PRG 2-Finger Radial Gripper

The new PRG 2-Finger Radial Gripper from SCHUNK combines high gripping moments with small dimensions. The integrated pneumatic oval piston drive guarantees maximum power density.

Radial gripping motions are often achieved by integrating a slotted link gear. Existing links cause an extreme reduction in the gripping moment, if the opening angles are rather small. SCHUNK has found a solution for such an application; the patented Single-Pin guide rail which ensures a constant closing moment throughout the gripping range. The new PRG did not change in dimensions and can reliably grip larger workpieces or workpieces with a larger tolerance range. In addition, innovative dampening, which is directly integrated in the drive rod, allows short cycle times and a much longer admissible finger length.

The multifunctional PRG has an adjustable stroke to fit the individual application and is also available with a gripping force safety device, in a high-temperature version and with three different opening angles (30° / 60° / 90°). The end position can be optionally monitored by inductive proximity switches or magnetic switches.

SCHUNK Inc.

www.schunk.com

Bimba Introduces its First Rod-Type Electric Actuator

Monee, IL — Bimba announces the introduction of its first ever, rod-type electric actuator, the Original Line Electric (OLE).

OLE actuators are designed, built, and tested to provide the longest life, greatest durability, highest speed, and most thrust per dollar. With speeds up to 22 inches per second, strokes to 18 inches standard, and thrusts up to 350 pounds, these new actuators can address a wide range of applications. The unique modular design can be ordered with or without motors and drivers’ from Bimba, enabling engineers to use their preferred stepper or servo brand.

The OLE product line is available in 1.5, 2, and 3 inch diameters with standard options including trunnion, block front, clevis, pivot, and foot mounts, reverse parallel motor mounts with rear pivot or clevis, step motors, drivers, encoders, brakes, washdown ratings, female rod threads, and switches.

Bimba Manufacturing
www.bimba.com/ole

Vacuum Gripper System Reduces Energy Consumption

PIAB ann0unced the VGS(TM)3040 vacuum gripper system. The VGS(TM) series of products allows users to increase productivity and lower operating costs. The units offer flexible material handling solutions that reduce energy consumption, have faster response times and improve reliability. Ideal for a variety of industries, the VGS(TM)3040 is ideal for applications throughout the production line like high-speed pick-and-place, packaging, palletizing, fixture holding, woodworking handling, glass handling and automobile part and body assembly.

Each system utilizes an integrated COAX® cartridge, designed to position vacuum power precisely where it’s needed, making maximum use of energy and increasing speed by eliminating line losses and inefficiencies. Vacuum flow levels are dependent on the size of the cartridge integrated in the system. Vacuum power levels are determined by the type of cartridge used, as there are three types to fit most applications.

The VGS(TM) series can be utilized in each step of the manufacturing process to improve efficiency. With advantages such as excellent pick-up and system speed, energy efficiency, high degree of safety, easy dimensioning and reduced risk for leakage, the VGS(TM)3040 offers even more benefits. The combination Vacustat and AQR 02 (atmospheric quick release) can save up to 99% air consumption in a non-porous application. An integrated blow-off check valve makes it possible to get a very reliable positive pressure blow-off system, even in large decentralized vacuum systems. The AQR 02 is the world’s fastest automatic quick release function for a decentralized vacuum ejector pump. Fast release is quite important as quick vacuum response is needed in high speed applications.

www.piab.com

MV PosiTrap® Vacuum Inlet Traps

Billerica, MA – MV Products offers a line of vacuum pump inlet traps for protecting pumps in small laboratory, production, and R&D applications that can be easily adapted to changing processes.

MV PosiTrap^® Vacuum Inlet Traps feature user-selectable filter elements that remove corrosive and abrasive particles from the vacuum stream to protect vacuum pumps in applications up to 50 CFM.  Positively sealed at both ends to prevent “blow-by,” the filter elements come in a variety of specialized media which are easy to change and can be tailored to different processes.

Equipped with quick-release clamps, MV PosiTrap^® Vacuum Inlet Traps can be changed in-line and come in 4” and 8” dia. straight-through and right-angle models that hold one- and four filter elements each.  Filter types include stainless steel- and copper gauze, molecular sieve, activated charcoal, pleated polypropylene in 2-, 5-, and 20mm pore sizes, and Sodasorb^®.

MV Products, Division of Mass-Vac, Inc.
www.massvac.com

Enfield Technologies Makes Proportional Pneumatic Control More Affordable

Thanks to some innovative engineering, Enfield Technologies has reached an important goal – making a complete proportional pneumatic control system much more affordable.

A basic positioning system includes a proportional valve and control electronics manufactured by Enfield Technologies paired with a pneumatic actuator and a position sensor provided by a variety of highly regarded partner companies. The same valves and control electronics used in motion control are also used for proportional pressure, flow, and force regulation applications.

During the last 18 months, Enfield Technologies has revised its sourcing and manufacturing processes. They have also reengineered several key products, adding new features, improving performance and reducing costs. This has allowed the company to offer price reductions averaging 42 percent on its primary components. For example, the LS-C10 controller dropped 70 percent, from $564 to $169.20, and the LS-V25s proportional valve dropped 45 percent, from $721 to $396.60. Enfield Technologies has also implemented volume discounts and an additional 5 percent bundle discount (bundle kits include a controller, valve and cable).

Enfield Technologies has added more than 35 technical resellers and integration partners over the last year. The company has also launched several new products, including the Enfinity System (C2 controller and M2 valves).

For more information, visit http://enfieldtech.com/affordable/

Enfield Technologies
www.enfieldtech.com