Schmalz showcased its range of handling applications at Motek 2016

Schmalz presented a new series of magnetic grippers at the Motek trade show.
Photo by Schmalz GmbH J. Förder- und Handhabungstechnik

J. Schmalz GmbH presented solutions for a wide range of automated and manual handling applications at the Motek 2016 trade show in Stuttgart. The company introduced the new SGM-HP/-HT series of magnetic grippers as well as many other solutions at booths 3020 and 3110 in hall 3. These grippers can handle ferromagnetic workpieces and feature high holding forces and excellent temperature resistance.

Schmalz developed these high-performance magnetic grippers specifically for handling perforated plates, laser-cut parts, sheet metal with drill holes and apertures as well as other ferromagnetic workpieces. The magnetic field of an integrated permanent magnet ensures that the workpieces are gripped securely. Compressed air is used to move the magnets, which activates and deactivates the gripping.

Schmalz offers two versions in various sizes: The HP (High Performance) version generates high holding forces for particularly heavy workpieces. A friction ring absorbs high lateral forces while also protecting the surface of the workpiece. The HT (High Temperature) version with an optional friction ring is suitable for high-temperature applications up to 250 degrees Celsius, for example if customers need to move hot sheet metal. The grippers’ aluminum housing makes them compact and lightweight and ensures that they take up very little space. Schmalz also offers various accessories for the new product range, such as sensors and holder systems to allow for custom assembly situations. Multiple grippers can also be installed in a block.

The comprehensive portfolio of vacuum components presented at Stuttgart also includes the vacuum suction cup SPOB1f for reliable handling of narrow, film-packaged products such as chocolate bars or bags of bulk materials. Schmalz also exhibited its Compact Terminal SCTMi with integrated NFC (near-field communication) technology and IO-Link communication, which is used for the advance detection of errors in machines and systems. With this system, customers can receive error messages on a mobile device and initiate service measures before the error quickly leads to expensive unplanned downtime. The vacuum generator SBPL allows customers to handle a range of different workpieces with short cycle times. It features an ideal combination of high suction capacity and energy efficiency.

Schmalz also assists its customers by providing system solutions, from project planning and design all the way to the start of operations. At the Motek trade show, the company presented the high-performance layer-gripping system SPZ-M for quickly palletizing and de-palletizing various goods in warehouses and intra-logistics processes. The gripper product range is a modular system that includes various designs. Visitors to the trade show also experienced the intuitive software used to control the high-performance palletizer SPZ-M-C. Users can save new gripping procedures for various workpieces and then access these later from a library.

Schmalz’s exhibition at the trade show also included a range of manual handling solutions that are designed to make workplaces significantly more ergonomic. Schmalz has developed grippers for small load carriers that can be connected to the vacuum tube lifter Jumbo, thus creating a solution for fast commissioning with high cycle frequencies (up to 300 picks per hour, depending on the application). These units include intuitive operating elements that allow employees to work ergonomically and without quickly tiring. A sturdy guide frame ensures that the gripper is set down securely on the boxes. Hooks in the lifting slots provide a positive connection to the small load carrier and ensure that it is held securely. Schmalz offers the grippers for small load carriers in the sizes 400 x 300 and 600 x 400 millimeters.

For more information, please visit http://www.schmalz.de.

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