Systems from Schmalz at Blechexpo: smart, ergonomically, efficient

The Schmalz Solution KIT ivOS (Industrial Vision Operating System) simplifies the automated handling of various sheet metals. How the vacuum specialists managed to teach the system to recognize and grip unknown workpieces is explained by the Black Forest company to the trade audience at Blechexpo. This much can be revealed: Thanks to AI and the ivOS platform specially developed by Schmalz, the start of operations is reduced to a minimum. The matrix gripper, which was specially developed for the application, offers maximum flexibility for gripping a wide variety of workpieces.

Visitors can see the performance of the system for themselves not only live at the Schmalz booth, but also at the machine manufacturer ARKU (Hall 1, Booth 1001). The specialist for straightening and deburring machines as well as for strip processing lines has set up a real application, which it developed especially for handling smaller sheet metal parts. The customer benefit is that vision, gripper and robotic process logic now work together as a plug-and-work solution with unprecedented simplicity and performance. The system can automatically detect new sheet metal parts and supply them to the deburring or straightening machine in a process-safe manner.

Schmalz demonstrates efficient destacking of particularly thin sheet metals with an industrial robot. Process-reliable handling is ensured by a double sheet sensor on the SGM-HPm magnetic gripper or the use of a centering tip. In the application example, the SAXB bellows suction cup also demonstrates that it can pick up workpieces with oiled or curved surfaces even at high speeds.

The electrical Compact Pump GCPi provides the necessary vacuum. Together with the LQEi compact valve, it creates a fully electric system. The combination is particularly suitable for processes with short suction and discharge times. For users who need to implement several suction cycles, the SCTSi compact terminal is the right choice. This terminal is now also available with IO-Link Wireless for wireless data transmission.

For manual lifting of large sheet metal parts, such as for loading CNC machines, Schmalz will be showing the VacuMaster Comfort. With the help of a chain hoist suspended from the modular crane gantry KBG, a single person can handle loads weighing up to 750 kilograms. In addition, the workpiece can be swiveling through 90 or 180°. A controlled vacuum generator minimizes energy consumption when handling large and flat workpieces.

A new feature of the JumboFlex tube lifter is the Schmalz Application Assistant (SAA). The digitization tool records the operating data of the JumboFlex - for example, the degree of contamination of the filter - and thus enables the sensible scheduling of maintenance work.

Another lifting solution comes from Binar Handling. The Schmalz subsidiary presents the rail-mounted lifting device Quick-Lift Rail 125, which allows users to lift loads weighing up to 125 kilograms vertically on a continuous basis using a precise control handle. The handle "senses" the person's movement and adapts the speed of lifting and lowering accordingly. As soon as the skilled worker releases the handle, the lifting device stops the transport.

Schmalz at Blechexpo: Hall 1, Booth 1110