Schmalz Launches New Suction Cup Gripper for Handling Bags
Schmalz has developed a new suction cup gripper for difficult-to-handle materials like sacks, bags, and shrink-wrapped packaging. The new gripper is available with or without an integrated vacuum.
Many products are packed in shrink wrap or loose sacks before being shipped to the marketplace. Because of the loose, slippery nature of shrink wrap and bagged products, this type of packaging can cause issues for robotic gripping and product movement. Schmalz, an industry leader in vacuum-gripping technology, has released a new vacuum-gripping solution for handling shrink-wrapped or bagged goods.
The PSSG sack gripper with an integrated vacuum in use with a collaborative robot. Image used courtesy of Schmalz
The New PSSG Sack Gripper
Sacks and shrink-wrap packaging help companies reduce packaging costs in manufacturing but can be difficult to move effectively. Schmalz’ bag handling solution, the PSSG sack gripper, is designed to help companies move difficult-to-grab products. The PSSG gripper design offers enhanced reliability over other methods and features a longer service life to help reduce long-term costs associated with maintenance and downtime.
The PSSG suction cups are available with an integrated vacuum or for use with an external vacuum, like Schmalz’ vacuum tube lifters. Vacuum tube lifters are useful tools for ergonomic lifting and handling but need the correct gripping mechanism for effective lifting. The latest PSSG suction cups are designed to successfully grip and move a variety of products in shrink-wrapped or bagged packaging.
Many types of traditionally difficult-to-handle surfaces can be gripped with the new PSSG gripping solution. Image used courtesy of Schmalz
A Gripper for Bag Handling
Schmalz's PSSG suction cups come in three sizes to fit a wide range of applications: JumboFlex, JumboErgo, and JumboSprint. The PSSG's housing is made of glass fiber-reinforced plastic, ensuring robust construction quality. The suction surface is made of FDA-compliant silicone or wear-resistant acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). A filter fleece protects the system from contamination.
Schmalz has focused the design of the PSSG on sustainable use, which is why employees can easily change the sealing lip in minutes with a reusable metal insert that screws into place instead of using adhesive. The use of a screwable insert means that employees can change out the gripping lip in a few minutes, and each component can work for its effective lifespan before being sustainably disposed of.
The suction cups’ sealing surface offers an enhanced lifespan and is designed to last double that of traditional foam rubber sealing surfaces. A longer lifespan translates to reduced downtime and maintenance costs because of extended service intervals. An integrated NFC chip in the gripper's main body allows users to scan the gripper with the Schmalz app on a mobile device. Mobile scanning can be used to order replacement spare parts or allow service personnel to see a video explaining the gripper suction cup replacement process.
The PSSG sack gripper without an integrated vacuum in use with a Schmalz’s Jumbo vacuum tube lifter. Image used courtesy of Schmalz
Vacuum Gripper Applications
Schmalz’s new PSSG gripper is suitable for use in various applications, from porous bag-like or shrink-wrapped products to low-fill-level bags. Product changes can be completed without the need for gripper changes when changing between sacks, bags, and shrink-wrapped material, which helps companies reduce costs and save time. The grippers have a maximum suction area of 405 × 305 mm with a load capacity of up to 50 kg. The grippers can be used with a vacuum tube lifter or on all common small robotic arms for quick palletizing, depalletizing, and pick-and-place operations.
