By Andy Choi
SCHUNK has developed an innovative small parts gripper EGP, which is powered by electricity. This electrically driven gripper simplifies the transition from pneumatic to electric gripping modules.
Flexible use of mechatronic grippers for rapid small part handling
Known for its high-speed and simultaneous high gripping force, these mechatronic grippers surpass the other electrically driven small parts grippers existing in market. Using a powerful roller guide, the gripper can effectively perform pick&place applications in complex environments, with increased versatility.
While designing the system, flexibility can be enhanced by bolting the EGP on or across the side or bottom, similar to MPG-Plus. The EGP’s lightweight architecture owes to a specific high-grade aluminum, which was responsible for minimizing excess material on the internal components and gripper configuration. The energy-efficiency and dynamics of the system increased considerably. An integrated and programmable magnetic switch eliminates the need for major interfering contours, and effectively monitors the two positions representing the system’s ‘open’ or ‘closed’ position.
Furthermore, by programming the switch-off points, maximum process stability can be achieved. Monitoring of positions can be achieved and different sized workpieces can be detected even with the deployment of very short strokes. EGP size 40 is the premier version. The gripper weighs 400 g and is capable of handling workpiece weights up to 675 g. In addition, it has a four-stage adjustable gripping force measuring 135 N that has a closing time of less than 250 ms, and up to 6 mm per finger stroke can also be achieved.
Source: http://www.schunk.com/