Vacuum gripper technologies provide many advantages for machine and OEM payload handling. Designers find that modular gripper system kits are a versatile and rapid way to create handling solutions, with other benefits such as internal vacuum routing. By Pat Phillips, AutomationDirect Manufacturing equipment, pick-and-place systems, robotics, and other machinery typically need to reliably grip products, […]
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Innovative grippers raise food-processing efficiency, sustainability
Vacuum technology is essential for safely handling food products without damage or waste. Justin Katz • Manager, Vacuum Automation Components Group • Schmalz Inc. • Raleigh, N.C. The world wastes about 1.4 billion tons of food every year, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. The United States alone annually discards nearly 40 […]
Vacuum handling systems stress safety and speed
Ergonomic and versatile vacuum lifters address today’s logistic bottlenecks. Grant Welch, Manager, Handling Systems, Schmalz Inc. Online shopping has been growing at a rapid clip in recent years and, with the Covid-19 pandemic, that trend is further accelerating. Web sales are up significantly year over year as the widespread coronavirus keeps many shoppers at home […]
Vacuum plus vision system automates bin picking
Schmalz Inc. has developed a complete system for the complex task of automated parts handling. The Vision and Handling Set 3D-R is a complete solution that includes all accessories for efficient box- and bin-picking with lightweight robots and cobots, and is among the latest innovations from Schmalz, Raleigh, N.C. Compared to conventional handling devices on […]
Schmalz launches virtual trade show
In person trade shows and conferences are nonstarters at the moment. Thus, Schmalz Inc., Raleigh, N.C. is pursuing a different path to present its new products to a wide range of design engineers and trade professionals. SchmalzEXPO, a virtual vacuum-technology trade show, is underway without any need for masks and social distancing requirements. The J. […]
Rethinking manual handling in the digital factory
Digitalization is on the rise in factories, and manual handling is no exception. Increasingly customized products go hand-in-hand with increasingly complex processes, and the way workers deal with goods needs to adapt. Intelligent handling devices play an important role in making this growing complexity manageable, according to the engineers at J. Schmalz GmbH, Glatten, Germany. […]
Schmalz compact ejector generates vacuum in tight spaces
Small, powerful and scalable SCPM vacuum generators from J. Schmalz GmbH, Glatten, Germany, represent a new series of compact ejectors that can be integrated directly into a vacuum gripping system thanks to a slim, lightweight design. The new SCPM family was developed in response to the growing demand for space-saving, decentralized vacuum generators that combine […]
Vacuum generation for handling technology
Future trends point to mobile, autonomous and energy efficient systems. Contributed by Harald Kuolt, Functional Coordinator Pre-Development, J. Schmalz GmbH, Glatten, Germany Automated production is the key for marketable products. Automation technology makes it possible to cut process costs, increase output and productivity, and raise quality—all of which lead to highly efficient production and better, […]
Predictive maintenance at the forefront at Hannover
Moving beyond simple preventive maintenance for fluid-power systems, more than a dozen companies are looking to the future in a special Predictive Maintenance 4.0 exhibit at the Hannover Fair. The goal is not only to monitor the condition of machines and note anomalies, but also to use analytics and cloud-based systems to determine the remaining […]
Vacuum cups: Key uses
Vacuum cups, or suction cups, are often used as grippers in manual or automated handling applications. They can secure and help move a wide range of products—everything from bottles and bags to bricks and wooden boards, and sheet metal, pipes and glass windows. In essence, they’re the interface between a vacuum system and the workpiece. […]
