Clamping workpieces with just one hand

Among other things, the customer manufactures high-precision workpieces for hydrogen technology. In order to measure the workpieces fully automatically, they needed to be clamped securely and reproducibly on a five-axis positioner of the MarSurf CNC Series 1200 measuring station. For three very small components, one of them about the diameter of a one-cent coin, the company was looking for a way to clamp them with just one hand. Normally, the clamping of such filigree components requires two-handed operation: The operator inserts the part to be tested into the workpiece fixture with one hand and has to hold it in place until he closes the clamping device with the second and thus fixes the component – awkward and ultimately impossible for someone who is missing one hand.

Clever solution devised

But the engineers at MES found a solution: on a fixture designed exclusively for this component, the operator can first open two clamping levers by turning an easily accessible metal ring. Thanks to an integrated detent position, these remain open despite the necessary spring preload, so that the operator can now place the workpiece stably without any time pressure. He then turns the metal ring back in the opposite direction as far as it will go. "This causes the clamping levers to close, engage and secure the component," explains design engineer Eric Artmann. This means that all the required measuring points can be reached and the features to be monitored can be measured precisely. The customer is very satisfied: "Thanks to this clamping method alone, all employees in the measuring room there, whether physically impaired or not, are able to operate our measuring station. They feel this makes their work very much easier," reports MES project manager Dr. Tobias Liese.

For more information, please visit our website:

• Solutions from MES for contour and surface metrology
• Go to the product portfolio of Mahr Engineered Solutions
• You would like to realize your own project with us? Inform yourself about your possibilities with MES.