Vacuum technology has evolved from valves of simple design to sophisticated air-saving and non-return devices that prevent vacuum from accidentally dissipating.
There is a global challenge to meet the needs of the rapidly growing electronic and electrical market in terms of vacuum technology. Festo is continually developing and innovating products to meet these requirements and cement its position as one of the world's leading pneumatic manufacturers.
The company's range encompasses vacuum generators and suction grippers that can be deployed in numerous applications from food, packaging and electronics, to machine building, precision tools, chemical and automotive.
To meet the requirements of the industries in which vacuum technology is used, Festo has developed its range of vacuum generator products by focusing on economy of operation, reliability, and convenience.
* Economy of operation: vacuum technology is cost-effective and energy-efficient. Evacuation times have been minimised by fitting these devices directly within the gripping range.
* Reliability: an integrated sensor can reliably register whether or not workpieces are available. This is particularly beneficial for applications requiring high switching and repetition accuracy, high switching frequencies and long service life. Workpieces can be reliably set down using an ejector pulse.
* Convenience: the vacuum generators are easy to install with push-in connections, are quiet and maintenance free.
Vacuum generators
The vacuum generator range consists of the VN, VAD, and multifunctional VADMI series.
The VN range features minimal wearing parts, ensuring long life of components, virtually no maintenance and efficient servicing. The key differentiating feature of the VN range is its light, compact design, which results in substantial cost savings. The design enables the vacuum generator to be installed on the suction cup eliminating the need for a reservoir, long air lines, and special vacuum valves. These short lines are ideal for fast evacuation and offer improved performance. The range features integrated electrical actuation and can be tailored to suit specific applications.
The newest development is the modular and compact VN New Line that was developed to simplify the mounting of components close to equipment. This system features over 2000 component combinations.
The lightweight VN series is accommodated in a sturdy plastic housing. A wide range of connections such as plug-on silencers, Quick Star fittings, barbed fittings and threaded connections are available and allow direct assembly of vacuum suction cups.
The VN series can be assembled in one of two ways:
* Mounting the vacuum generator onto a top-hat rail using a retaining device.
* Employing a space saving, in-line method where assembly is effected directly in the air supply line or on the vacuum suction cup.
The VN can be used in conjunction with the ESG range of vacuum grippers to pick up virtually anything.
Suction grippers
The Festo range of grippers includes standard, micro, precision and vacuum suction grippers. The ESG range has been developed to be completely modular and offers a comprehensive range of up to 5000 combinations with suction cups and holders that are easily interchangeable.
These grippers can be selected to pick up items of any shape, regardless of surface roughness, size or weight distribution. The range features utmost reliability with high tear strength and resistance to deep drawing oils.
Festo offers pre-configured suction cup grippers that are pre-assembled, fully tested and ready for deployment.
Innovations
Festo has introduced a number of innovations this year.
The 3-jaw T-slot gripper series is ideal for plant and mechanical engineering and offers process reliability and sturdy design. Gripping force retention provides additional closing force and safety in the event of a loss of compressed air. The series features an integrated proximity sensor and an air seal that provides protection against dust and cutting fluids in critical environments.
The servo pneumatic proportional gripper has adjustable gripping forces and adaptability to suit various workpiece sizes. It offers independent positioning of both gripper fingers, force and displacement control. This gripper's small, light and powerful design means that it outperforms electrical grippers.
The housing-less vacuum generator cartridge VN is suitable for decentralised, compact installation and offers lower power consumption, high cartridge flexibility and short cycle times.
The new vacuum generator models VN, A, B and M feature integrated ejector pulse or solenoid valve for vacuum on/off or a combination of both.
The vacuum security valve ISV for ESG modular suction gripper ensures reliable gripping and prevents loss of vacuum in the event of a faulty pick-up. Should a workpiece not be gripped or if a leakage occurs, the vacuum is sealed. The valve also offers high economy and operational reliability.
The red/green vacuum gauge is a quick monitoring system which shows the vacuum level at a glance. It is easy to install and enhances safety of operations.
Conclusion
Vacuum technology can be considered for the handling of many different parts and/or types of material.
Increasing demands for productivity improvements in South Africa have resulted in more pressure on suppliers to provide low cost, versatile and efficient solutions for the performance of automated tasks. Vacuum generators and suction cups can be employed to meet these demands while avoiding the need for users to invest in expensive vacuum pumps.
For more information contact Joanne Dix, Festo, +27 (0)11 971 5560, [email protected], www.festo.co.za
| Tel: | 08600 FESTO (33786) |
| Fax: | +27 11 974 2157 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.festo.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Festo |
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