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Noticias - 2012
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Perfect alternative to pneumatics: The EGP small parts gripper
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Built-in intelligence: The WSG 50 from SCHUNK
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25.04.2012 -
Mechatronic gripping modules offer numerous possibilities for users and design engineers. The competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems SCHUNK is now going one step further: The innovative family-owned company is the very first manufacturer to bundle numerous mechatronic modules in a single modular system. The spectrum extends from simple grippers as an alternative to pneumatic grippers to versions with integrated intelligence and adaptable, mechanical grippers that can be equipped with a broad range of motors and functions.
Electrically driven gripper as an alternative to pneumatics
The electrically driven small parts gripper EGP proves that mechatronic modules by no means have to be complicated. With respect to the mechatronics it focuses on the essential and places hardly any demands on the user. For example, it is very easily controlled by the sensor distributor. It also allows conversion from pneumatic to electric gripper modules in a flash. An added advantage is that the sensor system of the time-tested pneumatic small parts gripper MPG-plus can be transferred 1:1 to the EGP.
Compared with other electrically driven small parts grippers on the market, the
gripper scores points with respect to its high speed and simultaneous high gripping force. Its powerful cross roller guide ensures high efficiency and makes the gripper a dynamic and high-performance specialist for demanding Pick&Place applications. Since excess material is saved on the gripper housing and internal components made of special high-performance aluminum reduce the weight, this enhances the dynamics and energy efficiency of the higher level system.
Intelligent grippers shorten processes
The second pillar of the mechatronic modular system from SCHUNK is the intelligent mechatronic gripper. These grippers allow optimization of production, assembly and handling processes and even implementation of completely new solution strategies. That this is possible without extensive specialized knowledge of electronics and control technology is demonstrated by the WSG 50. Easy commissioning is already built into this 2-finger parallel gripper. In addition to Profibus DP, CAN and RS232 it also has an Ethernet TCP/IP interface, which due to the integrated web server allows fast and easy commissioning using a standard web browser. No additional software is necessary. An electronic sensor interface is integrated in the base jaws of the gripper, which makes it possible to incorporate diverse sensors in the gripping process.
The highlight of the gripper is the intelligent detection of gripped parts. In combination with the high positioning accuracy of the gripper, this allows the WSG 50 to execute a gripping command with optimized cycle times. This significantly reduces the load on the higher level process controller, because the gripper itself features intelligent functions for independent execution of sub-routines. Depending on the respective application, the functionality of the WSG 50 can be individually adapted by means of the built-in, easy-to-learn script language. Once the scripts have been created, they are simply saved on the built-in SD card. This option of individual programming lets users solve difficult tasks reliably and with relative ease.
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Long strokes with unlimited positions: The EGA can handle a very broad range of parts with a weight of up to 8.75 kg.
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Adaptable gripping modules
The third and final pillar consists of mechatronic gripping systems with adaptable electric drives. Depending on the handling system and the desired functions, these modules can be equipped with a broad range of servo motors. It is possible, for example, to control the module with the same commands used for the higher level robot. Every gripping position can be changed easily and flexibly with no problems due to incompatible control signals. In addition, the characteristics of the system controller with respect to programming, safety or field buses can be used directly. The most recent example for such an adaptable gripper is the robust long-stroke gripper EGA. All standard industrial servo motors can be used to drive the gripper, in particular also servo motors with a voltage range starting at 230V AC. Depending on the application the motor can be flange mounted parallel to the direction of motion, which is especially favorable for robot applications in which the height of the gripper needs to be minimized. Alternatively, it can be mounted at a right angle to the direction of motion, to minimize the width of the gripper for gantry applications, for example. The EGA has an extremely flat and compact design and minimal interfering contours. Due to the anti-friction guideway, the EGA is permanently precise and very long-lasting. The weight-optimized design of the gripper and the dynamics and energy efficiency further enhance the system.
In the opinion of Matthias Poguntke, Business Unit Manager for Product- and Portfolio Management at SCHUNK, both pneumatic and electric drives will be viable alternatives in the future. "Mechatronic modules are especially flexible and very attractive in economic terms, despite the higher initial investment," Poguntke explains. "Arguments for pneumatic grippers are the attractive price, the robust construction and the user-friendly commissioning and maintenance." He therefore recommends comparing the application, environment and individual requirements to determine which drive type is more cost effective.
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