Accurate and flexible gripping and moving in demanding environments

"High flexibility and adjustability, a hygienic design, a complete solution for pick-and-place applications and a high degree of energy savings compared to pneumatic cylinders. These are some of the features of the new gripper module from the LinMot GM01 series. Hans Rozendom, working as Senior Technical sales engineer at Groneman, supplier in the field of drive, control and connection technology, explains the peculiarities of this new gripper.

"LinMot, supplier of linear motors and actuators for high-performance applications in various industries has designed a new, innovative gripper: Gripper module GM01 with IP69 protection rating. It is ideally suited for precise gripping and moving of products in demanding environments such as the food sector."

Flexibility

A first important feature is high flexibility. "The user can individually position, start and stop each gripping unit at any time and position. This is made possible by the two linear motors that control the gripper claws separately. The GM01 can therefore gently grip and transport dry, moist, hard or soft products without leaving visible marks." This makes special gripper tactics possible. "Think, for example, of the dust-can principle. In this, each gripper performs an individual movement so that multiple products can be collected simultaneously."

Sensitive surface

Even sensitive surfaces pose no problem. "The gripper closes as soon as the product is grasped or lightly touched. Even non-uniform products can be detected so that, with the correct clamping force, they are safely gripped. This is made possible by the built-in intelligence. The programmer can determine exactly under which conditions the grippers should perform which tasks and what the maximum contact pressure is, for example. Intuitiveness and intelligence are essential for applications with a high degree of automation. It prevents misgripping. And it ensures that parts to be rejected are already detected 'during the process', saving a lot of time and money."

Sticky surface

Rozendom gives a real-life example where the grippers are very suitable. "To gently lift sticky and self-adhesive products, such as chicken breast, off the surface, the gripper jaws are gently moved under the object to be gripped. Just before the product is placed, the gripper is opened halfway. This allows the product to adhere to the substrate before the gripper jaws fully separate for accurate and gentle placement."

Energy Savings

Finally, Rozendom mentions the energy-saving aspect. "Often, gripping operations in industry still use air compressors, which require a significant amount of energy to operate. They are big energy consumers in production facilities. With LinMot linear motors, therefore, energy savings of more than 95% are possible compared to pneumatic variants. Only the energy required for movement will be consumed."  

Complete solution for pick-and-place applications

The GM01 gripper module adds an additional element to LinMot's product line of stainless steel motors and modules through easy coupling and material standardization. Together with the SM01 guide, a complete pick-and-place application in stainless steel (EN 1.4404) can be built. The two linear modules SM01 realize movements in X and Z directions, while the GM01 can additionally move the gripped product in Y direction. A complete LinMot solution is characterized by high-quality resistance to corrosion and chemical influences and has a long service life even under difficult conditions.