Schunk extends WSG series of servo-electric two-finger parallel grippers

Schunk WSG series have a long, flexibly definable stroke that allows alternated and reliable handling of different components with a gripping force that can be precisely controlled via the power supply. The gripper has integral gripped part detection and a gripping force control system. Via standard sensor interfaces in the base jaws (UART, SPI and analogue), sensors are directly integrated into the gripping process without any additional cabling or interfering contours. With optionally available Schunk force-measuring fingers type ABF WSG050-DV, forces applied to the gripped component can be precisely recorded and controlled to allow the process-reliable handling of fragile components. Specially developed belt kinematics provide high chuck jaw speeds that reduce cycle times at a long stroke. The compact WSG32 achieves gripping speeds of 400 mm/s. Since the detection of the gripped component is already integrated in the WSG rather than monitored via attached end position switches, the gripper itself achieves a high positional accuracy. WSG units can be programmed via intuitive configuration without having to install any software. They can be quickly and easily commissioned via Ethernet TCP/IP through a conventional web browser that is integrated as standard. Moreover, it can also be used for remote diagnosis and for sending status emails. Programming effort is minimised by many common operations residing on board as intelligent gripping commands. On request, the range of functions can be individually adjusted to the application by using the integrated and easy-to-learn script language. This allows even complex tasks to be solved. The issued script can be stored on a MicroSD card, which can also be used for updates or replicating configuration data for other grippers. WSG 50 models can be controlled via Ethernet TCP/IP, Profibus, CAN-Bus, RS232 or via eight virtual digital I/Os. An additional Profibus monitor is integrated to simplify commissioning via Profibus. The WSG 050-110 has a stroke of 55 mm per finger, while the long-stroke WSG 050-210 has a stroke of 110 mm per finger. Both grippers achieve gripping forces between 5 N and 120 N. A third variant, the very compact WSG 32, has been specially designed for handling small parts. Via an Ethernet connection, it is directly network-compatible and as an option, it can be equipped with a CAN-Bus interface. Its stroke per finger amounts to 34 mm, and the gripping force ranges between 5 N and 50 N.