SMC Expands Pneumatics, Updates Air Cylinders and Cobot Grippers

When you need to add motion to your application, pneumatics are an economical solution. Pneumatics are used in many different applications, from actuators to robot grippers. Pneumatic component suppliers, such as SMC, are constantly improving and releasing new components to stay competitive in the market. Recently, SMC announced new updates to its pneumatic solutions.

SMC’s NCG-Z1 series repairable round body cylinders feature operating speeds of 40 in/sec. Image used courtesy of SMC

Repairable Pneumatic Cylinder

The standard round pneumatic cylinder has been an economical choice for many years, but a common problem is that they typically are not serviceable. If internal components wear out, the entire cylinder will need to be replaced. SMC has just updated its NCG series of repairable round body pneumatic cylinders.

The NCG cylinders are available in six bore sizes with eight different mounting styles. The internal seals can be replaced via the removable rod covers. Band-style position switches can be used to indicate fully extended or fully retracted. The cylinders can be ordered in various stroke lengths from 0.05 to 59 inches and in hundredths of an inch increments.

SMC’s IN-777 series air servo cylinder features a positioning repeatability of ±0.5 mm. Image used courtesy of SMC

Air Servo Cylinders

When your application requires pneumatic technology but also requires positioning control and feedback, an air servo cylinder might be your best choice. SMC’s IN-777 series air servo cylinders consist of a valve unit, a pneumatic cylinder, a controller assembly, and a position sensor unit. The valve unit contains a servo-driven proportional valve that will control the amount and speed of air pressure entering the cylinder. This level of control allows the system to control the speed and force of the cylinder. The position sensor reports back to the control system to close the feedback loop.

The IN-777 has a built-in self-diagnosis function indicated by the LED display on top of the controller assembly. Fail-safe ports are provided if an emergency stop has occurred and the cylinder has stopped partway through its motion. The fail-safe ports allow technicians to manually move the cylinder without power or main air supply.

SMC has updated the IN-777 series to now include FOUNDATION Fieldbus communication.

In addition to the clamp-type tool changer, the RMH series grippers now include one-push type (center) and auto type (right) tool changers. Image used courtesy of SMC

Collaborative Robot Grippers

When choosing a gripper for a collaborative robot, it is important that the gripper is designed for a collaborative robot application. The gripper needs to be finger safe and still grip the part securely. SMC has added some additional features to its existing RMH series of collaborative robot air grippers.

Now, the RMH gripper features a one-push type manual override button to allow operators to manually change tools. This operation typically requires tools to remove the end effector, but with the RMH series, you simply need to push a button. If your application requires a more automated approach, an auto-type tool changer has also been added to the RMH series. Sensors report when the tool is locked in position or unlocked and ready for the robot to move away from the stored tool.

Pneumatic Solutions

The action of using compressed air to perform work has been used in industry since the beginning, and suppliers like SMC continue to innovate ways of improving the controllability, speed, and function of pneumatic devices. The newest features of SMC's pneumatic cylinders, air servo cylinders, and grippers are just the tip of the iceberg of future innovations from SMC.