PGN-plus Permanent advances to a new benchmark in the field of grippers

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2015-04-16 13:35:00

For many years, the SCHUNK PGN-plus universal gripper has been considered a benchmark for gripping modules. With the new PGN-plus Permanent, SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems is raising the bar. Its unique permanent lubrication provides a faster and more even distribution of the lubricant, even with short strokes. The complete contour of the patented multi-tooth guidance is equipped with grease pockets, which ensures a continuous supply of lubricant. This principle of the minimal quantity lubrication increases the already great life span of the SCHUNK best sellers, and makes it practically maintenance-free.

Consistent supply of lubricant

"SCHUNK PGN-plus Permanent is a robust and perennial gripper, which reduces the operating costs, and offers a better performance as our current flagship PGN-plus," said Dr. Markus Klaiber, CTO at SCHUNK. "It ensures an excellent repeat accuracy of 0.01 mm, and ensures the implementation of particularly efficient systems." It is equipped with an oval piston drive as its predecessor ensuring high forces in confined spaces. SCHUNK underlines the extraordinary performance of this universal gripper with a unique 30-years functional warranty, which is second to none on the market.

Fully compatible with the PGN-plus

The SCHUNK PGN-plus Permanent seamlessly integrates into the PGN-plus family. Nearly the whole range of possible automatic applications can be process-reliably controlled with the universal gripper - from machine/ system loading in the metal cutting industry, and in foundries to assembly applications in the automotive and electrical industry, up to delicate handling tasks in the medical and pharmaceutical industry. The PGN-plus family has been successfully used in applications with high temperatures, pollutions, and aggressive media, as well as in clean rooms and explosive environments.

On request, the modules are available with spring lock for mechanical gripping force maintenance, combined with compensation units for compensating angle errors, with force intensifier, or as a special precision version. Moreover, a broad sensor program comprising of inductive proximity switches, magnetic switches and position sensors is available. Instead of many isolated applications, users reduce their internal coordination efforts by using the universal modular gripping system. They speed up their parts procurement and due to the SCHUNK long life warranty, they can plan the total cost of ownership over the entire lifetime of a system. In the first step, the PGN-plus Permanent is available in the unit sizes 50 to 125. An expansion of the existing PGN-plus series is planned.

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