Schmalz Vacuum Area Gripper Automates Door Handling

Řešení od společnosti Schmalz

Schmalz used FMP area grippers for the system. The FMP is a universal gripper that can handle workpieces safely and reliably regardless of size, geometry, material or surface. Compared to other grippers on the market, the FMP series generates an average 86 percent higher suction force. RIWAG uses two Schmalz gripper systems, each consisting of eight FMP grippers with valves and corresponding spring plungers: The doors are delivered on pallets and measured in the system. The gripping system then lifts them into the machine, where they are sanded, painted, dried, labeled and sorted. The second gripping system returns the doors to the pallets at the end of the line. Because RIWAG produces doors in many different variants with different dimensions, the vacuum technology also had to be designed to be particularly flexible: Instead of a few large suction points, many small ones work on the gripper. This enables the gripper to reliably grasp the different geometries. The valves only switch the vacuum as required at the required points. This makes the solution particularly energy-efficient. The doors are handled with absolute process reliability. Thanks to the structured processing of the workpieces, RIWAG was able to achieve a continuous weekly output and thus increase productivity. Thanks to the automation solution, the company now uses less solvent and paint. This leads to a reduction in process costs and a lower environmental impact. Everyone involved is very satisfied with the progress and the result of the project.