End-of-arm gripper ecosystem

The new Match gripper ecosystem available from Zimmer Group enables robots to utilise multiple gripper types and end effectors, further enhancing the capability and functionality of these already flexible systems. Targeted at lightweight industrial and collaborative robots, the proprietary platform is the result of a joint project between Zimmer Group and J Schmalz GmbH that combines gripping technology expertise.

This gripper change system can be operated either automatically, with the robot releasing and collecting different grippers or end effectors to and from a docking station, or manually with just one hand in just a few seconds using simple click-to-remove functionality. The system is compatible with pneumatically or electrically operated grippers which utilise either vacuum or mechanical gripping principles.

Zimmer’s quick-change system incorporates the mechanical interface together with pneumatic and electrical connections. These options make it possible for the system to be used by many different robot types and a wide variety of end effectors. For electrically operated grippers, the quick-change system is capable of hot-swapping, changing grippers during live operation with the integrated pin array transmitting both the load and signal currents. For pneumatic/vacuum-based grippers, four internal and two lateral channels supply the gripper systems with compressed air or vacuum pressure.

The design, combined with high levels of manufacturing quality, guarantees a long service life greater than 100,000 cycles. Notably, the position and orientation of the fixed and interchangeable elements of the system are clearly defined in use, eliminating the potential for misalignment of the two halves. The flexibility of the system gives the user access to a wide range of applications, whether they are with mobile robots, collaborative robots or other types of automation.

For further information
www.zimmer-group.com

Citizen open house generates £2.3m

Citizen Machinery UK reported a highly successful open house at its Bushey headquarters last month. Around 100 visitors from 52 companies took the time to visit. Orders for 15 machines valued at £2,321,000 were either placed or committed to verbally during the show. More than two-thirds of the lathes will feature the manufacturer’s proprietary LFV (low-frequency vibration) programmable chip-breaking software. Launched five years ago, Citizen says LFV has transformed the ability of manufacturers to manage swarf when turning, thread cutting and drilling malleable metals and plastics.

For further information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

100 apprentices required at the MTC

The Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry is inviting engineers of the future to explore the latest apprenticeship opportunities available at its Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre. In the first live apprentice open evening since the beginning of the pandemic, the MTC is looking to recruit nearly 100 new apprentices for its employer partners across the country. The open event will take place on 18 November from 18:30-20:00, and pupils, parents, careers advisors, teachers and college staff are all welcome.

For further information
https://the-amtc.co.uk/apprenticeships

Ceratizit vice packs a punch

The new ZSG mini centric vice for small parts, part of the WNT Performance series from Ceratizit, is aimed squarely at improving process security and quality-critical steps in the machining of smaller components.

When it comes to machining smaller parts, fixed connections are particularly important for vices, mainly due to the need for extremely tight tolerances. There are various ways to achieve this. Christoph Retter, product manager – clamping fixtures, says: “Workpieces can be pre-stamped by investing in a special machine prior to clamping, creating a positive mechanical connection using the negative embossed profile in the jaw. However, this is eliminated with our new ZSG mini. Thanks to its very-high clamping force of 16 kN, our approach is simple: clamp, lock, go.”

Quick and easy part handling is also a deciding factor in minimising non-productive time. Here, the ZSG mini offers significant advantages as it can be easily accessed from all sides, expediting the machining of raw and finished parts, multi-clamping and automated applications. However, the biggest time saver is the ability to change jaws in a matter of seconds without any tools. This is achieved through the integrated pull-down action, which is generated via two spring pressure pins, which Ceratizit says ensure total machining precision and quality.

The ZSG mini centric vices are available in lengths of 80 mm and 100 mm, with quick change jaws in widths of 45 mm and 70 mm – all case-hardened to between 54 and 56 HRc and available in different versions with either smooth faces or serrated grip features.

“The real highlight here is the fact that all jaws can be used on any ZSG mini, which makes the system extremely flexible,” says Retter.

For further information
www.ceratizit.com

Record order intake at Trumpf

At the end of its 2020-21 fiscal year on 30 June, Trumpf Group recorded a slight increase in sales revenues of 0.5% to €3.50bn (fiscal year 2019-20: €3.48bn). However, order intake value increased by 19.7% to a record level for the company at €3.9bn (fiscal year 2019-20: €3.3bn).

Despite the coronavirus pandemic spanning its complete financial year, Trumpf’s UK subsidiary in Luton considers its figures successful. Sales worth £40m were achieved and, although this figure was below 2019-2020, it was nevertheless above initial expectations. It was a particularly successful year for Trumpf’s premium punching machine, the TruPunch 5000, with a high level of orders.

For further information
www.trumpf.com