News about Vacuum Technology for Automation

Schmalz is extending its portfolio of efficient vacuum solutions for fully automatic handling in the wood-working industry with the area gripping system FMHD. This gripper is robust, particularly easy to maintain, and – by virtue of its integrated vacuum reservoir – uses very little energy.

The electrical vacuum generator ECBP from J. Schmalz GmbH represents a new generation of intelligent vacuum generators that do not require compressed air. The ECBP has an integrated interface for connection to grippers and robots, and is particularly suited for use on lightweight robots in mobile robotics as well as for stationary handling tasks.

Reduction of start of operation times by up to 75% - With the help of the Schmalz Service App, the vacuum and pressure switch VSi can be commissioned without extensive parameterization by means of a comprehensive operating manual.

The transport of goods with sensitive surfaces requires a gentle touch. With that in mind, J. Schmalz GmbH has developed a special cover for its vacuum area gripping system FXP/FMP. It can be used, for instance, to grip even very thin glass gently and without scratching. The gripping system can also use the protective cover made from a special mesh in cleanroom applications.

In order to load metal sheets into presses quickly and reliably, you need to have a good grip of the situation. This is why Swiss material flow specialist Güdel AG relies on Schmalz vacuum components: Powerful vacuum grippers combined with intelligent vacuum generators make for short machining times. During machining, the vacuum generators record relevant process data and make it available via a range of communication channels. This allows Güdel to lay the foundations for predictive maintenance, thus preventing costly downtime.

Rarely before has automation technology experienced such a fundamental transformation than at present—massively influenced by increasing digitization of all areas of value creation. It begins with the ordering of goods, which increasingly takes place online. These developments bring new challenges for the shipment of goods and especially for the handling technology needed to carry it out. Gripping systems are taking on a key position as the interface to the product: If they do not function reliably, even the most sophisticated automation processes in the warehouse may stall.

Schmalz’s new series of magnetic grippers are designed to handle ferromagnetic workpieces and feature high holding forces and excellent temperature resistance. These grippers make it easier to handle ferromagnetic workpieces such as perforated plates, laser-cut parts or sheet metal with drill holes and apertures. Custom connection options ensure that there is always a surface on the product that is suitable for gripping.

The German packaging machinery industry is known for its high specialization and outstanding export quotas. A growing variety of packaging types and materials has led to an increase in the demand for flexibility and efficiency of the machines. This also has implications for automation and handling technology—in particular, for the optimization of process chains. The J. Schmalz GmbH firm recognized this development early and offers an extensive product range of economical vacuum solutions for transporting products with varying properties quickly and reliably.

High-performance vacuum gripping systems allow for quick palletizing and de-palletizing of various goods in warehouses and in intra-logistics processes, which helps to increase productivity. Schmalz has developed a software package for the SPZ-M-C high-performance palletizer to ensure reliable control of the gripper. The program contains an intuitive user interface that allows users to execute automated handling of product layers more easily and to save gripping procedures.

The new basic ejector SBPL is the strongest product of the Schmalz ejector range. This vacuum generator has been designed for maximum efficiency. This way the SBPL can unfold its performance more effectively and more powerful – right when you need it.