J. Schmalz GmbH in Glatten has further developed the FQE gripper series and added the FQE-V. With sizes ranging from 230 × 120 mm to 400 × 280 mm, the new surface gripper is more flexible in terms of its dimensions and geometry. This enables precise and safe handling of individually shaped workpieces, as the supplier reports. The suction plate dimensions and suction hole grid can be freely scaled. Users can quickly adapt the gripper to different workpieces using design tools. Batch size 1 thus becomes the standard.
Schmalz offers the new development in two versions. The FQE-V-M is equipped with an external, the FQE-V-X with an integrated, energy-efficient vacuum generator. The control valves are also integrated. With its modular lightweight design, the new gripper saves weight and thus increases the load capacity. Suction cups in different shapes and materials and foam are available as sealing elements. Sound insulation minimizes noise pollution for nearby employees.
Users can select suction trays with different shapes. These are rectangular, round or oval as standard. However, they can also be scaled to any free form, for example a T-shape. According to the supplier, the design of the new surface gripper meets the requirements of the ISO TS 15066 standard and is therefore suitable for stationary handling tasks in human-robot collaboration (HRC).