"When specialists pool their resources and expertise and bring together leading technologies, the user benefits - as is the case with special machine construction." Holger Klette puts it in a nutshell. The Head of Development at SSB-Maschinenbau relies on a high level of vertical integration, including design and software programming, in order to have important value creation and quality factors under his own control. The company works together with renowned technology partners, such as the clamping device manufacturer Röhm, for machining and clamping systems. Clamping devices are central components of a processing machine and are the key to excellent product quality and optimum cycle times. They securely hold the component in place and must be able to withstand the various machining forces without deforming the workpiece.

With its extensive and high-performance product range, Röhm is one of the most important clamping device manufacturers in the world. This includes robot gripping technology, power chucks, clamping cylinders and mandrels, tool clamping systems and a wide range of special clamping technology.

The special machine manufacturer SSB is also committed to this flexibility. SSB-Maschinenbau offers product and application-focused solutions for the economical production of series parts to various metalworking industries, such as agricultural technology, vehicle construction, conveyor technology, automotive suppliers, energy plant manufacturers and machine builders. These can be special machines for horizontal machining, such as chain links, crankshafts, rear axles and axle carriers. In addition, the special machine manufacturer produces special machines for machining large and heavy XL profiles for lift masts for various manufacturers of industrial trucks - from the initial idea through development to completion.

Holger Klatte, Head of Development at SSB-Maschinenbau

A practical example of the cooperation between the two companies: A customer, who did not wish to be named, had recently invested in a state-of-the-art machining center. To ensure that the SSB machine can fulfill its performance and output requirements as flexibly as possible, SSB brought Röhm on board in the clamping device area. The system is embedded in a production workflow. After cutting to length and deburring, the lifting masts are transferred to the SSB unit via automatic conveyor systems, securely clamped using Röhm technology and turned into the respective machining positions during the machining processes using a specially developed SSB turning device. The parts are then automatically sent for painting, final inspection and picking. "In order to save machining and tool changing time, we opted for a two-strand production unit due to the prevailing production conditions, in which the lifting masts are next to each other and the spindle machines alternately," explains Klatte. "Machining tasks include milling, drilling and threading to create connecting surfaces for add-on components. This placed special demands on the clamping technology."