clamping dry, rigid workpieces. It may be used only in combination with suitable vacuum
clamping consoles. The clamping force and stroke are powered by evacuation of the VCMC. Since the contact sur-
face of the VCMC and the vacuum block are at the same height, you can clamp a workpiece in mixed operation as
well.
3.1.2 The Adjustment Mechanism
The VCMC is equipped with a quick-adjustment mechanism. It allows adjusting the clamping range in steps of
5mm to conform to the workpiece.
3.1.3 Clamping the Workpiece
When the vacuum is activated (evacuation of the vacuum circuit of the suction cup mounting) by the higher-level
machine, the lifting cylinder is activated and the workpiece is clamped.
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3.2 Design of Mechanical Clamp (VCMC)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1 Base plate with clamping section 2 Main body
3 Clamping range 4 Clamping disc
5 Locking disk 6 NFC interface
7 Extension 8 Clamping surface
9 Sealing 10 Vacuum feedthrough
3.3 Near Field Communication (NFC)
NFC (Near Field Communication) refers to a standard for wireless data transfer between different devices over
short distances.
An NFC chip is integrated in the locking disc, which functions as a passive NFC tag that can be read or written by a
read or write device with NFC enabled, such as a smartphone or tablet.
Read access only can be obtained via a website viewed in a browser. This does not require an additional app. It re-
quires only that NFC and the internet connection are enabled.
For the best data connection, center the reading de-
vice on the NFC symbol.
The reading distance is very short for NFC applications. If necessary, find the position of the NFC an-
tenna in the reading device used.
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The following parameters can be queried via NFC:
• Product group
• Type
• Part number
• Index
• Serial number
• Year of manufacture (encoded)
4 Technical Data
4.1 General parameters
Stroke length Z (all) 9mm
Detent spacing 5mm
Clamping range Z 15 to 50mm & 50 to 85mm
Minimum operating vacuum 0.6bar
Clamping force at 0.6bar operating
vacuum
600N
Mass 5.9 kg
4.2 Dimensions
Part no. H H1 B B2 Z (all) L X1 X2
10.01.12.04760 50 30.5 133 116.5 9 171 66.5 44
All dimensions given in millimeters [mm].
5 Checking the Delivery
The scope of delivery can be found in the order confirmation. The weights and dimensions are listed in the delivery
notes.
1. Compare the entire delivery with the supplied delivery notes to make sure nothing is missing.
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2. Damage caused by defective packaging or occurring in transit must be reported immediately to the carrier
and J.SchmalzGmbH.
6 Installation
6.1 Installation Instructions
The VCMC is designed for use on suitable console tables.
Mounting and removal must be performed only when the device is not pressurized or fixed.
6.2 Positioning the Mechanical Clamp on the Vacuum Clamping Console
WARNING
The holding force is reduced by the presence of dirt or moisture, resulting in the workpiece
being released.
Risk of injury from flying parts.
4Remove all dirt and moisture from the Mechanical clamp and the suction cup mounting before
attaching the clamp.
4Use suction equipment during the work process.
1. Place the VCMC on the vacuum clamping console
and position it.
ðThe VCMC clicks into the vacuum clamping con-
sole and lies flat on the surface.
2. Activate the clamping of the VCMC on the vacuum
clamping console via the higher-level machine.
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ðThe VCMC is secured to the vacuum clamping console.
6.3 Setting the Clamping Height
CAUTION
When the clamping disc is lowered, body parts may be present in the clamping range
Crushing of body parts
4Ensure that the clamping height is set so that the distance between the clamping disc and the
workpiece is less than or equal to 6mm.
4Do not reach into the clamping range while the clamping disc is being vacuum-lowered.
Adjust the VCMC to obtain the necessary clamping height:
1. Opening the quick adjustment mechanism: Turn
the locking disc counterclockwise until the quick
adjustment mechanism is completely opened.
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2. Releasing the catch of the quick adjustment mech-
anism: Clasp the clamping disc with both hands
and press and hold the locking disc down by about
4mm.
ðThis releases the quick-locking mechanism.
3. CAUTION!When the clamping disc is adjusted
downward, there is the risk of crushing fingertips
in the area shown.
Adjust the clamping height as necessary and then
release the locking disc. Ensure that the distance
between the clamping disc and the workpiece is
less than or equal to 6mm.
The adjustments can be made in steps of 5mm.
ðThe clamping disc is adjusted to the necessary
clamping height.
ðThe quick adjustment mechanism is locked.
4. Closing the quick adjustment mechanism: Turn the
locking disc clockwise as far as possible and tighten
(hand-tight) to close the quick adjustment mecha-
nism.
ðThe system is free of play.
ðThe clamping height is set.
ðThe VCMC is ready for use.
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6.4 Changing the Clamping Range
CAUTION
When the clamping disc is lowered, body parts may be present in the clamping range
Crushing of body parts
4Ensure that the clamping height is set so that the distance between the clamping disc and the
workpiece is less than or equal to 6mm.
4Do not reach into the clamping range while the clamping disc is being vacuum-lowered.
1
The VCMC QUICK is delivered as standard with the extension (1) mounted.
The clamping range:
• With the extension is 50 to 85mm
• Is reduced to 15 to 50mm when the extension is removed
The following steps are required to remove the extension (1):
1. Important: Close the quick adjustment mechanism
up to the stop (see section “Setting the Clamping
Height, step 4”).
2. Turn the complete clamping disc counterclockwise.
While doing so, fix the piston rod (2) to the hexag-
onal mid section using a size 24 open-ended
wrench (SW24).
2
ðThe clamping disc with the screwed-on exten-
sion (1) is released.
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3. Use a size 24 open-ended wrench to turn the ex-
tension (1) counterclockwise and remove it from
the clamping disc.
1
4. Screw the clamping disc clockwise onto the clamp.
5. Open the quick adjustment mechanism (see step 1
above).
6. For the next steps, see section “Setting the Clamp-
ing Height, steps 2–4”.
7 Start of Operations
7.1 Clamping the Workpiece
CAUTION
When the clamping disc is lowered, body parts may be present in the clamping range
Crushing of body parts
4Ensure that the clamping height is set so that the distance between the clamping disc and the
workpiece is less than or equal to 6mm.
4Do not reach into the clamping range while the clamping disc is being vacuum-lowered.
WARNING
Flying workpiece due to insufficient clamping force during processing resulting from incor-
rect setting of the clamping height.
Risk of injury due to flying workpiece
4Adjust the clamping height such that the VCMC uses its maximum clamping force. While doing
so, ensure that the lifting force of the VCMC is less than or equal to6mm.
4Personal protective clothing must be worn.
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üThe locking disc must be entirely closed.
üThe workpiece is set.
1. Evacuate the appropriate vacuum circuit of the
clamping console using the higher-level machine.
ðThe VCMC is clamped to the suction cup
mounting and the workpiece is clamped by
lowering the clamping disc (≤6mm).
2. Carry out both a visual and manual check to make
sure that the workpiece is securely clamped by
pulling on the workpiece.
ðIf the workpiece can be moved, then it is not sufficiently tightly clamped. Check the clamping height and ad-
just it if necessary.
ðIf the clamping is sufficient, then machining of the workpiece may commence.
7.2 Machining Limitations
WARNING
The workpiece comes loose during machining and is flung away by the machine.
Risk of injury from flying parts.
4Ascertain the maximum machining parameters and observe them.
The clamping force is limited, meaning that it can withstand machining forces only up to a certain point. Accord-
ingly, the operator of the mechanical clamp is obligated to establish for themselves (by experiment, slowly and
carefully increasing the machining forces) the optimal settings and number of mechanical clamps necessary to en-
sure that the workpiece does not slip or even come loose during the machining process.
Schmalz assumes no liability for damages resulting from slippage or release of workpieces due to faulty adjustment
of machining parameters.
7.3 Releasing the Workpiece
CAUTION
Falling objects resulting from the workpiece being released (deactivation of the vacuum)
Risk of injury
4Personal protective clothing must be worn.
Deactivating the vacuum, and thus reducing the vacuum to the level of the atmospheric pressure, releases the
workpiece and eliminates the vacuum clamping force between the VCMC and the suction cup mounting. The
clamping disc is raised by spring force.
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8 Warranty
Schmalz guarantees this system pursuant to our General Terms and Conditions of Sale and Delivery. The same ap-
plies to spare parts, provided that these are original parts supplied by us.
Wearing parts are not covered by the warranty.
9 Spare and wearing parts
Part no. Type Designation Part type
10.01.12.04740 SPAN-TELL 128x30 EXZ VCMC Clamping disc Spare part
10.01.12.04374 VRL-S M20x1x40.3 Extension with hex head Spare part
10.01.12.03138 VCDR 141x77.2x5.1 VCBL-S Lower sealing frame Wearing part
10 Disposing of the Product
CAUTION
Flying parts resulting from opening the mechanical clamp and releasing the spring
Serious injury!
4Open the mechanical clamp and carefully allow the integrated spring to slacken slowly.
Recover the disassembled parts for recycling or reuse (provided no agreement on return or disposal has been
made).
11 EC Conformity
EC Declaration of Conformity
The manufacturer Schmalz confirms that the product Mechanical clamp described in this Operating instructions ful-
fills the following applicable EC directives:
2006/42/EC Machinery Directive
The following harmonized standards were applied:
ENISO12100 Safety of machinery — General principles for design — Risk assessment and risk re-
duction
ENISO19085-1 Woodworking machines -- Safety requirements -- Part 1: Common requirements
ENISO19085-3 Woodworking machines -- Safety requirements -- Part 3: Numerically controlled
(NC) boring and routing machines
The EU Declaration of Conformity valid at the time of product delivery is delivered with product or
made available online. The standards and directives cited here reflect the status at the time of publica-
tion of the operating and assembly instructions.
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