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In Focus - Archives Septembre 2010
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Heavy load gripper
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Gripping System of the future: The PowerBall-Arm from SCHUNK is extremely compact. It disposes of six degrees of freedom.
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01.09.2010 -
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.
Pneumatic or mechatronic drive?
Beside the proven pneumatically driven gripping modules, more and more electrically driven grippers have been recently established. Both types of drive have great features. A pneumatic gripper has high compact performance, which means at a restricted installation space, relatively high gripping forces are achieved. They are robust, attractively-priced, and can be easily commissioned and maintained.
Despite these many advantages, a kind of paradigm shift has been recently noticed. Mechatronic grippers are all-rounders, well equipped and energy-efficient. And despite a higher initial investment, they are also appealing from an economic point of view. In addition to gripping, they allow the control on the gripping position, stroke, closing speed, acceleration, or force. In the future, more and more mechatronic modules will be controlled and remotley-maintained from the internet or a data line. Moreover, the very functional and visually effective design promotes trust in function, and safety of man and machine. The quick progress of electric servo drives assure that the number of mechatronic components will increasingly become attractive in price. Furthermore, the number of users with mechatronic know-how increases and thus the acceptance of mechatronic solutions.
Legal requirements can play a role in selecting the drive system as an example with South Korea is shown. Here mechatronic solutions are mandatory for reasons of conservation. In Europe, mechatronic components offer advantages in view of the new machine directives for machine and system manufactures in the framework of safety management. In the short and long term, it can be assumed that pneumatic and mechatronic drives will have established themselves in the field of industrial automation and will be chosen according to their advantages.
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The gripper quick-change system SWS-1210
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SWS-1210: load up to 1.200 kg
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Variability is the key factor
The global competition and new distribution channels have shown that everything is usually available. At the same time, in almost every product category, the diversity of variants is growing. The customized end product is becoming more standard, and at the same time the idle time which can be accepted by the customer between placing of order and delivery shortens. "Order today - delivery tomorrow." These are the expectations of the customers.
In order to fulfill those expectations, the flexible handling within and outside the processing line plays a decisive role. Modern automation systems have to quickly adapt to the changing requirements of weight and shape. In order to complete these tasks, today’s gripper quick-change systems are already very popular. They assure that the grippers with energy supply and sensor system can be exchanged quickly and automatically . The quick-change modules from SCHUNK are available in countless varieties for load capacities up to 1.200 kg. Here a patented self-retaining locking system of the innovative family-owned company assures that robot and effector remain coupled in case of power failure.
Modern quick-change solutions go one step further. So SCHUNK, the competence leader in clamping technology and gripping system, offers highly efficient valve adapter plates for quick-change systems, which comprise of up to 14 micro valves and a complete valve terminal. They make handling processes more efficient. Air feed-throughs and the locking of quick-change systems can be switched from the valves. The adapter plates with integrated high-performance valves are assembled between the robot flange and the changing head. With conventional solutions, the compressed air in the air supply is lost. If valve adapter plates are used, just the piston area of the sealed actuators and lines within the changing systems are filled with air. This drastically reduces the requried amount of air and shortens cycle time.
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Wheel rim handling
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SDH and PRL
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Long stroke makes the gripper flexible
Special long stroke grippers are even more variable. Instead of changing the jaws or complete gripper again and again, they can handle components of various sizes alternately. Thus the PZH-plus long stroke gripper with a high compact performance from SCHUNK for example, achieves such a long stroke due to the belt drive, making a costly exchange of top jaws or gripper no longer necessary. Its patented multi-tooth guidance and housing made of high-tensile aluminum make it performance-intensive. Compared with similar grippers, it disposes of a gripping force which is about twice as high. In order to achieve a certain stroke and force, smaller sizes are sufficient. This saves room and lowers energy consumption, and investment costs. The large center bore allows the installation of a camera, feed-through of material, or gripping of overlong workpieces.
Copied from the human hand
The mechatronic SDH-2 gripper hand from SCHUNK shows where the future lies. With three moveable finges, seven degrees of freedom and an efficient sensor, the gripper hand can grip and position various objects without retrofitting. Tactile sensors in the finger faces provide a sensitive, yet safe grip. For industrial applications this adaptive module is protected against dust and humidity, and at the same time it offers a high degree of safety for interaction with humans and machines. The gripper hand safely handles sensitive and precise square, spherical, or cylindrical objects of various sizes on-the-fly.
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PGN-plus
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MMS 22-PI1
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The sensor system are an integral part
In the past, the focus of attention was on the mechanics of the gripping systems, but now the sensor system has gained importance. Well adjusted gripping forces and a safe feedback system for handling of compliant and sensitive parts are very important. For such applications, mechatronic grippers with their numerous options offer the optimum precondition.
Even pneumatically acuated grippers combined with sensor modules can achieve amazing results. With the example of the PGN-plus multi-tooth guided universal gripper, it becomes clear what is already possible today. The program comprises of more than inductive proximity switches, which are already standard for most pneumatic grippers. Electronic magnetic switches for example, can be completely integrated into the gripper, and monitored from the inside of the gripper at the piston position. The latest generation of magnetic switches are programmable and can even recognize two switching points instead of one. In order to increase process stability, the grippers have programmable switch-off points. For applications in machines, in confined applications or in adverse environments, where cables would endanger the process stability, SCHUNK has designed a cable-free radio-controlled sensor system. And even in extreme environmental conditions with high temperatures, explosion hazard, agressive fluids, or extreme quantities of hot chips or coolant, there is always a standardized module available: the fluid monitoring system is working completely without any electric sensors or additional cables. Via a pneumatic measuring line and an AND-valve it transfers the information "open", "gripped" or "closed" to the control unit.
Even for inspection tasks, the universal grippers can be equipped: flexible positioning sensors can detect up to five pre-defined position areas of the jaws - ideal for sorting various components or to carry out an automatic quality control. More efficient are the high resolution, analog sensors, which transform the universal gripper into a precision measuring station. With an extremely high speed of up to 0.003 mm, the gripper measures the ongoing process of every individual gripped component. Via the PLC, any number of switching points can be defined and therefore any number of components or tolerance ranges can be differentiated.
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Modularity guarantees the future
Those who decide on the purchase of automation modules for industrial automation, have to always keep future developments in mind. The universal grippers from the SCHUNK modular system are the grippers of the future. The inhouse coordination tasks can be reduced, the spare parts procurement is accelerated, and thanks to the 30-years functional warranty, the overall costs can be planned over the total lifetime of the tool. SCHUNK’s modular system is always state-of-the-art, and this is proven by a directly attachable valvebox. It transforms the SCHUNK universal gripper to a model of efficiency. It helps to increase cycle times by up to 100%, and at the same time compressed air consumption and energy costs are reduced. Even existing handling systems can be quickly retrofitted with this module.
Light-weight design for gripping systems
The potential of modern light-weight solutions are tremendous: exisiting robots can be upgraded for handling heavier parts. For new plants, smaller dimensioned robots can be used, cycle times are shortened, lighter multi-gripper systems can be developed, and the energy efficiency of robots and handling systems is increased. The following two examples show what is possible today.
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SLG handles components of up to 700 kg
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LEG-C: A light-weight with a lot of power
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Example 1: Modular heavy-load gripper
At a weight of just 350 kg, the SLG servo-driven heavy-load gripper from SCHUNK disposes of a 100 millimeter stroke per finger and a gripping force of 23.000 Newtons. It reliably handles components of up to 700 kg safely. The gripper’s rigidity and its jaws have been optimized, and in case of high dynamic payloads, no inadmissible forces occur, and excess material is removed. The gripping systems can be driven by various electro motors. The drive is actuated via a centrally located trapezoidal thread, that evenly and precisely transmits the force onto the roller-guided base jaws. For operation, the gripper is integrated into the robot’s control unit as a seventh axis.
Example 2: Variable Long-Stroke Grippers
The support structure of the LEG-C long-stroke gripper is made of carbon fiber composite material. At a weight of 10 kg it disposes of a gripping force of up to 4.000 N, and a variable stroke of up to 600 mm. If a shorter travel path for the fingers is needed, the stroke can be scaled as required. Cycle times are minimized and the consumption of compressed air is reduced. These are the conditions in which the gripper can efficiently work in. For a continuous light-weight design concept, the aluminum fingers are also designed in a light-weight version. They move on a recirculating ball carriage. Via number and distance of the guiding carriage, the gripper can be perfectly adjusted to the individual payload. For particularly high gripping forces or extremely long fingers, the distance between the carriages is increased. Even fingers with a length of more than 1.000 mm can be used. The almost scope-free belt drive and the synchronized fingers assure that the gripper is working precisely at a variable stroke, and if required, large and small components can be alternately handled.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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
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