SCHUNK SMPL User instructions

Translation of the original manual
Assembly- and Operating Manual
Matrix-Plate SMPL

Imprint
2 01 | Matrix-Plate SMPL | Assembly- and Operating Manual | en-US | 0489081
Imprint
Copyright:
This manual is protected by copyright. The author is SCHUNK
GmbH & Co. KG. All rights reserved.
Technical changes:
We reserve the right to make alterations for the purpose of
technical improvement.
Document number:
0489081
Version:
01 | 03.02.2022 | EN
Dear Customer,
thank you for trusting our products and our family-owned
company, the leading technology supplier of robots and
production machines.
Our team is always available to answer any questions on this
product and other solutions. Ask us questions and challenge us.
We will find a solution!
Best regards,
Your SCHUNK team
Customer Management
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[email protected]
Please read the operating manual in full and keep it close to
the product.

Table of contents
Table of contents
1 General.................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 About these instructions ...................................................................................... 5
1.2 Depiction of Warnings.......................................................................................... 5
1.3 Associated Documentation .................................................................................. 5
1.4 Warranty .............................................................................................................. 6
2 Fundamental Safety Instructions.............................................................................. 7
2.1 Intended Use ........................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Non-Intended Use ................................................................................................ 7
2.3 Danger Zone ......................................................................................................... 7
2.4 Environmental and Operating Conditions ............................................................ 8
2.5 Personnel Qualifications....................................................................................... 8
2.6 Personal Protective Equipment............................................................................ 9
2.7 Technical Condition .............................................................................................. 9
2.8 Responsibility of the Operating Company..........................................................10
2.9 Country-Specific Regulations for the Operating Company................................. 10
3 Product Description ................................................................................................11
3.1 Description of the Matrix-Plate .......................................................................... 11
3.2 Variants and Type Key ........................................................................................ 12
4 Technical Data ........................................................................................................13
4.1 Dimensions and Weights .................................................................................... 13
5 Transport and Storage ............................................................................................14
5.1 Checking the Delivery......................................................................................... 14
6 Installation .............................................................................................................15
6.1 Installation Instructions...................................................................................... 15
6.2 Mechanical Attachment ..................................................................................... 15
6.3 Pneumatic connection........................................................................................ 16
6.4 Connecting Several Matrix-Plates....................................................................... 17
7 Start of Operations .................................................................................................19
7.1 Personnel Qualification ...................................................................................... 19
7.2 Before Initial Start of Operations ....................................................................... 19
7.3 Preparations for Picking up the Workpiece........................................................ 20
7.3.1 Side Stops ...............................................................................................20
7.3.2 Calculating the Clamping Force ..............................................................21
7.3.3 Inserting the Sealing Gasket into the Matrix-Plate.................................23
7.3.4 Clamping the Workpiece ........................................................................24
7.3.5 Checking the System for Leaks ...............................................................25
8 Operation ...............................................................................................................26
8.1 Preparations ....................................................................................................... 26
8.2 Processing........................................................................................................... 27
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Table of contents
9 Troubleshooting .....................................................................................................29
9.1 Safety.................................................................................................................. 29
9.2 Faults, Causes, Solutions .................................................................................... 29
10 Maintenance ..........................................................................................................33
10.1 Safety.................................................................................................................. 33
10.2 Cleaning .............................................................................................................. 33
10.3 Wear of the Sealing Gasket ................................................................................ 33
10.4 Milling the Matrix-Plate...................................................................................... 33
10.5 Accessories, Spare Parts and Wearing Parts ...................................................... 34
11 Disposing of the Product.........................................................................................37
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General
1 General
1.1 About these instructions
These instructions contain important information for safe and
proper use of the product.
These instructions are an integral component of the product and
must be stored in such a way that personnel can access them at
any time. Before beginning any work, personnel must read these
instructions and understand them. The prerequisite for safe work
is complying with all of the safety information in these
instructions. Illustrations in these instructions serve purposes of
basic understanding and may vary from the actual version.
In addition to these instructions, the documents listed under
chapter 1.3, “Associated Documentation”, apply.
1.2 Depiction of Warnings
To elucidate hazards, the warnings use the following signal words
and symbols.
DANGER
Hazards for people!
Non-compliance will certainly lead to irreversible injuries, up to
and including death.
WARNING
Hazards for people!
Non-compliance can lead to irreversible injuries, up to and
including death.
CAUTION
Hazards for people!
Non-compliance can lead to minor injuries.
NOTICE
Damage to property!
Information about avoiding damage to property.
1.3 Associated Documentation
• General Terms and Conditions *
• Catalog data sheet of the product purchased *
• Assembly and operating instructions for accessories *
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General
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The documents marked with an asterisk (*) can be downloaded on
schunk.com.
1.4 Warranty
The warranty is 12 months as of the ex-works delivery date in the
event of proper use under the following conditions:
• Compliance with the environmental and operating conditions (>
see chapter 2.4).
• Compliance with the prescribed maintenance intervals (> see
chapter 10).
Parts that come into contact with workpieces and wearing parts
are not covered by the warranty.

Fundamental Safety Instructions
2 Fundamental Safety Instructions
2.1 Intended Use
The Matrix-Plate is a clamping element and is used exclusively for
clamping workpieces on a CNC machining center. A workpiece is
secured to the Matrix-Plate by applying a vacuum and can then be
machined from five sides.
The Matrix-Plate must be used with an operating vacuum of -750
mbar (guide value) (> see the chapter “Pneumatic Connection”).
The product is intended for industrial use.
Intended use includes observing the technical data and the
installation and operating instructions in this manual.
2.2 Non-Intended Use
SCHUNK accepts no liability for damages caused by the use of the
Matrix-Plate for purposes other than those described under
Intended Use.
Non-intended use includes the following:
• In potentially explosive atmospheres
• Unauthorized refits
2.3 Danger Zone
Hazards arise when the Matrix-Plate is clamped to a machine table
and a workpiece is being processed.
Due to the function of the Matrix-Plate in connection with the
machine table and the tool in use, constant vibrations occur. As a
result, mechanical and fluid connections may loosen or even
become disconnected.
Measures for avoiding accidents:
• Ensure that no persons are present in the danger zone.
• Ensure that no persons enter the danger zone during operation.
CAUTION
Vacuum close to the eye
Severe eye injury!
•Wear eye protection.
•Do not look into vacuum openings such as suction lines and
hoses.
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Fundamental Safety Instructions
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CAUTION
Noise pollution caused by exhaust air or leakage during
operation
Hearing damage
•In the event of leakage, check connections and lines and
remedy leakages
•Wear ear protectors.
2.4 Environmental and Operating Conditions
The Matrix-Plate must not be operated under the following
conditions:
• In potentially explosive atmospheres
• Use in an environment with acidic or alkaline media
The Matrix-Plate is installed with a separate vacuum supply on a
machine tool or machining center.
NOTE
To ensure that the workpiece is securely held on the clamping
plate, you must check the vacuum level directly on the clamping
device.
DANGER
Flying workpiece due to insufficient clamping force during
machining, resulting from insufficient vacuum or excessive
machining forces.
Risk of injury or death due to flying workpiece
•Monitor the vacuum value as close to the clamping location as
possible.
•Wear personal protective clothing.
• If in doubt, consult SCHUNK before the start of operations.
2.5 Personnel Qualifications
Unqualified personnel cannot recognize dangers and are therefore
exposed to higher risks!
The operating company must ensure the following points:
• The personnel must be commissioned for the activities
described in these operating instructions.

Fundamental Safety Instructions
• The staff must be at least 18 years of age and physically and
mentally capable.
• The product must be operated only by persons who have
undergone appropriate training.
• Personnel must receive regular safety briefings (frequency as
per country-specific regulations).
• Installation, maintenance, and repairs must be carried out only
by specialists from SCHUNK GmbH & Co. KG or by persons who
can prove that they have undergone appropriate training at
SCHUNK.
The following target groups are addressed in these operating
instructions:
• Persons trained in operating and cleaning the product.
• Specialists in mechanics who are responsible for
troubleshooting and maintaining the product.
The operator of the system must comply with country-specific
regulations regarding the age, ability and training of the personnel.
Valid for Germany:
A qualified employee is defined as an employee who has received
technical training and has the knowledge and experience –
including knowledge of applicable regulations – necessary to
enable him or her to recognize possible dangers and implement
the appropriate safety measures while performing tasks. Qualified
personnel must observe the pertinent industry-specific rules and
regulations.
2.6 Personal Protective Equipment
To avoid injury, always use appropriate protective equipment that
is suitable for the situation.
Observe the notes on protective equipment in the corresponding
chapters and any country-specific regulations.
2.7 Technical Condition
If the product is operated while in a defective state, safety and
function will be impaired.
• The product must only be operated when in perfect technical
working order – i.e., in its original condition.
• Follow the maintenance schedule (> see chapter 10).
• Use only original spare parts from SCHUNK.
• If the operating behavior should change, check the product for
faults. Rectify faults immediately.
• Unauthorized conversion or modification of the product is
prohibited.
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Fundamental Safety Instructions
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• Safety features must not be disabled under any circumstances.
SCHUNK assumes no liability for consequences of modifications
over which it has no control.
2.8 Responsibility of the Operating Company
The operating company is obligated to perform a risk assessment
for the environmental conditions at the installation location.
The operating company is responsible for mounting the Matrix-
Plate on the machine table. It is therefore responsible for ensuring
that the Matrix-Plate is correctly mechanically attached, that the
pneumatic connections are in good condition and that pneumatic
monitoring (gauge) is working.
The operating company is also responsible for third parties in the
working area of the machining center and the Matrix-Plate. The
operating company must ensure that they have the appropriate
qualifications and skills.
• Ensure that the Matrix-Plate cannot be started up by
unauthorized persons.
• Ensure that the machining center cannot be operated during
maintenance or repair work on the Matrix-Plate.
• Clearly define the responsibilities for the various activities
performed with the gripper.
• Ensure that these responsibilities are observed.
2.9 Country-Specific Regulations for the Operating Company
1. Observe the country-specific regulations regarding accident
prevention, safety testing and environmental protection.
2. The product is used in combination with a machine tool/
machining center.
Ensure that the appropriate country-specific regulations and
safety regulations are adhered to.

Product Description
3 Product Description
3.1 Description of the Matrix-Plate
The Matrix-Plate consists of an aluminum plate with grooves
milled into the surface. It is used to clamp and secure flat
workpieces that are level on one side using a vacuum. For this to
be possible, the workpiece must be at least partially vacuum-tight.
The workpieces are machined exclusively on a CNC machining
center.
The vacuum holding force that acts on the flat surface ensures that
the workpiece is secured with little tension and can be machined
from five sides. The Matrix-Plate is particularly suitable for
clamping soft or thin workpieces for which mechanical or magnetic
clamping is not possible.
The grid milled on the surface serves two functions:
• Depending on the geometry of the workpiece to be processed, a
sealing gasket is used to create a space that can be evacuated.
• Distributing the vacuum
The Matrix-Plate is attached to the machine table using clamping
claws, a machine vise or a zero point clamping system and
connected to the vacuum supply. When the vacuum is applied, the
space between the sealing gasket, workpiece and Matrix-Plate is
evacuated and the workpiece is clamped.
Stops for positioning the workpiece can be attached to all four side
surfaces of the Matrix-Plate. These absorb lateral forces during
machining.
The required clamping surface can be extended as required by
combining several Matrix-Plates using special hollow bolts (> see
the chapter “Accessories”). All plates can be connected to one
another on all four sides, also enabling larger workpieces to be
clamped. The outer dimensions of the Matrix-Plates do not
matter, as long as the Matrix-Plates have the same grid groove
dimensions.
2
1 3
4
5
7
6
8
Illustration of the underside
without attachment parts
10
9
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Product Description
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1 Gauge connection kit 6 Additional thread for side stops
2 Matrix-Plate with groove grid 7 Side stops
3 Vacuum vents with filter and G1/8
plugs
8 Connection kit for hose connection
4 Vacuum vents with G1/4 plugs 9 M12 thread for connecting zero point
clamping system
5 Slot for holding clamping claws 10 Mounting holes for connection kit for
hose connection
3.2 Variants and Type Key
The Matrix-Plate SMPL is available in six different versions. The
version is indicated in the item designation. The item designation
is composed as follows:
Part
number
Short
description
Dimensions
[mm]
Grid
spacing
[mm]
Slot
width x depth
[mm]
Frictio
n
pad
Number of
vacuum
openings
1487757 SMPL 600x400x28 25x25 3x3 RI 12
1487758 SMPL 600x400x28*25/12.5 3x3 --- 12
1487755 SMPL 400x300x28 25x25 3x3 RI 8
1487756 SMPL 400x300x28 12.5x12.5 3x3 --- 8
1487754 SMPL 300x200x28 12.5x12.5 3x3 --- 4
All specifications are in mm (except for the number of vacuum
vents).
* = On Matrix-Plate 1487758, a quarter of the area is designed in a
12.5x12.5 grid and the remaining area in a 25x25 grid.

Technical Data
4 Technical Data
4.1 Dimensions and Weights
Part
number
L L2 L3 L4 B B2 B3 B4 H H2 Weight
[kg]
1487757 600 25 3 200 400 25 3 200 28 3 16
1487758 600 25/12.5*3 200 400 25/12.5*3 200 28 3 16
1487755 400 25 3 200 300 25 3 200 28 3 8
1487756 400 12.5 3 200 300 12.5 3 200 28 3 8
1487754 300 12.5 3 200 200 12.5 3 --- 28 3 4
All specifications are in mm (except for weights).
* = On Matrix-Plate 1487758, a quarter of the area is designed in a
12.5x12.5 grid and the remaining area in a 25x25 grid.
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Transport and Storage
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5 Transport and Storage
5.1 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.
2. Damage caused by defective packaging or occurring in transit
must be reported immediately to the carrier and SCHUNK
GmbH & Co. KG.
The following are included in the delivery:
• Mounted Matrix-Plate
• Workpiece stops
• Vacuum supply connection kit
• Gauge connection kit
• Sealing gasket

Installation
6 Installation
6.1 Installation Instructions
The preferred installation position for the Matrix-Plate is
horizontal on the machine table of a machining center.
NOTE
If a different installation position is selected or if the installation
position changes (for example, in the case of swiveling machine
tables), gravity also acts against the clamping force.
If the vacuum drops, there is a risk that the workpiece will fall.
Note:
If you wish to connect several Matrix-Plates, first consult chapter
6.4 (“Connecting Several Matrix-Plates”).
6.2 Mechanical Attachment
In principle, the Matrix-Plate can be adapted to any of the
following machine table variants:
• Machine table with T-slots
• Machine table with vises
• Machine table with zero point clamping system
Preparation
• Clean the machine table (remove chips, cooling lubricant
residue).
• Connect the hose connection kit to the Matrix-Plate.
– In the case of a machine table with a zero point clamping
system, the hose connection kit must be attached to the
underside of the Matrix-Plate.
– In the case of a machine table with T-slots or with vises, the
distributor of the hose connection kit must be attached
separately to the machine table.
• Position and align the Matrix-Plate on the machine table.
• Connect the gauge connection kit to the Matrix-Plate and attach
the gauge at an appropriate position in/on the machine so that
it can be read easily.
Mounting on the machine table
• Mounting using clamping claws
Use the side grooves in the Matrix-Plate.
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Installation
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• Mounting using a vise
The Matrix-Plate is clamped directly in the vise.
• Mounting using a zero-point clamping system
There are threads for holding clamping bolts on the underside
of the Matrix-Plate.
6.3 Pneumatic connection
Matrix-Plate Recommended suction capacity of the
vacuum generator
Recommended
vacuum generator
1x SMPL 300x200 At least 6 m³/h or 100 l/min SVAGG 6
1x SMPL 400x300 At least 12 m³/h or 200 l/min SVAGG 6 / SVAGG 18
1x SMPL 600x400 At least 18 m³/h or 300 l/min SVAGG 18 / SVAGG 40
2x SMPL 600x400 At least 48 m³/h or 800 l/min SVAGG 40 / SVAGG 63
The vacuum generator used should achieve the specified suction
capacity.
NOTE
The specified suction capacities are guide values.
The required suction capacity depends primarily on the total
surface area of the Matrix-Plate(s) used.
Special circumstances such as porous, uneven or poorly sealing
workpieces require a more powerful vacuum generator.
This vacuum must be constantly monitored using appropriate
safety features.
The SCHUNK vacuum unit (> see the chapter “Accessories”)
intended for operation with the Matrix-Plate is already equipped
with the necessary safety features.
• Connect the mounted Matrix-Plate to the vacuum generator.
Use the vacuum connection kit included in the delivery for this
purpose.
• Mount the gauge connection kit on a vacuum connection on the
side of the Matrix-Plate.
• Mount the gauge in the gauge connection kit at a suitable
position in/on the machine so that the vacuum level can be
read and checked.
The gauge must not be located in the path of flying chips or in
the cooling lubricant stream.
1. Shorten the hoses and pipelines as much as possible.
2. If the machine table is driven and can be moved or swiveled,
the travel path must be taken into account when routing the
hose line.

Installation
3. Keep hose lines free of bends and crimps.
4. Lay hose lines in such a way that they do not rub.
CAUTION
Vacuum close to the eye
Severe eye injury!
•Wear eye protection.
•Do not look into vacuum openings such as suction lines and
hoses.
NOTE
If a large suction volume is required (e.g. in the case of leakage or
porous workpieces), it can make sense to use an additional
vacuum connection particularly for larger Matrix-Plate variants.
A larger or an additional vacuum generator may also be used if
necessary.
Note:
If the Matrix-Plate is used in wet areas, we strongly recommend
connecting a water separator upstream of the vacuum generator
to prevent damage to the vacuum generator. This function is
already integrated into the vacuum units from SCHUNK.
6.4 Connecting Several Matrix-Plates
The required clamping area can be increased as required by
combining several Matrix-Plates with each other. All plates with
the same slot size can be added to each other on all four sides,
enabling larger workpieces to be clamped without any problems.
The outer dimensions of the Matrix-Plates are irrelevant here.
The following steps describe the process for connecting several
Matrix-Plates (1):
1. On the side at which another Matrix-Plate is to be connected,
remove the side stops including the knurled nuts and the set
screws.
2. Remove at least one of the front-side sealing screws with collar
(2) from the vacuum ducts and screw in the hollow bolt (4),
which is available as an accessory, with the sealing ring (3). The
sealing screws on the second Matrix-Plate must also be
removed. These bores remain open, however, and are closed
later with the hollow bolt when connecting the Matrix-Plates
together.
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Installation
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3. Push the second Matrix-Plate up to the first Matrix-Plate until
the gap between the Matrix-Plates is minimal. Make sure that
the surfaces are as level as possible.
4. Attach the second Matrix-Plate to the machine table.
NOTE
If a high suction volume is required, hose connection sets can also
be connected to both (or several) Matrix-Plates to increase the
flow rate.
1
2 3 4
NOTE
To prevent leakage where the Matrix-Plates adjoin, we
recommend that a separate vacuum chamber be delimited on
each Matrix-Plate using the sealing gaskets.

Start of Operations
7 Start of Operations
7.1 Personnel Qualification
Unqualified personnel cannot recognize dangers and are therefore
exposed to higher risks!
1. Only instruct qualified personnel to perform the tasks
described in these operating instructions.
2. The product may only be operated by persons who have
undergone appropriate training.
3. Electrical work and installations may only be carried out by
qualified electrical specialists.
4. Assembly and maintenance work must only be carried out by
qualified personnel.
7.2 Before Initial Start of Operations
Before the initial start of operations following installation, repair,
servicing or maintenance work, you must check the following:
• All mechanical connectors are properly attached and secured.
• All screws and nuts are tightened to specified torques.
• All components are installed.
• The safety distances have been maintained.
• The electrical cable and supply hoses are properly routed.
• The EMERGENCY STOP switch for the overall system is working.
CAUTION
Noise pollution due to incorrect installation of the pressure and
vacuum connections
Hearing damage
•Correct installation.
•Wear ear protectors.
CAUTION
Vacuum close to the eye
Severe eye injury!
•Wear eye protection.
•Do not look into vacuum openings, e.g. suction cups.
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Start of Operations
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CAUTION
Risk of crushing if the suction cup is abruptly attached to a
workpiece
•Do not place any body parts between the suction cup and the
workpiece
7.3 Preparations for Picking up the Workpiece
7.3.1 Side Stops
The side stops consist of a set screw (not shown), stop (1) and
knurled nut (2) and are mounted as follows:
1. Screw the set screw into any M6 thread on the Matrix-Plate and
hand-tighten.
2. Attach the stop (1).
3. Screw the knurled nut (2) onto the set screw.
The stops can be raised or folded down as required.
1
2
The stops have two functions:
• Positioning aid for aligning the workpiece
• Absorbing horizontal lateral forces when machining the
workpiece.
We recommend having the stops raised up during machining.
Note:
When machining a workpiece, make sure that the chipping forces
act in the direction of the side stops.
If a stop is located in the collision area, it must be folded down or
removed to protect it from damage.
NOTICE
Metal chips and dirt between the stop and the Matrix-Plate
Contamination can affect the position of the workpiece zero
point.
•Check that the space between the stop and the Matrix-Plate is
clear before each clamping process.