Why Magswitch technology is the world's number one in so many areas of robot-assisted material handling.
With more than 45 patents worldwide – and many more in progress – Magswitch technology is based on continuous research and development , with the aim of constantly improving the best tools.
Magswitch technology is currently the best in the world , and we are already working to secure our leading position in magnetic gripping tomorrow and in the future.
In today's rapidly evolving industrial landscape , efficiency, safety, and productivity are of crucial importance.
Magswitch, a leading provider of switchable magnetic technology, offers a range of innovative tools that have fundamentally changed the way industries handle materials – with increased productivity and reduced downtime.
In this article, we will highlight the features and benefits of Magswitch tools and discuss their diverse applications .
We demonstrate how utilizing the industry's strongest magnetic force at a given material thickness and one-sided gripping transforms all aspects of handling ferromagnetic material – faster and with lower investment costs than any competitor.
FEATURES OF MAGSWITCH TOOLS
Magswitch tools are designed with state-of-the-art technology and unique features that set them apart from conventional gripping and clamping methods. Some of the notable features are:
Fail-safe technology
Magswitch grippers prevent parts from falling during a power outage! Magswitch tools feature fail-safe mechanisms that ensure reliable and secure material gripping. The true on/off function means that Magswitch tools have no magnetic attraction when switched off. With Magswitch tools, the magnetic force can be easily turned on or off, enabling precise control and reducing the risk of accidents. Switching times of just 100 ms result in significantly reduced cycle times for picking up and dropping workpieces.
Pole shoes and adaptable contact surfaces
Magswitch tools offer the flexibility of custom pole pieces, improving holding power and enabling secure gripping of irregularly shaped components. Magswitch magnetic grippers provide superior holding power compared to competing products of the same size.
Electric and pneumatic actuation
Magswitch tools are available in both electrically and pneumatically operated versions to support various automation systems. Utilizing rotary actuation in pneumatic systems can reduce air consumption by up to 90%. Electrically operated Magswitch grippers draw less than two amps—a best-in-class figure—enabling operation on robot-mounted EOATs (end-of-arm tooling). Both electric and pneumatic Magswitch tools are designed to be maintenance-free and built to last the lifetime of the production line.
Variable field strength (VFO) and SMART sensors
Certain Magswitch tools, such as the E-Series and ELAY-Series, feature VFO functionality, which enables the destacking of thin materials and optimizes performance for specific components.
VFO stands for proprietary Variable Flux Output (variable magnetic flux strength). By adjusting the magnetic flux strength, Magswitch can reduce the holding force if it detects that a second component is being picked up accidentally while one is being lifted. Full magnetic force is then reactivated, allowing the robot to move the component at maximum speed.
Magswitch Smart Sensor Technology – makes Magswitch a leader in component recognition. The proprietary use of various sensors on Magswitch grippers enables, among other things:
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Tool switched on / component present
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Component identification
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Selection and release of individual or multiple components
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Detection of component proximity and movement
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Alarm triggered by unexpected passage through components
ADVANTAGES OF MAGSWITCH TOOLS
The use of Magswitch tools offers numerous advantages for industrial processes, including:
Increased productivity
Magswitch tools enable faster and more efficient material handling, shorten cycle times, and increase productivity. They replace conventional gripping methods such as vacuum suction cups, mechanical grippers, and pin clamps, resulting in significant time savings.
Improved security
Safety is paramount in every industrial environment. Magswitch tools prioritize safe operation through simple handling, easier lifting, stability control, and lift-to-shear functions. These features minimize the risk of workplace accidents and create a safer working environment.
Energy efficiency
Magswitch tools require no electrical energy to maintain their operating state, reducing energy consumption and lowering operating costs. Compared to vacuum systems, Magswitch tools consume up to 90% less air, resulting in significant energy savings.
versatility
Magswitch tools are designed for a wide range of applications across various industries. From pick-and-place operations and press lines to assembly, container removal, and heavy-duty material handling, Magswitch tools offer versatility and adaptability to meet diverse industrial requirements.
Tailor-made solutions
Magswitch understands that every application is unique. They offer customized solutions tailored to specific requirements, including fixture design, pole shoe adaptation, and accessory development. This ensures optimal performance and maximizes the potential of Magswitch tools in every application.
APPLICATIONS OF MAGSWITCH TOOLS
Magswitch tools are used in numerous industries and processes. Some particularly noteworthy applications include:
Pick & Place / Machine Operation
Magswitch tools are ideally suited for pick-and-place operations, as they significantly reduce cycle times and increase efficiency. They can replace mechanical grippers, clamping devices, or suction cups, enabling faster and more precise handling of components.
Press lines / Stamping
Magswitch tools are ideal for punching processes because they improve the handling of lubricated sheet metal blanks and reduce downtime caused by slippage or parts dropping. They offer faster switching times, lower air consumption, and overall improved performance.
Assembly / Body-in-White
Magswitch tools optimize assembly processes by combining the versatility of suction cups with the reliability and safety of conventional clamping devices. They enable precise component positioning, fast mean time to repair (MTTR), and the detection of parts on the tool and duplicate blanks.
Bin picking
In combination with vision systems, Magswitch tools offer robust solutions for handling randomly arranged components. They can grip parts on flat, round, or irregular surfaces and overcome small misalignments between the gripper and the target. Thanks to Variable Field Output (VFO) technology and intelligent component recognition, Magswitch tools are particularly well-suited for bin-picking applications.
Hot stamping and welding
Magswitch tools are designed for use in high-temperature environments up to 200 °C, making them ideal for handling parts in hot stamping processes. They offer durability and reliability, replacing conventional grippers or suction cups that require frequent replacement.
THE MAGSWITCH METHOD
By leveraging Magswitch's many unique features, the need for additional sensors and mechanical grippers around the workpiece is eliminated. This not only reduces the cost of end-of-arm tooling (EOATs) but also enables smaller EOATs – by up to 50%. Through intelligent one-sided gripping, Magswitch delivers smaller, lighter, and faster EOATs that are maintenance-free and consume less energy.
Smaller EOATs allow the use of smaller robots and reduce the costs for production space.
CONCLUSION
Magswitch tools have revolutionized industrial automation by offering unique features and benefits that improve productivity, safety, efficiency, and investment costs. With their fail-safe technology, true on/off functionality, customizable contact surfaces, and energy-efficient design, Magswitch tools have become indispensable in numerous applications, including pick-and-place, punching, assembly, sheet metal cutting, bin picking, and hot stamping.
By using Magswitch tools, companies can optimize their processes, reduce downtime, and achieve higher productivity and security standards.
If you would like to learn more about Magswitch's magnetic grippers and find out how they can improve your applications, please contact us at sales@magswitch.com Our team of experts is ready to answer your questions. You can also browse our catalog of magnetic grippers and discover examples of their use in various industries and applications.
