Potatoes, pastries, dairy products, irregularly shaped items: Anyone who automates in the food, agriculture, and packaging industries knows the problem. Vacuum specialist Schmalz nevertheless achieves a precise grip with the "mGrip Basic" and a new SRCU control module.
Almond dumpling on its way.
Conventional mechanical grippers often quickly reach their limits with a wide variety of products. Schmalz is now closing this gap – virtually non-destructively – with the mGrip and the SRCU Basic. These are designed to lower the barrier to entry and "soft-touch handling" to industries that previously lacked cost-effective access to automated handling.
Flexible printing
Pneumatically controlled finger grippers are more flexible and adaptable than mechanical systems. The mGrip Basic, for example, uses soft, variable finger modules with a specially developed geometry. These adapt to the shape of the items without damaging them. Finger spacing and position can be flexibly adjusted. This makes it suitable for applications with varying products – such as fruits and vegetables, confectionery and baked goods, or products wrapped in film.
Let's get into the potatoes...
Thanks to the integrated fasteners, the finger modules can be quickly removed and repositioned. When the product changes, the configuration changes, not the gripper. The SRCU Basic control module perfectly complements the system. The operator can manually adjust the output pressure using a control knob, thereby varying the grip strength. The vacuum switch displays the current pressure value.
Tackle it without destruction
Furthermore, the control module features an internal pressure reducer that automatically limits the output pressure, thus preventing finger overload. This extends the system's service life. For applications with low product variation and up to 120 picks per minute, the module offers a particularly economical and reliable control solution.
Photos: A1/Schmalz
Users can also integrate the mGrip Basic finger gripper into their own End-of-Arm-Tool (EOAT) solutions, as the finger modules and mounting plates can be installed in individual gripper systems.
