On the way to ‘Industry 4.0', or the dawn of the fourth industrial revolution, SCHUNK the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems is setting another milestone: Numerous SCHUNK precision tool holders can be marked with an individual data matrix code now, which allows an intelligent tool holder management.

Regardless of whether it is done manually by smart phone, or fully automated with a machine tool scanner, every tool holder can be reliably identified with the help of a code, and together with the corresponding data base system, they can be exactly assigned. Within the framework of intelligent manufacturing processes, it is possible to generate a precise history together with the data from the superior cloud, with sites of operation, used tools, service life, and machining parameters.

According to the individual systematic arrangement of documents, the data matrix code can be individually defined. In contrast to the glued on RFID tags, which require the re-balancing of the tool holders, and under unfavorable conditions these tags might get lost, the data matrix code however, is permanent and has no influence on the balancing quality. The individual marking can be done at every TENDO hydraulic expansion tool holder (except TENDO E compact), and at every TRIBOS polygonal toolholder without any additional charge.