The Mechatronic Grippers for Small Components
Searching for flexibility and speed in pick & place processes, especially for small components handling requirements, SCHUNK introduces also in Italy the compact, mechatronic 24 V grippers ready for the IO-Link standard. An option that broadens indeed the well-known EGP Series by means of a product suitable for handling parts with a weight of up to 0.7 kg and featuring maximum gripping forces of 140 N.
by Giorgia Stella
SCHUNK, a leading global company as for gripping systems, launches an important new product for flexible pick & place of small components. The compact, mechatronic 24 V grippers SCHUNK EGP with IO-Link will be introduced in Italy at MecSpe. This product allows for higher speed and flexibility in pick & place processes.
The EGP grippers, a tried-and-tested SCHUNK component, scores with a high speed and at the same time high gripping force. In the version with IO-Link, the electric gripper for small components meets the IO-Link Class B Standard suitable for increased power consumption, and can be directly connected with an IO-Link Class B Master.
Its gripper fingers can be freely positioned within every cycle, meaning the maximum degree of flexibility, and also due to the prepositioning the shortest cycle times can be ensured. As the gripping force can be adapted to the respective workpiece using software settings in four stages, handling scenarios with deformation-sensitive parts can also be achieved.
Reduced amount of space required in the control cabinet due to integrated electronics
Within the permissible finger length, both the gripping force and the gripping speed remain virtually constant as does the speed over the entire stroke. The position of the gripper fingers can be detected using the integrated measuring system over the entire stroke, meaning no external sensors are required for monitoring. Quite the opposite in fact: intermediate positions or varying workpiece sizes can be queried at any time. An integrated diagnosis tool permanently monitors the voltage, current, temperature, and condition of the gripper and automatically transmits errors to the higher-level control system.
If needs be, systems operators can also store maintenance intervals for the system on the tool. As the entire electronics of the SCHUNK EGP is integrated in a space-saving way, the gripper doesn’t take up any space at all in the control cabinet. Brushless and therefore maintenance-free servomotors and a backlash-free preloaded cross roller guide ensure a high level of efficiency, constant gripping forces across the entire finger length and make the SCHUNK EGP with IO-Link a dynamic, precise, and powerful expert for challenging handling of small and mid-sized parts.
A suitable addition to the program for modular assembly
The SCHUNK EGP can be screwed through or screwed either on the side or on the base, which increases its flexibility within a system design. In order to increase the dynamics and the energy efficiency of higher-level systems, the gripper housing consists of a special high-performance aluminium. In addition, the design is rigorous in eliminating superfluous materials.
The pick & place expert seamlessly fits in the program for modular high performance assembly from SCHUNK. It meets protection class IP30 and is suitable for the most various applications in the area of small component handling and assembly. The gripper for small components with IO-Link will initially be available in size 40 with a finger stroke of 6 mm, and maximum gripping forces of 140 N. The repeat accuracy is 0.02 mm. It is suitable for handling parts with a weight of up to 0.7 kg. The maximum finger length amounts to 50 mm.
In addition to the version with IO-Link, the 24 V gripper is again available with actuation via digital I/O.