Tectra Automation has introduced Schmalz’s expanded SNG needle gripper series with the variants SNG-AP (pneumatic) and SNG-AE (electrical). The new grippers are ideal for handling lightweight, thin and non-rigid materials such as composite textiles, as well as fleeces, filter materials, insulation materials and foams.
The intersecting needles on the grippers create a powerful holding force, even with highly unstable workpieces. The gripper inserts several needles into the material in opposing directions, ensuring the workpiece is held securely in the correct position without being damaged. Minimised effective areas mean that even very small parts can be reliably moved. When it comes to removing the workpiece, the needles are retracted and a blow-off function ensures fast depositing. The grippers themselves weigh very little, thus allowing short cycle times. Available with needle strokes of 3, 10, and 20 mm and needle diameters of 0,8 or 1,2 mm, the Schmalz grippers can be adapted to the requirements of each individual workpiece.
The SNG-AP needle gripper incorporates a central pneumatic drive with double-acting pneumatic cylinder. The needles are extended and retracted synchronously, reducing the need for hoses and couplings. An adjustment wheel with a scale enables continuous, simultaneous stroke adjustment, thereby ensuring minimum start of operations and set-up times. It is also possible for the SNG-AP to be fitted with a sensor to provide information on the end position of the needle.
The SNG-AE variant is an electrically driven gripper. Its needle stroke can be changed for each individual cycle, allowing any stroke sequence to be implemented. This ensures maximum process flexibility and allows rapidly changing automated tasks, such as handling individual layers or entire stacks. It features an IO-Link interface, via which the gripper communicates with the higher-level controller and provides complete condition data. This not only allows continuous stroke monitoring but also comprehensive process control which, in turn, enables ongoing process optimisation. Furthermore, standardised plug connections simplify the installation process: The necessary cables are simply plugged in, eliminating the need for complex wiring of single conductors.
The market for composites will continue to grow and lightweight designs will become increasingly important. According to the German Federation of Enforced Plastics, these challenges can only be met with increased automation. Schmalz is a pioneer in this field.
Siemens launches SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements
Pneumatic systems & components Other technologies
New engineering tool speeds automation application development, reducing the time required to bring industrial projects to market and empowering automation engineers to build, manage version control, and deploy visualisation engineering projects
Read more...High-performance linear guides igus
Pneumatic systems & components
igus continues its quest to replace traditional lubricated linear guides with its drylin polymer technology, which improves machine reliability. The absence of lubrication means it contributes to safer, cleaner operation with no risk of contamination.
Read more...Air compressor secures premium meat company’s legacy
Pneumatic systems & components
A tailored ELGi compressed air solution from Integrated Air Solutions is helping Tulisa Meat Market protect six decades of quality and consistency in its premium meat production.
Read more...Alternative fuels for cutting, brazing, soldering and heating
Pneumatic systems & components
Bolt and Engineering Distributors, as an authorised distributor for the Harris Products Group, is helping South African industries transition from acetylene to safer, more cost-effective alternative fuels for cutting, brazing, soldering and heating applications.
Read more...Integrated Air Solutions opens Pinetown branch
Pneumatic systems & components
Integrated Air Solutions has opened a branch in Pinetown, bringing world-class diesel and electric air compressor services closer to customers in KwaZulu-Natal.
Read more...How to clean compressed air effectively
Pneumatic systems & components
ISO-Reliability Partners has taken another step in bringing to market highly effective solutions to combat contamination in all its forms. The locally designed and patented Air Wizard inline water trap is proudly manufactured in South Africa. It has been SABS tested for the separation of water, oily fluids, rust and solid particulates from pneumatic compressed air or gas lines.
Read more...Compressed air piping design Artic Driers International
Editor's Choice Pneumatic systems & components
When designing a compressed air pipeline, remember that size matters. The internal size of the pipe, along with the pressure and air volume, determine the velocity of the compressed air in the pipeline.
Read more...Top questions about pressure gauges SA Gauge
Editor's Choice Pneumatic systems & components
Some questions never go out of date, and in our industry, a few have been asked for decades. At SA Gauge, we hear them every week. Here are the ten questions we hear most often, and the practical answers that can save time, money and frustration.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version