Schmalz Introduces Area Gripper for Flexible Handling of Various Parts

Schmalz has released a versatile, adaptable gripping solution, the FMG matrix area gripper, for diverse part handling in flexible production environments. The automated handling solution is suitable for flat, suctionable workpieces and features an air-saving function, which, according to Schmalz, cuts compressed air use by as much as 80%. For sheet metal production, Schmalz asserts that its gripping solution is appropriate for loading and unloading components to and from deburring and straightening machines as well as for removing and sorting components from cutting, punching, nesting, and laser machines.

Schmalz's gripping solution employs specialized software, camera technology, and a controller to calculate gripping points based on the position and geometry of parts. Image used courtesy of Schmalz 

Schmalz FMG Matrix Area Gripper

Schmalz's FMG matrix area gripper employs individually controllable suction cups that can extend 10 mm via a spring plunger. At the same time, an external air supply is aligned with the workpiece, and only specific suction cups grip the workpiece, preventing unwanted parts from the suction. Users can select an auto-hold function to firmly hold workpieces, even during a power failure. This feature ensures that suction keeps parts from dropping and becoming damaged, saving on material costs and production delays that can arise from faults in production. 

Depending on specific application requirements, customers can take advantage of the standardized suction cup interface to integrate suction cups of differing diameters (between 12 and 28 mm). The gripper's modular nature means that blocks of twelve suction cups can be combined in a desired configuration to handle parts of differing sizes. Schmalz enables customers to adapt flange plates to fit gripper modules for this purpose. 

The FMG matrix area gripper provides optimal configuration for part handling, allowing users to combine modules comprising 12 suction cups with integrated lift. Image used courtesy of Schmalz 

Flexible Area Gripping

A camera sensor or controller provide data to calculate workpiece gripping points, activating suction cups based on the position and geometry of parts. The gripper system provides fast gripping of new parts (in as little as a second) because of the ability to activate all suction cups of a gripper module simultaneously. The SCTSi compact terminal provides centralized control of up to eight FMG modules via IO-Link communication.

Schmalz provides the gripping solution as a complete system with a camera and software for calculating part location and gripping point. The FMG matrix area gripper weighs just under a kilogram, has an operating pressure range of 4.0 to 6.0 bar, and a maximum operating temperature of 50 °C.

High-Mix, Low-Volume Manufacturing

High-mix, low-volume manufacturing poses several challenges to global industries providing aerospace and automotive parts, medical devices, electronics, and biopharmaceuticals. Two pervasive challenges include transitioning to flexible, decentralized manufacturing (from traditional manufacturing) and assuring the quality of a diverse range of products. The war in Ukraine has spotlighted supply chain vulnerability, and the pervading shortage of skilled labor in the U.S. places a strain on manufacturing companies' ability to attract and retain qualified workers for operational perpetuity.

With Schmalz’s new area gripper, manufacturers can save time and money in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing processes. Image used courtesy of Schmalz

Modularity Supports Flexible Manufacturing  

Producing a diverse range of products in low-volume batches necessitates flexible tooling and equipment that can be adapted to suit changing design requirements and market demand. Such tooling and equipment must also provide design features that enable workers' ease of use and facilitate the smooth running of manufacturing processes. Modular production lines and equipment provide a means of switching up/modifying tooling and process workflows to adapt to product and production target demands. This adaptability helps to minimize unnecessary downtime.

By enabling quick changes between various parts without requiring a lot of retooling, an automated, modular grasping system, like Schmalz’s new gripper, used in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing can improve versatility and productivity. This gripping solution can minimize downtime and increase output by readily adapting to various forms, sizes, and materials. Automation is perfect for the dynamic and varied needs of high-mix, low-volume manufacturing since it reduces the need for specialized labor, reduces human error, and guarantees constant quality.