Schunk’s adaptable EGA long-stroke gripper is easily integrated

The EGA can directly interpolate as an additional axis as it can be controlled with the same command set as the robot. Therefore problems with incompatible control signals can be eliminated and features of the system's control unit such as programming, safety or field buses can be directly used. The robust long-stroke gripper is based on a mechatronic platform that has already been tried and tested with the Schunk PHL pneumatic long-stroke gripper. It is extremely flat and compact so has less interfering contours. The guide carriages of its base jaws are bearing mounted and this minimises friction to provide for optimum force distribution. This allows the EGA to maintain constant precision over a long service life, says Schunk. Moreover, the weight-optimised gripper design improves the dynamics and energy efficiency of the system. Many popular industrial servo motors can be used as a drive system, particularly servo motors covering a voltage range starting at 230V AC. Depending on the application, the motor can be flange-mounted in parallel or by rectangular attachment in the direction of motion. Parallel flange mounting is particularly useful for robot applications, where the gripper's height has to be minimised. For gantry applications, a rectangular attachment is more advantageous, since the width of the gripper has to be minimised. The motor adapter kit for both attachment types is identical. The gripper is equipped with a crown gear head for ease of installation. The EGA is available in three sizes with size-specific stroke versions from 30 to 160 mm. At gripping forces of 650 N, 1,750 N or 4,000 N, it is suitable for handling larger components up to 20 kg, but also for batch production with various workpiece sizes that are running through one single production line. The EGA can also reliably grip components with large undercuts. Depending on the motor, protection class IP41 (mechanically), or IP67 (electrically) are feasible.