Schmalz at glasstec: Crystal clear, clever and efficient

As a truly high-tech material, glass lends function and form to many applications - from architecture and the automotive industry to the food product and pharmaceutical industries. However, handling this fragile material requires a great deal of sensitivity.

Schmalz has developed the new FEL area gripping system as a universal solution for handling workpieces regardless of their size, geometry, material and surface in confined spaces. Reaching into shelves or transport crates is no problem - products can be picked up from different positions. Thanks to its low weight, the FEL impresses on lightweight robots in fully automated applications, for example in cleanroom and ESD (electrostatic discharge) environments. Its low overall height of just 16.5 millimeters allows it to be used in areas with interfering contours. The high-performance sealing foam holds the vacuum optimally and ensures a long service life. Thanks to the quick-change adhesive film, it can be easily replaced if necessary without time-consuming cleaning work.

With the lifting aid VacuMaster Window 200/300, employees handle windows, glass sheets and components vertically, quickly and ergonomically. The workpieces can be rotated through 90 degrees and special suction plates ensure maximum holding force on glass surfaces. The narrow base body guarantees a good view of the component. The VacuMaster is mounted, for example, on the SRA aluminum overhead crane system on the modular crane gantry KBG-G, which consists of just twelve components and can be adapted to any installation situation.

The JumboErgo also moves glass sheets and other workpieces measuring up to four by two meters and weighing up to 300 kilograms precisely and ergonomically. The length of the operator handle can be adapted to the load and guarantees the operator a sufficient safe distance. A pneumatic swiveling unit supports the manual handling tasks.

The Binar Handling Quick-Lift Arm QLA with the end effector Ergo Glass lifts goods weighing up to 250 kilograms. People only need a small initial force to move workpieces up and down with the patented handle. When they release the handle, the movement stops immediately. In combination with the high-quality Ergo Glass end effectors, operations have a universal solution that can be used for everything from pick-and-place operations to more complex operations.

The JumboFlex handles light goods weighing up to 50 kilograms at a high cycle frequency. It not only relieves employees of heavy physical work. Its ergonomically designed operator handle allows for lengthy and fatigue-free use. The Weight Control equipment variant has a special feature. This allows goods to be weighed during the handling process.

As end effectors, Schmalz will be showing a variety of different suction cups for handling glass. For example, the suction plates SGF, which hold flat and smooth workpieces safely in place when high lateral forces occur - for example due to strong acceleration or vertical handling. The suction cups SFF/SFB1 move sensitive and fragile workpieces such as wafers, as well as uneven products such as capsules.

Schmalz will be presenting the new vacuum blocks VCBL-GL Redesign for flat table systems at glasstec. With this clamping solution, CNC machining centers can be set up quickly and easily. Its new suction plate significantly increases power, as it can be easily replaced and the suction cup does not need to be replaced completely. A bumper protects the workbench in case the vacuum block should fall. The new clamping equipment is available in various diameters, heights and shapes. Schmalz thus offers a broad portfolio of clamping solutions.

Schmalz at glasstec: Hall 11, Booth A45