A Look at the Latest Pneumatic and Robotic Products From SMC
SMC has announced several new products for pneumatic control and robot assembly systems, including longer life pneumatic air cylinders, a new air flow controller, and a multi-hand robot adapter.
SMC is constantly developing new solutions for pneumatic control to improve the speed and longevity of automation systems for extended and efficient use. The company has developed a more durable air cylinder (the C85/C75-XB24 Series) and a new air flow controller (the IN502-44 45 46). To round out the new lineup, SMC also launched a multi-hand adaptor that enables robots to use several grippers (the RMMA Series).
The C85-XB24 and C75-XB24 Series pneumatic cylinders. Image used courtesy of SMC
C85/75-XB24 Series Pneumatic Cylinders
The newest series of pneumatic cylinders, the C85-XB24 and the C75-XB24, are designed to last longer than conventional pneumatic cylinders—with four times greater durability, according to SMC. Furthermore, its design also leads to a decreased mean time between maintenance (MTBM), meaning machines can run for longer between maintenance.
The new air cylinders can be ordered in the same standardized physical sizes as SMC’s existing cylinders, enabling a one-to-one replacement. The double-acting, single-rod cylinder design of the new series is common in many pneumatic systems, so upgrading to the new cylinders is a way for companies to extend the life and reduce maintenance costs of existing systems.
The IN502-44/45/46 Air Flow Controller. Image used courtesy of SMC
IN502-44/45/46 Air Flow Controller
The new IN502-44 45 46 Air Flow Controller is suitable for controlling the flow of dry air or nitrogen, both of which are common working fluids in pneumatic systems. The controller can handle flow rates of up to 2000 L/min (Model 46) with 5% full-scale control accuracy.
The controller has a built-in display but can also be accessed via IO-Link. The flow is adjusted by using feedback from a flow sensor and a PLC for adjusting the position of the valve in the flow controller. This reduces wiring and piping, making it a compact way to control flow accurately.
The RMMA Series multi-hand adapter is available in three different mounting angles: 90, 120, and 180 degrees. Image used courtesy of SMC
RMMA Series Multi-hand Adapter
The RMMA Series is a multi-hand adapter that enables up to three grippers to be mounted on a single robot. This adapter reduces tool changes as parts of various geometries are manipulated in the manufacturing cell. These devices allow for one gripper to be in use, and the others conveniently pivoted out of the way, ready to be turned into position as needed.
The Future With SMC
SMC’s three latest products are designed to extend the lifetime and efficiency of pneumatic and robotic systems. Therefore, they will see use in existing systems and will likely be included in new designs. In particular, the C85/75-XB24 Series cylinders will serve as a one-to-one replacement in existing pneumatic systems.
The new air flow controller will be a worthwhile upgrade, as managing airflow and limiting its waste is a huge cost saver. Because compressed air is considered the “fourth utility” and compressing gasses is energy-intensive, finding ways to handle airflow efficiently is always desirable.
SMC’s robotic grip adapter will reduce tool change time, an advantage for high-speed production. Rapidly switching tools saves time and labor, benefiting any manufacturing industry.
