Intelligent magnetic grippers improve ferrous automation
January 18, 2022
By CCE
They offer greater holding force than similar-sized electromagnets or EPMs.
Photo courtesy Festo Canada.
Festo Canada, based in Mississauga, Ont., serves as a distribution partner for Magswitch’s Electric Series (E-Series) of ‘intelligent’ magnetic grippers, which use proprietary switching technology to benefit ferrous automation applications in the manufacturing sector.
The grippers reportedly boast two to three times the holding force of similar-sized electromagnets or electropermanent magnets (EPMs). They are designed to reduce energy consumption, accelerate actuation, provide part correct/part incorrect feedback and decrease cycle time.
As they are smaller and lighter than electromagnets, they reduce the size of end-of-arm tools, allowing designers to use smaller robots and thus reduce footprint and capital cost. Pole shoes that shape the magnetic field are offered in standard and custom configurations, to ensure the correct grip for the application, such as stamping (including progressive dies) or resistance spot welding.
E-Series units operate on 24 V DC with serial communication protocols. There are options for control via any Ethernet protocol.
