Posted to News on 16th Jan 2008, 09:57
Compact gripper for handling and measuring applications
SMAC's new GRP17 is a compact, low-profile, high-performance gripper with a stroke length of 5mm per jaw and encoder resolution options of 5, 1 or 0.5um. The low moving mass, coupled to zero backlash and low hysteresis, provides the capacity to perform very rapid moves within tightly defined performance envelopes. Due to its high accuracy and repeatability, the unit is especially useful for QC measuring while parts are being handled, making it useful for inline QC inspection. Each jaw is controlled independently, enabling complex operations to be performed with ease.
Remarkably, the overall package size is just 17 x 55 x 70mm, yet these compact dimensions do not result in compromised performance. The GRP17 is capable of exerting a peak force of 500g per jaw despite the total mass being only 250g.
It can be controlled using either SMAC's proven range of single- and dual-axis controllers, or any other proprietary servo controller. As an alternative, SMAC's Smart Driver is capable of converting stepper signals into servo movement wherever a stepper-driven system is provided. The closed-loop nature of the system ensures that the position of each jaw is known at all times. Force, velocity and acceleration can all be programmed and monitored, so that the movement profile can be closely controlled, and procedures such as a 'soft land' are easily configured. Soft-land capability is especially useful for handling fragile components without causing damage.
