Clamping System for 3-Dimensional Laser Welding

A special clamping cell developed in the framework of the collaborative research center 368 at the Technical University of Aachen (RWTH) is able to clamp different workpieces in an absolutely autonomous way. In this paper an autonomous hydraulic clamping system for milling processes as well as a clamping system for 3-dimensional laser welding are presented. In particular a proportional throttle valve for several hydraulic cylinder developed for this clamping cell is introduced. The clamping system for the milling process is a completely autonomous hydraulic clamping system. All of the hydraulic as well as the electric components are integrated into this device. Further more a micro controller and a power supply are integrated into the clamping system as well. For the welding process the clamping system has to hold two sheet metal. Because of the 3-dimensional outline of the sheet metal, e.g. mudguards of a car, the clamping system has to be very flexible concerning different metal sheet outlines. A special proportional valve with a high number of ports is developed at the Institute of Fluid Power Transmission and Control (IFAS).