SCHMALZ LARGE-AREA GRIPPERS NOW ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE

Large-area grippers, now also in net. Schmalz has decided to expand the FXP / FMP series of large-area grippers with intelligent functions and an IO-Link communication interface. This will help the universal clamp to supply important data for process monitoring to the smartphone, cloud or higher level controller.

Now it also makes them communicative, as the new grippers can transmit relevant data to all common fieldbus systems via an IO-Link interface. This enables functions such as predictive maintenance and condition monitoring. Energy and process monitoring allows users to track the operation of both variants and detect potential faults.

The new FXP-i and FMP-i surface grippers communicate via IO-Link on all common fieldbus systems. In addition, the large-area grippers handle different workpieces, are available with suction cups or foam and grip reliably even when partially occupied.

The large-area grippers are based on an aluminium base profile with integrated air duct. Side T-slots provide space for sensors. A vacuum reinforcement ensures rapid evacuation and also maximizes clamping force. A self-cleaning valve film is located between the base body and the sealing element. Allows quick change of valve type and size.

In addition, the off-the-shelf large-area gripper is typically flange-mounted on a gantry or robot and handles a variety of materials, from wood and packaging to glass, sheet metal or carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, regardless of their geometry and surface properties.