|
|
 |
|
|
In Focus - Archives Juin 2010
|
| |
|
|
|
01.06.2010 -
In the best of case scenario, energy-efficient automation modules should reduce energy consumption of the handling system and increase cycle times and output. It helps conserve the environment and saves money if you focus both measures.
|
 |
The forces and movements of grippers with multi-tooth guidance are distributed. Thus a higher gripping force is achieved, and longer fingers can be used.
|
|
|
High compact performance thanks to multi-tooth guidance and oval pistons
Efficiency, the optimum ratio between cost and benefit, has always been a central concern in automation. Machine builders who invest in high power components, usually achieve a much higher output.
Take a multi-tooth guidance gripper, for example, where the forces and moments are distributed onto several bearing surfaces, and the guidances may have a higher payload. Longer gripper fingers can be used for the same gripper size without overloading the module. Moreover, the contact pressure at the bearing surface is reduced and in turn reduces wear to a minimum. This assures a minimum guidance play for the life ofgripper.
But the highly efficient roller guide goes one step further: its effectiveness is higher than ball bearing guidances or sliding guides. The more rolls, the better the force is distributed, and thus the load capacity of the whole guidance increases, wear reduces and the service lifetime of the whole gripper improves. The rollers are particularly stable, smooth running, and efficient, if they are individually adjusted. In this case, compact performance and precision go hand in hand with each other.
Similar standards apply for the drives: the multi-toot guidance and also the oval piston drive allow high forces in small installation spaces. With an oval piston, installation space of the gripper housing is used more efficiently, the piston surface increases and energy of the compressed air is converted more efficiently into gripping force. Therefore the same gripper size achieves higher gripping forces. In the best cases, a multi-tooth guidance, roller guide and an oval piston drive are combined with each other.
|
 |
|
Micro valves are directly connected with the actuators by screws. They reduce compressed air consumption and shorten cycle times.
|
|
|
Valves safe energy and cycle times
Operators who are using pneumatic modules, can achieve enormous results by integrating micro valves. They assure high cycle times and noticeably minimize air consumption. In assembly technology, short cycle times and an average weight between one and three kilograms, micro valves play off their potentials. In general, the smaller the actuator, the more efficient is the use of micro valves. The cycle time is accelerated by up to 100 % and valuable compressed air is saved.
Because the valves can be directly located to the actuator, they reduce the air consumption. For every cycle, only the piston area of the actuator has to be filled with compressed air, and not the complete air line. At a three meter long feed line, which is four millimeter in diameter, about ten times more air is used than when using a directly connected miniature gripper.
Instead of long disturbing lines, compact valves carry out the pneumatic and electric supply of the valves, actuators and sensors. Using one common compressed air and electric line, any number of actuators can be supplied quickly and efficiently. For existing units, micro valves lower operating costs and the investment of an efficient complete compressed air system. Cycle times decrease as well because the compressed air acts directly on them.
|
|
Energy consumption of mechatronic modules can be adjusted
|
|
Mechatronics is one of the most effective modules for achieving highest energy efficiency. The module’s use of energy can be adjusted to the individual power requirement. This lowers non-productive losses. The total energy balance of electric automation components tend to a better degree of efficiency even in case of pneumatic solutions. Moreover, electric power supply networks work with fewer losses than pneumatic ones. The modules have an excellent energy supply and less energy gets lost within the network.
|
 |
|
The FEM analysis helps to develop grippers with light and stable support structures.
|
 |
|
CFK axes from SCHUNK make this odd form placement twice as effective: They save energy and increase productivity.
|
|
|
Lightweight design achieved by FEM and CFK
Lightweight design is also an issue that offers a great efficiency potential. In the past, enormous safety margins had to be calculated, today, modern technologies such as the FEM method help to develop much lighter modules without impeding the bearing capacity or stability.
Lightweight design achieved by carbon composites (CFK) are even more effective. CFK is about 40 % lighter than aluminum, and is more rigid. It disposes of a tensile strength which doesn’t change, even if it is heated. Modern, automated operations help lower costs for a CFK module and helps achieve constantly high production quality. From the economic point of view, CFK is gaining importance. In the case of linear axes, CFK supporting structures allow weight reductions by about 55 %. Modern long-stroke grippers with a CFK supporting structure weigh 10 kg and dispose of a gripping force of up 4,000 N, and a variable stroke of up to 600 mm.
Outlook
Energy-efficient handling solutions are very economic and pay off in many respects: they lower energy consumption, increase cycle time, assure an efficient use of exisiting units, and reduce the power requirements of new ones. There are numerous possibilities to develop solutions, which are particularly resource-saving and economic too. Many of the SCHUNK modules are already available in standard version. They save time, increase process reliability, and conserve environment.
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
12.2010
Clamping large turned parts safely
Launched from the energy technology, machining of large parts on lathes has become more important in the past few years. This causes a lot of pressure which has to be absorbed by the clamping device. This factor makes it all the more surprising that many users still use traditional clamping solutions, which are costly to set-up, clean and maintain. Modern clamping devices do more than assuring safe clamping, they increase precision of the workpiece, reduce set-up times, and minimize maintenance efforts. This also applies for chucks and jaw boxes.
 Pour en savoir plus…
|
| |
|
|
10.2010
Grippers with additional benefits
The figures speak for themselves: SCHUNK, the leading expert for clamping technology and gripping systems has sold thousands of sensors for handling applications. While the status of the actuator has been monitored in the past, modern sensors transform the grippers into intelligent helpers, which can measure, inspect, sort and accelerate the whole process simultaneously. The question on their efficiency potential is answered with an overview of the current sensor systems for handling applications.
Pour en savoir plus…
|
| |
|
|
09.2010
Gripping Technology for Industrial Robots
Industrial robots work quickly, reliably and never stop. The achieved output and quality significantly depends on the individual periphery, particlularly of the gripping sytems. In the hunt of the optimum gripper, engineers and users have to consider a large variety of influencing factors. In addition to efficiency and process-reliability, sustainability of the gripping systems playes an increasing role.
Pour en savoir plus…
|
| |
|
|
08.2010
Efficient toolholders for automated tool grinding
For tool grinding the toolholder plays an essential role because microns will decide the quality of the manufactured tool edges. In view of small batch sizes and various tools, a multi-purpose toolholder is needed. The holder would have to be precise for exact cutting edge geometries and surfaces, slim to avoid interference between the grinding wheel, powerful for very short clamping depths, and have a high material removal rate as well. Flexibility is also required for covering many different shaft diameters. All of these requirements are persuading companies to use automated grinding machines in order to reduce their current costs.
Pour en savoir plus…
|
| |
|
|
07.2010
Pick & Place Solutions in Comparison
In order to assemble components fast and precisely, operators can choose between many different Pick & Place solutions. The performance features of the systems vary from each other. To find the best solution, the advantages and disadvantages of each system should be compared.
Pour en savoir plus…
|
| |
|
|
06.2010
Energy efficient gripping
In the best of case scenario, energy-efficient automation modules should reduce energy consumption of the handling system and increase cycle times and output. It helps conserve the environment and saves money if you focus both measures.
Pour en savoir plus…
|
| |
|
|
05.2010
Factor of Success Engineering -
With virtual simulations to the optimum clamping solution
How does a component deform during the clamping process and machining? Which clamping solution assures that the workpiece has the exact dimensions? How can an existing clamping device be ideally used? Virtual simulations are giving valuable answers to these and simular questions. By means of the Finite Elements Method (FEM) deformations and component payloads can be calculated, which allows a comparison of the individual clamping options and how to optimize them. In turn, process and investment reliability are increased, development times shorten, the selection of the suitable clamping device is easier and costs are lowered.
Pour en savoir plus…
|
| |
|
|
04.2010
Magnetic Clamping Technology - efficient at a variety of tasks
Magnetism is one of the most fascinating and influential force of our universe. Engineers and technicians use this same force in order to clamp workpieces, or to reliably lift components. Magnetic clamping technology is well-established in various areas, such as grinding, milling, turning, mobile lifting units in production, and for huge crane constructions. Most engineers now know that magnetic clamping solutions reduce set-up times by about 80 percent, that workpieces are clamped without any deformation, and even coils can be reliably transported.
Pour en savoir plus…
|
| |
|
|
03.2010
EU-funded project pushes on the service robots
Experts predict an increase in the pursuit of service robotics. This is no surprise: Modern robot applications offer an enormous potential to the economy and society. Pilot applications already show how robots might become more and more the intelligent helpers of humans. In addition to universities and other research institutes, industrial enterprises should focus on development in this sector, and make it a reality. Therefore the European Union has decided to subsidize the transfer of knowledge between research institutes and industry financially support this pursuit as well.
Pour en savoir plus…
|
| |
|
|
02.2010
Flexible packing and palletizing
Adaptive handling systems provide dynamics and profitability if comprehensive ranges and frequent changes in assortment are given.
Every week a new product generation replaces the previous one. These products, which provide new impulses in trade, are a real challenge for the packing process. Faster, process reliable, and flexible automated solutions are in constant demand. They help to keep the handling costs under control, even at an increasing product variety.
Pour en savoir plus…
|
| |
|
|
01.2010
How operators "play it safe" during turning operation
If a workpiece loosens from the chuck on a lathe, it can be dangerous to those working in the manufacturing hall. Because of this, the Employer’s Liability Insurance Associations, Standards and Safety Commitees, do everything in their power, to avoid accidents.
Pour en savoir plus…
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
In Focus - 2013
In Focus - Archives 2012
In Focus - Archives 2011
In Focus - Archives 2010
In Focus - Archives 2009
In Focus - Archives 2008
In Focus - Archives 2007
|
|
