Pole shoes: Features and benefits
Pole shoes are a crucial component in magnetic gripping technology for robot automation. They are an essential part of Magswitch magnetic grippers and act as flux conductors for the magnetic field. Pole shoes play a central role in optimizing the magnetic field to maximize the holding force on the target component. Additionally, they help to contain the residual field when the gripper is switched off and serve as a wear surface , protecting the magnet housing.
There are various types of pole shoes, each designed for specific applications (bin picking, pick-and-place, material handling, COBOT, or machine operation) and for different families of Magswitch magnetic grippers and end effectors . Examples include:
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Flat pole shoes for flat plates or components
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V-cut pole shoes for round components with varying diameters and tolerances
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Round pole shoes for round components with tight tolerances
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Custom-made pole shoes for irregularly shaped components
For irregular surfaces , Magswitch Application Engineers design custom pole shoes for your specific application. Additionally, Magswitch offers a Finite Element Analysis (MFEA) service to predict the estimated holding force .
Magswitch also offers special coatings that increase friction and thus support shear forces, Class A coatings for painted or polished surfaces, or high-temperature resistant coatings for applications such as hot stamping or robotic arc welding .
In summary, pole shoes are an essential component of Magswitch magnetic grippers for robots, offering numerous functions and advantages . They help optimize the magnetic field, suppress residual fields, protect the magnet housing, simplify the production process through one-sided workpiece handling, and are available in various designs for specific applications. When designing pole shoes , factors such as sharp edges, center of gravity (COG), and material and coating selection should be considered.
If you would like to learn more about pole shoes and find out how they can improve your Magswitch applications, please contact us at sales@magswitch.com or visit our website at www.magswitch.com Our team of experts is ready to answer your questions. You can also browse our catalog of standard and custom pole shoes and see examples of how they are used in various industries and applications.
