Seize what comes

Different materials, changing workpieces, and increasing cost pressures demand systems that can adapt flexibly. Schmalz is launching two solutions with its FA-X and FA-M vacuum area gripping systems that move parts of all kinds safely while also saving energy.

Anyone who wants to automate palletizing, depalletizing, order picking, or sorting needs to handle different workpieces safely and efficiently. This is a real challenge in logistics, woodworking, and packaging. With the FA-X and FA-M vacuum area gripping systems, Schmalz presents a solution that is both flexible and energy-efficient. Users can move workpieces made of wood, sheet metal, glass, and plastic. These can also be porous, flexible, and irregularly shaped. Thanks to their low weight and minimal interference contour, the end effectors are ideally suited for robot arms. The area gripping systems are optimized for sustainable processes and versatile material handling, offering maximum efficiency with minimal energy consumption.

Intelligent technology for sustainable processes

The surface gripping systems feature a vacuum booster that ensures very short cycle times. The FA-X variant has integrated vacuum generation, while the FA-M model is designed for external vacuum sources. They are available with either suction grippers or a flexible sealing foam with adhesive film. Both surface gripping systems offer variants for different requirements: from the basic version to the intelligent version with an LED display, energy-saving function, and integrated sensors. The smart version displays data on energy consumption and system status directly on the screen and also sends it to a smartphone via IO-Link or an app. This allows companies to keep a constant eye on their processes and optimize maintenance intervals accordingly.

Save energy, reduce costs

The energy-saving function reduces energy consumption by up to 80 percent because individual nozzle strands can be selectively switched. This not only reduces operating costs but also conserves resources. Downtime costs money. That's why Schmalz focuses on easy maintenance: users can replace the sealing foam in just a few minutes thanks to the quick-change adhesive film. The ejector is easily accessible. Optionally, integrated sensors in the sealing foam detect whether the workpiece has been gripped correctly – this increases process reliability and minimizes rejects.

With the FA-X / FA-M vacuum area gripping systems, Schmalz offers a solution that automates processes, reduces operating costs, and future-proofs production. Users benefit from a flexible, maintenance-friendly, and intelligent technology that integrates seamlessly into existing systems.