The nesting method is a common means of meeting the requirements for material savings. The individual elements are nested in such a way that the waste is kept to a minimum. A wear plate is then clamped onto the CNC machine's grid table. The actual raw material is positioned on this. The vacuum is so strong that it holds even the smallest milled parts securely in position through the wear plate. Horizontal machining, such as drilling, is not possible with nesting - the clamping system from Schmalz solves this challenge.

Flat design
The VCBL-G series vacuum blocks are specially designed for use directly on the MDF wear plate of nesting machines. This saves the user a set-up process on the machine and thus reduces long downtimes. The suction cups are connected directly to the CNC machine's vacuum system via hoses and thus supplied with the necessary vacuum. When the user places the workpiece on the machine, a touch valve with a soft surface activates the block suction cup - this protects the workpiece surface. In addition, suction cups that are not required can remain on the machine table.

With the help of the AP-G adapter plates, the VCBL-B suction blocks can also be used on nesting machines. © Lard

The friction lining on the underside of the suction cup ensures a high holding force, even on smooth surfaces. Schmalz has designed the connection between the suction plate and the robust plastic base body in such a way that the suction plate can be easily replaced in the event of wear. Another advantage of the block suction cup series is its low working height of 30 millimetres. This makes the VCBL-G solution ideal for 3-axis machining centers with low z-heights.

Flexible modular system
Schmalz has developed the AP-G adapter plate for users who want to use the VCBL-B block suction cups instead of the VCBL-G suction cups. It also draws the vacuum directly from the nesting machine system via a hose. The suction cup holder is equipped with a grid: The block suction cups can thus be inserted into the adapter plate in any direction in 15-degree increments to align the suction surface as required. The modular principle - suction blocks are available in three different heights and four different suction surfaces - increases flexibility and shortens set-up times. Thanks to the variable working heights, users can also use the Schmalz system for five-axis machining. as