Robot end effectors enable a robot arm to interact with its environment. As robot arms are used in increasingly diverse industries , the demand for end effectors that can be adapted to different applications is growing.
The intelligent magnetic grippers of the Magswitch Electric Series (E-Series) can be used for a variety of applications, including bin picking, fixture construction, ergonomic lifting aids and machine operation .
Festo , a distribution partner of Magswitch since 2019, reports a strong increase in interest in Magswitch's E-Series magnetic grippers.
SMART MAGNETIC GRIPS
The intelligent magnetic grippers of the Magswitch E-Series are neither electromagnets nor electropermanent magnets (EPMs). The E-Series units incorporate proprietary switching technology that enables lower energy consumption, faster actuation, intelligent magnetic gripping, part feedback (correct/incorrect) , and holding forces two to three times greater than comparably sized electromagnets or EPMs. Pole pieces , which shape the magnetic field, are available in standard and custom designs to ensure the correct grip for every application.
The E-Series magnetic grippers are smaller than electromagnets , reducing the size of the end-of-arm tools (EOAT). Their lighter weight and more compact design often allow designers to use a smaller robot , lowering investment costs and reducing the required floor space.
Applications in stamping processes
E-Series magnetic grippers are used particularly in stamping applications , including progressive dies . During stamping operations, the intelligent Variable Field Output (VFO) technology enables the separation of a single sheet from a stack while simultaneously verifying its correct thickness . The units can detect and grip individual sheets up to 0.6 mm thick.
Applications in resistance spot welding
For resistance spot welding applications, E-Series units offer single-sided gripping technology , eliminating the need for clamps. Without clamps, the spot welding gun has better access to the component. With a fast on/off actuation time of 250 milliseconds, the E-Series magnetic grippers reduce cycle time compared to conventional clamps .
Diverse applications of the E-Series
E-Series intelligent magnetic grippers can be used in numerous other applications, including:
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Automotive assembly
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Production of white goods
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Heavy industrial production
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Electronics assembly
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Bin Picking
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Measurement and testing applications
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Ergonomic lifting aids
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Collaborative robotics cells
“We are only at the beginning of fully exploiting the potential of intelligent magnetic gripping ,” said Josh Bond, Automotive Industry Segment Specialist at Festo .
Intelligent magnetic gripping in practice
Bond cited two examples of novel applications:
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An E-Series unit detects the presence of a welded screw in a vehicle's B-pillar and triggers an alarm if the screw is missing. This solution is cost-effective and saves the manufacturer significant rework through early detection of missing screws .
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E-Series units with polymer offsets (non-marring offsets) are used to grip A-grade surfaces securely, quickly, and effectively without damaging the surface. The magnetic field initially exerts only a low force to gently grip the surface. Once the part is separated, the tool automatically switches to full power for maximum performance. Thanks to the E-Series' proprietary switching technology, the magnetic force is reduced to zero in the off state , causing ferromagnetic particles to fall off and the surface to remain clean.
Features of the E-Series
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World-class power-to-weight ratio
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Holding power from a few ounces to several tons
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Operates on 24 V DC
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Integrated serial communication protocols
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Control via various Ethernet protocols is possible.
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