Centring clamps from norelem support robots in woodworking 
      
      
An innovative method for gripping blind holes was developed in a project at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences to improve the precision and efficiency of robot-assisted wood processing. Centring clamps from the norelem range are used for automatic centring.
       
Blind hole gripping is a safe, repeatable and efficient solution for the further development of robot-based wood manufacturing processes. It enables the self-alignment of the workpiece and allows a wide range of machining options. 
       
A modular gripping system for the repetitive handling of wooden elements was developed using the centring clamps from the norelem range. The clamping system utilises pre-drilled, cylindrical holes in the wooden elements. These make it possible to centre each part automatically by spreading the gripper. This also enables an even arrangement during assembly. The holes also serve as identification features in the subsequent assembly process. 
        
Pull-out tests with different gripping depths have shown that the holding force of the clamps exceeds the typical requirements for standard work such as sawing and drilling. Analysing the tests also provided valuable comparative data for selecting the optimum gripping method for further processing steps.