SCHUNK is pushing the electrification of its portfolio forward, to further expand the possibilities for efficient, sustainable manufacturing processes. Following the successful market launch of the smart EGU parallel gripper, SCHUNK is now presenting a 3-finger variant of the universal EZU gripper. It can be used to reliably implement loading and unloading processes with cylindrical workpieces. The flexible gripper can also be used in the automotive industry, for example, when handling shafts or gears for manufacturing or assembly processes of drivetrains.
The automation expert has developed a common software platform for his mechatronic gripper series, which ensures consistent programming and commissioning. On this basis, different gripping methods can be used for application-specific handling. In addition to the BasicGrip standard mode, users can also apply more force from the gripping process for both, the EGU and the new EZU: In StrongGrip mode, the standard gripping force can be dynamically increased dynamically by up to 200%. This allows heavy, insensitive workpieces to be handled without having to exchange the gripper. In addition to this newly gained flexibility, users benefit from extensive communication interfaces, PLC function modules and plug-ins from all leading robot manufacturers as well as a consistent control protocol for data exchange.
Like its 2-finger counterpart the EZU also has an integrated gripping force maintenance for detection of workpiece loss. The gripping forces can be generated without minimum traveling distance, which significantly accelerates the overall process. Even in the event of an emergency or power failure, the EZU maintains at least 80 percent of its gripping force. Another plus: The integrated absolute encoder ensures permanent referencing and a quick restart.
The centric gripper was designed to handle a wide variety of parts in flexible production. For this purpose, SCHUNK offers the EZU in three sizes with strokes from 30 to 40 millimeters and with a gripping force of 175 N up to a maximum of 3,600 N. Its freely programmable jaw stroke enables efficient handling of different workpiece sizes. The universal gripper also shows its strength in terms of fault tolerance. Its spur gear unit generates an almost constant gripping force along the entire finger length, which also forgives positioning inaccuracies.
The sealed design and the proven sliding guidance make the gripper particularly suitable for use in harsh environments where it is exposed to chips or coolant. In the dust-proof version, the degree of protection of the guidance can be increased to IP64, so that the gripper can also be used in grinding applications exposed to splashing water. This makes it a durable all-rounder in all manufacturing environments.