Lifelong maintenance-free 24V premium electric gripper with IO-link

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2017-06-20 01:48:00

SCHUNK further expands its PGN-plus gripper flagship: with the PGN-plus-E IO-link, the competence leader for gripping systems and clamping technology presents the world's first lifelong maintenance-free 24V premium electric gripper, which completely fulfills the IO-link class B standard. It needs just one connection plug to control the gripper, to parameterize and to use the integrated diagnostics function. It can be directly connected to the IO-link class B master without an Y distributor. The required control and power electronics are integrated into the compact module, and no space is taken up in the control cabinet. The gripping force can be individually adjusted to the workpiece via the IO-link so that handling scenarios can be flexibly achieved with various parts. In order to achieve the shortest closing and cycle times, the gripper fingers can be repositioned as desired. The sensors are integrated as standard and can be used to measure the stroke and speed of the gripper fingers as well as the power consumption. This eliminates additional costs for external sensors, the wiring effort is reduced, and the process reliability increases, since fewer moving and thus wear-resistant cables are used. An integrated diagnostics function permanently monitors the status of the gripper and automatically transmits errors to the higher-level control system. Moreover, system operators can store any maintenance intervals of the system.

Robust design with permanently lubricated multi-tooth guidance

Like its role model - the pneumatically controlled SCHUNK PGN-plus-P - the SCHUNK PGN-plus-E IO-link also has a redesigned, robust multi-tooth guidance allowing higher maximum moments, lubricant pocket through-holes in the multi-tooth guidance, as well as a diagonal pull kinematics with a high surface coverage in all stroke positions. A brushless DC servomotor drives the mechatronic universal gripper, ensuring consistently high process stability and a lifelong maintenance-free operation. It can be mounted on two gripper sides and in three screw directions. The gripper seamlessly fits into the pillar of the alternative mechatronic modules from SCHUNK. All modules feature 24-V technology. In the meantime, the product range has further expanded, and complete handling systems based on 24 V technology can be combined with linear axes, rotary modules, and grippers. Beside the version with IO-link, the gripper is also available for control via digital I/O.

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