Schunk
What is Schunk?
Schunk is a global company specializing in clamping technology and gripping systems. Founded by Friedrich Schunk in 1945 as a mechanical workshop, the company is now run by the third generation, Henrik A. Schunk and Kristina I. Schunk. Friedrich Schunk's legacy remains a strong presence in every aspect of the company's operations, which currently employs over 3,500 people across nine production sites and 34 subsidiaries.
The History of Schunk
Schunk’s story began in post-war Germany in 1945, when Friedrich Schunk started a mechanical workshop in a garage in Lauffen am Neckar. In the early years, Friedrich produced spare parts for machines and quickly gained a reputation for his innovative and durable inventions. In 1964, NSU Motorenwerke (now Audi AG) asked Schunk to manufacture components for their cars, leading to the company’s expansion and the opening of a new production facility.
Schunk’s Rise to Market Leader
Heinz-Dieter Schunk joined the company in the 1960s, introducing new product lines and a sales department. This helped the company develop into a significant player in workpiece clamping technology. Schunk made major technological advancements, such as the TENDO hydraulic expansion technology and the TRIBOS polygonal clamping technology.
During the 1980s, Schunk expanded into gripping technology, developing lighter and simpler grippers for robots. This made Schunk a market leader in gripping technology as well. Continuous innovation and development have positioned the company as a global leader in these fields.
Schunk Today
Today, Schunk offers a wide range of components and solutions for clamping technology and gripping systems. The company has over 11,000 standard components and 2,550 grippers, making it the market’s largest one-stop provider. Schunk’s extensive product range includes electric and pneumatic grippers, hydraulic and mechanical toolholders, and various clamping systems for supporting and machining tools.
Schunk’s Values and Mission
Schunk’s operations are guided by values emphasizing quality, reliability, and innovation. The company is committed to high standards and durability, with many of their products used for decades. Schunk is also dedicated to valuing its employees and customers, maintaining reliability and transparency in all its dealings.
Schunk’s Technologies and Solutions
Schunk’s technologies are widely used across various industries, including robotics, automation, and machine tool manufacturing. Schunk consistently develops new applications, especially intelligent solutions aligned with Industry 4.0 concepts that seamlessly connect people, machines, and products. Their product range includes advanced workpiece and toolholding solutions as well as innovative gripping systems designed to meet complex manufacturing and assembly challenges.
Summary
Schunk is a company that has grown from humble beginnings into a global leader in clamping technology and gripping systems. Its history is characterized by innovations and technological advancements that have shaped modern mechanical engineering. With three generations of tradition, top-level expertise in its field, and strong values, Schunk continues to lead the way, offering customers high-quality and reliable solutions worldwide.
