News about Vacuum Technology for Automation

Schmalz is introducing a series of new solutions for the complex task of automated bin-picking, which includes ready-to-connect sets that can be installed intuitively as well as a new suction cup that adapts perfectly to the workpiece thanks to its thin sealing lip. All solutions are ideally suited for lightweight robots and cobots.

Lightweight robots and intelligent vacuum components have become an integral part of the digitized and networked production world. Schmalz has produced a number of innovative products for the smart factory including a new bin picking solution, products incorporating the digital twin and a software tool providing a single access point for IO-Link components.

Schmalz has developed a solution that allows users to access vacuum components with an IO-Link interface directly from the computer. A connection to the higher-level control unit is therefore no longer necessary. The IO-Link master SDI-USB is available now.

Vacuum specialist Schmalz presents numerous solutions for the automated handling of delicate electronic components, for example gripping systems that reliably protect delicate components against electrostatic discharge.

In order to separate them, printed-circuit boards are first scored and then any uneven or rough surfaces are milled. For this purpose, LHMT GmbH develops highly specialized tools that fully automate not only the actual scoring and milling process, but also the loading and unloading of the sensitive circuit boards. For safe, gentle handling of these parts, LHMT turned to J. Schmalz GmbH. Schmalz was able to implement a reliable gripper solution thanks, in part, to their new NBR ESD suction cups.

With its new spring plunger FST-LOCK-HD, Schmalz has developed a solution for the gentle and rapid handling of curved and flexible 3D components. The spring plunger has an infinitely lockable stroke and is compatible with the holder system for tooling HT. This makes it possible to use the spring plunger in a wide variety of applications.

Schmalz has developed a new solution for handling flat workpieces. Thanks to the extensive range of diameters and variety of material options, the vacuum suction cup SUF is suitable for universal use.

Gripping, moving, setting down – all of this would be impossible in automated processes without the right gripper. That is why Schmalz, the vacuum specialist, develops flexible systems and helps users choose and configure the right components: no small feat given the fact that the diversity of variants continues to grow as batch size steadily shrinks.

Schmalz’s compact terminal has long been able to communicate. But now the vacuum experts are taking it one step further and turning the terminal into the central control unit. The SCTSi is available in an Ethernet or IO-Link version.

Plastic films, paper, wafers or glass - handling thin workpieces with delicate surfaces gently and safely requires a suction cup that can manipulate materials dynamically using high suction force yet still grips the material as gently as possible. With the new SFF/SFB1, Schmalz has developed a vacuum suction cup that is able to rise to this challenge.