Posted to News on 13th Apr 2017, 15:18
Programmable micro gripper for handling small, fragile parts
SMAC is introducing the new MGR5 Series Micro Gripper, which is extremely light - weighing around 30g - and can be used as an end effector on robots or other handling systems such as pick-and-place units. The gripper sells for less than USD1000, providing a reasonably cost-effective option for the handling of fragile parts.
Originally SMAC developed the MGR5 Series Micro Gripper for handling small very fragile parts - SMAC needed to assemble small and precise rotary encoders. It includes the company's patented Soft-Land feature, programmable force down to 5g and two independently controlled gripper fingers to pick up asymmetric parts.
The MGR5 enables higher productivity for the assembly of small parts, particularly complicated small products that are made in very high quantities. Small part assembly - such as smart phones and watches - is increasing due to consumer product trends. These parts are too small and fragile to be handled by most humans. The product also feeds back what happened during the process - eg pick up occurred, correct position achieved, part was placed, etc.
MGR5 Series Micro Gripper Specification:
- Dimensions (mm): 30x47x19.5
- Stroke (mm): 10 (5 per jaw)
- Peak Force (N): 1.7 at 1.5A (24V DC)
- Encoder resolution (um): 5 standard, 1.0 optional
Small grippers are primarily pneumatic. However, in these products the guides are not always good, forces can be too high due to seal friction, and the gripper is a single-axis device so offset parts can be damaged.
SMAC's built-in sensor feedback system gives SMAC's devices, including the Micro Gripper, the mechatronic ability to perform a task and verify its quality at the same time. This would enable the actuators to quality check key processes 100 per cent in real time and feedback the results.
SMAC is primarily known for its true 'mechatronic solutions', by which the company means its actuators have capabilities such as programmable and controllable position, velocity and force, high accelerations, a cycle life of well over 100million and a patent-pending 'Soft-Land' capability. This Soft-Land capability is very useful when performing fragile part assembly, measurements, moving objects, and performing similar delicate tasks.
The ability to independently control each jaw's position , speed and force enables precise force control, measurement and positioning. This makes the grippers well suited for a wide range of positioning, measuring and inspection applications, particularly where 100 per cent verification is required.
Follow the link for more information about the new MGR5 Series Micro Gripper.
