SCHUNK extends its series of digitally controllable magnetic grippers
SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems extends its series of digitally controllable magnetic grippers with the compact SCHUNK EGM-M monopole gripper. The smallest SCHUNK gripper so far (26 mm x 98 mm) is still precise and powerful and is suitable for handling parts weighing up to 7 kg. Since its magnetic field reaches to the outer edge, no interfering contours will become a problem. The monopole grippers can be similarly used as suction cups, can be positioned anywhere on the workpiece, and can be flexibly combined with larger units. As all the SCHUNK EGM magnetic grippers of this series, the monopole grippers are working with energy-efficient electro-permanent magnets. They do not require compressed air or vacuum. Only a short current pulse for 300 ms is required for actuation and deactivation. Since no energy supply is required in activated condition, the parts keep reliably gripped even in the case of an emergency stop or a sudden loss of power.
The SCHUNK EGM-B bi-pole gripper was designed for handling heavy and complex ferromagnetic parts. On option, they are available with one, two, or four pole pairs in different arrangements. Pole extensions allow them to be adjusted to the individual handling objects. Different workpieces can be alternately handled by every SCHUNK magnetic gripper and five sides of the workpiece are freely accessible. Their low deadweight allows a high dynamic for challenging applications. Since the grippers meet protection class IP52, they are the ideal solution for flexible loading of machine tools. The magnets are available in pole sizes 30, 50, and 70 mm. They can be easily equipped with pole extensions via thread and pin holes.
The individual holding forces of every magnetic gripper depend on the workpiece surface quality, the material, and the workpiece geometry. Under ideal conditions, the EGM gripper has gripping forces of 1.2 and 22,5 kN, is designed for parts weighing a maximum of 147 kg, and a material thickness starting from 3.5 mm. For handling of thin sheets, the gripping force can be reduced in eight stages with an additional control unit. The magnetic gripper can be used in confined spaces due to its compact dimensions. The maximum ambient temperature amounts to 40° C, the activation or deactivation time amount to 300 ms.
