Press releases

Batteries are emerging as a key technology in the automotive industry. They determine the range, cost, and competitiveness of electric vehicles. At the same time, pressure is mounting on Europe to build its own production capacity. Schmalz offers high-precision vacuum technology, safe automation solutions, and efficient processes along the entire battery value chain.

Automated, economical and reliable handling of sensitive and geometrically irregular products: Schmalz is expanding its portfolio with the finger gripper mGrip Basic and the control module SRCU Basic. This makes automation available even where a high degree of flexibility and cost-efficiency is required.

A thousand repetitions—routine becomes a stress test. In expanding logistics networks, the pace is increasing, but people’s resilience is not. Back health is therefore a strategic lever in intra-logistics. Those who view ergonomics as an economic factor ensure throughput, quality, and availability all at once.

Uneven surfaces make vacuum handling difficult. The bellows suction cup FSGA-78 CF from Schmalz reliably adapts to textured materials and ensures a safe grip—inspired by bionics. Thanks to its soft sealing lip, even challenging workpieces such as rough-sawn wood can be gripped safely and without leakage.

At interpack in Düsseldorf, Schmalz will be presenting vacuum technology for the automation of packaging lines and solutions for ergonomic load handling in Hall 13, Stand A46 from May 7 to 13.

Door manufacturer PRÜM restructured its process chain in order to optimize processes in the factory. The loading and unloading of the processing machine was also put to the test. Together with vacuum specialist Schmalz, the company found a solution that not only sped up the process, but also noticeably reduced energy costs.

Handling large formwork panels is cumbersome and physically demanding. That’s why the Beton-Fertigteil-Union carpentry shop has installed a clever vacuum lifting system from Schmalz. What are the benefits? Improved ergonomics, faster processes, and more precise work – a win for both people and processes.

Dr. Kurt Schmalz and graduate engineer Wolfgang Schmalz received the Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg. The state's highest award recognizes their entrepreneurial work as well as their many years of social commitment. The brothers have led Schmalz step by step to the forefront of international vacuum technology and are also committed to sustainability, education and regional development.

Modular factories, mobile robotics, and rising energy prices are fundamentally changing automation. In more and more cases, this is opening up an alternative to traditional compressed air systems: electrical vacuum generation, which offers new degrees of freedom. It enables self-sufficient gripping solutions, reduces energy losses, and is integrated seamlessly into digital manufacturing environments.

With the suction lifter Gripster max, Schmalz is introducing a battery-powered solution that redefines the mobile lifting and positioning of workpieces made of glass, wood, metal, drywall, as well as ceramic and stone tiles. Eric Wilhelm, Head of Business Unit Handling Systems and Member of the Management Board at Schmalz in Glatten, explains the strategy behind the suction lifter.

Mobile lifting without cables or compressed air: With the new suction lifter Gripster max, Schmalz is launching the first battery-powered suction lifter on the market. This handheld power tool accelerates suction by a factor of four, displays the theoretical lift capacity in kilograms, increases process reliability through clear warning signals, and makes unwieldy workpieces literally within reach.

Wireless communication, limitless possibilities: With IO-Link Wireless, Schmalz is making the factory of tomorrow a reality today. Michael Pojtinger, Head of Business Development Process, Vacuum Automation, explains in an interview why the technology is a game changer for productivity and flexibility.