Even rough surfaces can be grasped

Uneven surfaces make vacuum handling difficult. The FSGA-78 CF bellows suction gripper from Schmalz reliably adapts to textured materials and ensures a secure grip—inspired by bionics. Thanks to the soft sealing lip of the FSGA-78 CF bellows suction gripper from Schmalz, even challenging workpieces such as rough-sawn wood can be gripped securely and without leakage.

Rough-sawn wood poses a major challenge for vacuum grippers: The uneven surface allows air to flow into the system. This causes leaks that can reduce the holding force of Schmalz’s FSGA-78 CF bellows gripper and disrupt processes. For such applications, Schmalz has equipped the FSGA-78 CF bellows gripper with new sealing technology. The extremely soft silicone sealing lip adapts to the structure of the workpiece during gripping. As a result, it seals reliably despite gaps and unevenness.

Textured workpieces can now be gripped and moved safely. Despite its soft and flexible sealing lip, the suction gripper also stands out for its high stability. For maintenance personnel, this means fewer suction gripper replacements, reduced troubleshooting for leaks, and improved system availability.

The suction gripper utilizes Schmalz’s proven suction cup geometry. Users can install it quickly and easily replace it in existing systems. The seal is bionic—that is, inspired by nature—and is based on the so-called “clingfish effect.” The northern clingfish uses this adhesion principle to attach itself to wet, rough surfaces with its ventral suction cup.