Mechatronic grippers: robust, flexible and intelligent

Automation and robotization are the future to address the shortage of personnel. In a high mix, low volume market, smart, flexible and easy to program grippers are then a must. Mechatronic grippers from SCHUNK are a model for the impressive interplay of mechanics, electronics and integrated software and symbolize the progress achieved through the synergy of these three disciplines. Mechatronic grippers offer numerous advantages to meet the requirements of modern processes.

Mechatronic grippers are suitable for both mass and series production, says Guido Segers general manager of SCHUNK. "Grippers with a short stroke are ideal for efficient mass production, while flexible gripper systems can be dynamically adapted to the changing requirements of series production." The use of flexible grippers in mass production is certainly not ruled out, he believes. "On the contrary, their adaptability can further optimize the production process."

Efficient loading of cylindrical workpieces

Following the successful market introduction of the smart EGU gripper, SCHUNK is expanding its portfolio of mechatronic grippers with an additional module: the new EZU centric gripper. This 3-finger version processes cylindrical and eccentrically positioned workpieces. Thanks to its robust, sealed design and its expandable gripping force in StrongGrip mode, it meets all requirements for demanding production and assembly processes.

The centric gripper is designed for processing a wide variety of parts in flexible production. For this purpose, SCHUNK offers the EZU in three sizes with strokes from 30 to 40 millimeters and with a gripping force of 175 N to a maximum of 3,600 N. The freely programmable stroke of the gripping jaw allows efficient handling of different workpiece sizes. The universal gripper also shows its strengths in terms of fault tolerance. Thanks to the gearing, an almost constant gripping force is generated over the entire length of the finger, which also forgives inaccuracies in positioning.

Thanks to its sealed design and proven sliding guide, the gripper is particularly suitable for use in harsh environments where it is exposed to chips or cooling lubricant. In the dust-tight version, the protection rating of the guides can be increased to IP64, so the gripper can also be used in sanding applications exposed to splash water. This makes it a robust all-rounder in all production environments.

EGK: maintaining gripping power for reliable processes

Smaller, finer, more sensitive: in many industrial sectors, products must be handled carefully. For example, in laboratory automation, where samples, vials or trays must be handled safely and reliably, or in the electronics industry when handling circuit boards. In all cases, maximum process reliability is required. For this purpose, SCHUNK has designed with the EGK a sensitive gripper that is versatile in use with extensive connectivity and at the same time meets the high requirements of clean room environments. Depending on the gripper size, different workpieces can be picked up with the same gripper thanks to the long, freely programmable clamping stroke and the infinitely adjustable gripping force from 20 to 300 N. For sensitive gripping of particularly fragile workpieces, SCHUNK has equipped the EGK with a special "SoftGrip" mode, in which no impulse forces occur.

EGU: Smart universal gripper with gripping force booster

Flexible production processes from batch size 1 up, even in harsh environments: this is where the smart universal gripper EGU from SCHUNK really comes into its own. The sophisticated sealing concept makes the gripper resistant to dirt and perfect for flexible loading of machine tools or machining centers. Especially in challenging environments, such as when loading grinding machines, the protection can be further increased with a dust-proof design. The EGU gripper can be freely networked and integrated into highly variable production processes with little effort. After all, the flexible gripper can handle a large product variation. This is made possible by the freely programmable total stroke of up to 160 mm and the stepless gripping force adjustment of up to 3,000 N, depending on size.

The gripping process is always safe thanks to integrated gripping force retention and workpiece loss detection. In case of power failure or emergency stop, at least 80% of the gripping force is reliably retained. The position of the gripping fingers is known at all times to the absolute encoder on the output side, so that the process can be continued after switching on without having to enter new reference points. A special feature of the EGU gripper is the StrongGrip mode. For workpieces with different weights, this allows the gripping force to be increased up to 150% without having to use another gripper.

Robot integration via plugins

To integrate grippers into robot systems, SCHUNK makes special software modules available for the control systems of leading robot manufacturers. These enable the full range of gripper functions without additional programming work, so that application programming can begin immediately.