Food & Drink Processing & Packaging Issue 44 2023 | Page 63

With robots set to become a core resource at many types of factory , achieving flexibility is paramount for any tasks that involve handling or servicing .
For instance , while many machines on the shop floor feature full automation , handling tasks from the warehouse to final assembly and packaging are often unautomated due to the inherent complexities involved . Today , however , the latest robotic solutions are assisting continuous flow across the factory , potentially leading to the concept of ‘ dark ’ or lights-out manufacturing , with no or very few people controlling operations .
BESPOKE SOLUTIONS
With robots set to become a core resource at many types of factory , achieving flexibility is paramount for any tasks that involve handling or servicing . Here , around 50 % of applications require finger and / or gripper modifications to suit customer requirements .
For both robot users and manufacturers there are several objectives when it comes to product selection , including price-performance ratio , flexibility , ease of adoption and safety . However , endof-arm gripper technology is a key factor for tasks such as materials handling , packaging , machine tending , assembly , quality control and surface finishing .
Here at SMC we offer a full range of gripper solutions , including pneumatic , electrical , magnetic and vacuum , ensuring adaptability to all gripping needs . We can also supply FRL units , tubing , valves and serial communication , either using wireless or traditional wired technology , thus creating a turnkey solution for new robot installations or retrofit projects .
We help robotics engineers tap into ‘ languages ’ with which they are likely
SMC ´ s Air Gripper with Finger Changer Function – MHF2-X7076A Series
low-profile air gripper with finger-change function . This automatic tool-change device for robots means users simply replace the end of the gripper ( the finger ) without any risk . The wiring and piping are bundled together in the body of the air gripper ( robot side ) to improve electrical contact during tool changes and reduce air leakage .
As a further market differentiator , we offer wireless communication with
SMC ´ s Wireless Unit – EX600-W Series the gripper to eliminate any risk of communication loss and stoppages . unfamiliar , such as pneumatics , by Our EX600-W wireless system means helping to translate or interpret the less cables and connectors , reduced requirements of air-driven motion control installation and maintenance , and and the benefits it can bring . Our expert fewer breakages and disconnections to team can help explain everything from deliver totally reliable , noise-resistant valve island technology and filtration , communication . Robot users are to air flow and system pressure . Even increasingly adopting our fast-response though SMC offers an extensive series of EX600-W wireless system improve their electric actuators , pneumatics remains OEE ( overall equipment effectiveness ), a our principal language , which is why key metric for any production or process increasing numbers of robot OEMs and operations . manufacturing plants are requesting our help . Moving forward , our R & D team is working constantly on system
RAPID TOOL CHANGES modularity , driving up the speed of
To deliver flexibility , robots frequently gripper changes and reducing the risk of need to use multiple different grippers , stoppages . Your productivity and uptime which is why fast and reliable toolchange technology is paramount . robot grippers we currently produce are
are our top priorities . Around 50 % of all
However , many solutions are expensive custom builds , highlighting our credibility and carry some risk due to complex air / as a capable and proven technology signal connections . For this reason , our partner . team of design engineers here at SMC developed the MHF2-X7076A , a modular , www . smc . eu / en-eu
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