Easy to control and flexible to use

With the Matrix area gripper FMG, Schmalz offers a powerful and flexible solution for the automated handling of various workpieces. The innovative combination of modular design, high energy efficiency and digital networking makes the FMG an indispensable tool for modern manufacturing and logistics processes.

The increasing demand for customized products, for example in sheet metal or nesting processing, is leading to more and more high-mix, low-volume applications. But these pose challenges for manufacturing companies: They have to change over frequently and adapt the processes and machines flexibly to the diverse workpieces. This makes production complex and time-consuming.

With the Matrix area gripper FMG, Schmalz has developed an innovative solution for the automated handling of flat and predominantly suction-tight workpieces. The special thing: Thanks to the modular design, the FMG grips almost any geometry. Users can easily expand or reduce the gripper with additional modules as required. The gripper modules, each with twelve suction points, weigh less than a kilogram and can be blocked in any arrangement. To do this, Schmalz creates a specific flange plate according to the desired arrangement, to which the FMG modules are attached. Optional proximity switches further increase the reliability of the processes.

Individual control of the suction points

The suction cups can be activated individually and specifically with compressed air. This extends the suction points ten millimeters via a tappet. This simultaneously opens a channel that directs the external vacuum to the workpiece. This means that only the suction cups that are necessary to grip the geometry touch the workpiece. This prevents the wrong parts from being sucked in. When the valve is switched off, the spring return retracts the suction point and thus deactivates it.

Leaks at inactive suction points are excluded. The integrated air-saving control ensures low energy consumption while at the same time ensuring a constant vacuum supply. The system fixes the workpiece using the auto-hold function even in the event of a power failure. Thanks to the standardized suction cup interface, users can use different vacuum cups with diameters from twelve to 28 millimeters.

A higher-level machine control or a camera sensor provides the data on gripping points in order to activate the suction cups according to the geometry and position of the workpieces. Alternatively, Schmalz offers a complete system including a camera and software for recognizing the products and calculating the gripping points. Thanks to the simultaneous control, the system can be set up for new items in less than a second.

Economical operation

The area gripper requires an external vacuum supply. The SCTSi compact terminal, for example, is ideal for this, as it controls the gripping system centrally and can control up to eight FMG modules via IO-Link. The individual ejector disks of the terminal supply the system with the required 50 liters of suction power per minute per unit. The integrated air-saving function reduces compressed air consumption by up to 80 percent.