Automated product handling takes many forms and, with continued growth in manufacturing, a plethora of products are now seeing automatic transfer from the end of the line to pallets. The grippers used to handle these products are also becoming more sophisticated as the demands for flexibility and productivity increase. Vacuum layer gripping systems from Schmalz are fast becoming an integral part of the many palletising robots and gantry systems used across various industry segments.

Based upon a modular system, each gripper is configurable as required with choices for either rigid or flexible spring-mounded robot flange connections, designed to fit most common robots and gantry systems. Various gripper modules are available, with intermediate layer handling if required, layer detection and options for mechanical gripping support in applications where the top surface of the layer is unable to support the complete layer weight.

Layer gripping systems with foam are capable of handling virtually all items, and for applications where the layer may be uneven, the system is also available with vacuum cups. For extremely difficult workpieces the layer gripping system can be fitted with an outer skirt. In each case, Schmalz can supply these gripper systems with optional zoning to add further flexibility, allowing part layers to be handled or parts to be placed in groups or in different patterns.

The ability to configure the gripping solution to the application makes it possible to cater for layers with gaps, mixed layers, intermediate layers, pallets, cardboard and film packaging. In addition, loading and unloading of partially filled pallets is also possible by combining vacuum technology with mechanical gripping support.
For further information www.schmalz.com

Leader Chuck International used the GTMA’s recent Manufacturing Solutions event in Limerick to launch the Norgren Adaptix vice jaws to attendees seeking improvements in productivity and the elimination of waste from their machine shops and tool rooms.

Adaptix vice jaws present a new method of holding and gripping parts for milling. With sliding fingers, it is possible to adapt the system to any part geometry, reducing the time and cost involved in the design and development of vice jaws or bespoke fixtures.

Managing director Mark Jones explains how Adaptix vice jaws can benefit almost any workshop: “For many, the challenge of securely holding shaped material requires vice jaws machined to match the workpiece geometry, whether it is a cast or forged billet, a pre-machined part for second operations, or even a component being repaired or reworked. Every production or workshop manager knows this takes time, to produce a CAD file or drawing, obtain the materials for the bespoke jaws and then machine them. All before you can start cutting the part and making money.

“With Adaptix vice jaws you simply set the fingers against the workpiece and lock them in position,” he continues. “You can be cutting material within a few minutes compared to half a shift lost to producing machined bespoke jaws. And there is no waste, as the Adaptix vice jaws can be reset time and time again to suit any job that comes in.”

Leader Chuck International is so confident in the gains presented by the system that it is offering a free 30-day trial for any company that meets the product mix criteria; and is currently producing soft jaws and wasting valuable machining time.
For further information www.leaderchuck.com

Lang Technik has launched the Haubex system, which is able to transform machine tool magazines into highly efficient automation systems. Negating the need for expensive pallet changers, feeding systems and robots, Haubex allows users to effortlessly automate their machine tools and significantly increase the efficiency of operations.

The cost-effective Lang Technik system provides flexibility and improved planning possibilities as is it not dedicated to any one machine tool. Rather, a single Haubex system is deployable across several machines. As no additional communication or installation procedures are required, commissioning is rapid and trouble-free.

The heart of Haubex is a work-holding hood that serves as a carrier and loading system for the clamping device which securely holds a workpiece blank. Multiple hood/clamping device arrangements are stored in the tool magazine, transferred to the machine and automatically exchanged at the end of each machining cycle, just as tools would be routinely swapped to and from the magazine.

Explaining the benefits of the new Haubex system, Lang Technik UK director Gareth Barnett says. “Early adopters of Haubex are reporting significant rises in their efficiency and productivity levels, brought about by much increased machine tool utilisation times. In addition to filling-in previously non-productive machine tool downtime, the system can create additional time windows for alternative value-adding activities. Early users are also using the system to extend their productive working hours by allowing Haubex-enabled machine tools to continue performing considerably extended unmanned production after the end of each working shift.”
For further information www.lang-technik.co.uk