Configured in no time

10.05.2011

Vacuum technology specialist J. Schmalz presents the first modular system for fast and easy setup of vacuum end effectors for the packaging industry

Schmalz introduced the new modular system for vacuum end effectors (VEE) at the Interpack 2011 trade fair. It makes for fast and flexible gripper configurations for pick and place processes, for use in case packers, in carton and tray erecting machines, in top and side loading machines as well as in packaging machines with frequent format changes.
Instead of going back to rigid end effectors made in individual production, system integrators, machine and robot manufacturers now have the option to set up or reconfigure flexible end effectors: A wide selection of combinations of vacuum feed and zones, connection elements and suction pad connections is available. All elements of the modular system are available for download as CAD models on the website of the manufacturer (www.schmalz.com) to be quickly combined into the required configuration on your PC.

The VEE modular system from Schmalz permits minimum configurations with one suction pad or a size of 38x38 mm and a dead weight of only 60 g. The largest configurable vacuum end effector comes with 12 suction pads at variable distances and a maximum gripper size of 300x200 mm at a weight of 800 g. Users can select suction pads from the highly specialized offer of the manufacturer depending on their requirements: Flat suction pad SGPN for handling fragile foil and blister packaging, flat suction pad SPF for handling stable cardboard boxes, bellows suction pad SPB4 for handling filled bags or flow wrap packaging.

The VEE masters loads of up to 2000 g and process accelerations up to 10 g (100 m/s²) regardless of the type of product it is handling, which means it meets all the requirements of the fast pick and place processes typical for the packaging industry.
Gripper changeover times are kept to a minimum thanks to the standard quick-change adapter. Another feature is the hose-free vacuum distribution within the system, which reduces possible leakage and ensures greater efficiency and faster response times.
All VEE elements are made of polysulfone PSU according to FDA guidelines. They are resistant to alkaline and acidic cleaning agents and can be steam sterilized. This makes them suitable not only for the packaging industry but especially for use in the food processing industry.


Schmalz offers a 120 piece VEE starter kit that includes all components for setup of up to two end effectors, including suction pads and manual quick-change coupler with bayonet fastener.

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Questions regarding public relations:
J. Schmalz GmbH Marketing Communications Aacher Strasse 29 D-72293 Glatten	Tel.: +49 (0)7443 2403-506 Fax: +49 (0)7443 2403-9506 presse@schmalz.de

Questions regarding usage::
J. Schmalz GmbH Customer Center Aacher Strasse 29 D-72293 Glatten	Tel.: +49 (0)7443 2403-105 Fax: +49 (0)7443 2403-9105 kundencenter@schmalz.de

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