Modular System for Vacuum End Effectors

Modular system for vacuum end effectors allows for fast and flexible gripper configurations for pick and place processes, for use in case packers, in carton and tray erecting machines, in top and side loading machines as well as in packaging machines with frequent format changes. Instead of going back to rigid end effectors made in individual production, system integrators and machine / robot manufacturers now have the option to set up or reconfigure flexible end effectors: A wide selection of combinations of vacuum feed and zones, connection elements and suction pad connections are available. 

The VEE modular system from Schmalz permits minimum configurations with one suction pad or a size of 38x38 mm and a dead weight of only 60 g. The largest configurable vacuum end effector comes with 12 suction pads at variable distances and a maximum gripper size of 300x200 mm at a weight of 800 g. Users can select suction pads from the highly specialized offer of the manufacturer depending on their requirements: Flat suction pad SGPN for handling fragile foil and blister packaging, flat suction pad SPF for handling stable cardboard boxes, bellows suction pad SPB4 for handling filled bags or flow wrap packaging. The VEE masters loads of up to 5 lbs and process accelerations up to 10 g (100 m/s²) regardless of the type of product it is handling, which means it meets all the requirements of the fast pick and place processes typical for the packaging industry. All VEE elements are made of polysulfone PSU according to FDA guidelines. They are resistant to alkaline and acidic cleaning agents and can be steam sterilized. This makes them suitable not only for the packaging industry but especially for use in the food processing industry.