CAMX 2021 exhibit preview: Schmidt & Heinzmann

Schmidt & Heinzmann (Bruchsal, Germany) showcases its product portfolio which includes a range of manufacturing and processing systems for composite materials, from sheet molding compound (SMC) production machinery and automated cutting and stacking systems to press automation and bonding machines.

For example, with its fully automated SMC press process, Schmidt & Heinzmann is able to offer high process stability and reproducibility. Every process step — from unwinding of the material, cutting and stacking the layers, loading and unloading the press, as well as ejecting the pressed part from the production cell  — runs automatically.

To attain precise cutting edges, the company uses AutoCut, a 2D free-form cutting unit that is designed for automated production cells.

Further, a flexible combination gripper precisely handles each component. It can be used to load the press with semi finished material, and for unloading the molded component and cleaning the mold. This allegedly shortens the cycle time and can also be used to securely realize cuts and components for large tools or special geometries.

Similarly, the company’s new generation SMC line, Cube, works to digitize production of SMC semi-finished material and is said to be highly attractive for high-performance applications and flexible production facilities. The Cube includes a new sensor concept that enables the analysis of process data during production and can record, save or adjust more than 100 values in real time. The Cube’s compact design also reduces its footprint by 65%, and its controls have been minimized to eliminate the external control cabinet entirely.

Schmidt & Heinzmann’s CAMX booth also showcases the company’s virtual reality (VR). VR reportedly enables the company to identify disruptive factors, which increases planning reliability and reduces the costs in machine commissioning. In addition, VR gives a detailed impression of the machine in the planning phase.