A visit to Hall 7, Booth 7101 in MOTEK , will show whether the vacuum expert can keep this promise. Here, Schmalz will present how automation and manual handling can succeed in the long term – with efficient systems that save energy and increase ergonomics.
Electrical, pneumatics or “nothing”? Vacuum is a proven means of gripping and lifting things. Traditionally, systems use pneumatic or electrical vacuum generators. Both solutions have advantages and disadvantages – depending on the application, for example, the use of compressed air can be the deciding factor. Schmalz is now taking a completely new approach with the Eco-Gripper. Here, the kinetic energy of the robot generates the vacuum when it is placed on the airtight and flat workpiece.
Small but nice
In addition to the Eco-Gripper, Schmalz will also be presenting the new SCTMi mini-compact terminal at Motek. It combines intelligence and variability, packed into the smallest of spaces: Up to 16 SCPM compact ejectors, blocked in one terminal, can control and monitor just as many vacuum circuits. Other functions for controlling the entire production process are integrated. Its small and compact design allows space-saving integration. Due to its low weight, the compact terminal can also be mounted directly on the gripper.
There is also a lot of intelligence in the Solution Kit ivOS Pick-and-Pack for system builders and integrators. It is used for the design of bin picking applications. The system recognizes even unknown workpieces, selects a suitable gripper with the appropriate gripping strategy and picks the goods. Specialists configure the system components effortlessly via the graphical user interface. Plug-and-work ensures easy integration and supports all common robots, sensors, picking software and interfaces. The complete engineering package with CAD data, circuit diagrams and technical designs enables companies to quickly adapt the system to new workpieces.
Efficient vacuum generation
The electrical Compact Pump GCPi excels wherever compressed air is not available. Weighing only three kilograms, it can be used flexibly in many areas of vacuum automation and mobile robotics to lift both suction-tight and porous workpieces. The high suction capacity and quick ventilation function make rapid handling processes possible, while the 24-volt technology is energy-efficient and was specially developed for mobile applications. Combined with the LQE ventilation valve, all-electric systems can be designed that impress with their fast suction and depositing times.
Effortless lifting
In addition to solutions for Vacuum Automation, Schmalz will present sophisticated systems for manual handling at Motek. A classic is the vacuum tube lifter JumboFlex, which employees use to move workpieces weighing up to 50 kilograms with one hand. Visitors to the booth can see for themselves how intuitively they can lift, lower and release loads with just one finger. Numerous options and extensions make the JumboFlex a universal talent. Mounting on a modular flat boom in combination with the cable carrier V-Chain, which does not leave the vacuum hose hanging, the handling solution requires only little overall height.
Another lifting aid comes from Schmalz subsidiary Binar Handling. The Quick-Lift Rail 50i (QLR 50i) meets the highest demands for ergonomics, safety and efficiency. The system has a mechanical, electrical and pneumatic rotary feed-through that ensures continuous rotation of the gripper. Use is intuitive, as the ergonomically designed operator handle converts gestures into electronic signals: If a person moves the handle up or down a few millimeters, the QLR 50i lifts or lowers the load. As soon as one releases the handle, the system stops the movement.
Schmalz at the Motek: Hall 7, Booth 7101