Energy Efficient Hydraulic Clamping System using Variable Frequency Drive in a CNC Machine

Abstract

In the Computer Numeric Control(CNC) machines, hydraulic clamping system is generally used to hold the work in the locating surface. This is because of the fact that hydraulic clamping system has greater efficiency as compared to the other clamping system and the power consumption is comparatively lesser. The hydraulic clamping system is driven by the hydraulic power pack. The existing hydraulic system is driven by the pump which operates at a constant speed. But during clamping application, the power required is less when it is in clamped position as compared to when the clamp is loaded and unloaded so there is room for reduction in the power consumption which can be achieved by varying the speed of the motor. This canbe achieved by introducing a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD). A percentage reduction of 80.65% was found by employing a Variable Frequency Drive. Thus, this paper is presented with a view to illustrate the conservation of energy for hydraulic clamping system with the introduction of Variable Frequency Drive.