SMAC Introduces Programmable Micro Gripper for Handling Fragile Parts
The MGR5 Series Micro Gripper was developed to handle small very fragile parts - in SMACs case - the assembly of small and precise rotary encoders. It includes the companys patented Soft-Land feature, programmable force down to 5 grams, and two independently controlled gripper fingers to pick up asymmetric parts.
SMAC Moving Coil Actuators introduced details for their new MGR5 Series Micro Gripper. The SMAC MGR5 Series Micro Gripper is very light - around 30 grams - and can be used as an end effector on third party robots. The unit sells for less than $1,000, providing a reasonable cost for the solution.
The MGR5 Series Micro Gripper was developed to handle small very fragile parts - in SMACs case - the assembly of small and precise rotary encoders. It includes the companys patented Soft-Land feature, programmable force down to 5 grams, and two independently controlled gripper fingers to pick up asymmetric parts.
The MGR5 enables increased small part assembly - particularly of complicated small products that are made in very high quantities. Small part assembly is increasing - due to consumer product trends - such as smart phones and watches. These parts are too small and fragile to be handled by most humans. The product also feeds back what happened during the process - i.e. pick up occurred - correct position achieved - part was put down - etc.
MGR5 Series Micro Gripper Specs:
Dimensions [mm]: 30x47x19.5
Stroke [mm]: 10 (5 each)
Peak Force [N]: 1.7 @ 1.5 Amp (24VDC)
Encoder Resolution [µm]: 5 standard, 1.0 optional
The stroke of the MGR5 Series Micro Gripper is 10 mm (i.e., 5 mm per axis).
Small grippers are primarily pneumatic. Guides are not good, forces are too high due to seal friction, and gripper is single axis so off-set parts can be damaged.
SMACs built-in sensor feedback system gives SMACs devices, including the Micro Gripper, the unique mechatronic ability to "perform a task and verify its quality at the same time." This would allow the actuators to quality check key processes 100% in real time and feedback the results.
SMAC Moving Coil Actuators is primarily known for its true "mechatronic solutions." By that they mean their actuators have unique capabilities such as programmable and controllable position, velocity, and force, high accelerations, cycle life well over 100M, and a patent-pending "Soft-Land" capability. The Soft-Land capability is very useful when performing fragile part assembly, measurement, moving objects, etc.
SMAC electric grippers incorporate programmable speeds, positions and forces with data feedback. The ability to independently control each jaw allows precise force control, measurement and positioning. This makes them ideal for a wide range of positioning, measuring, and inspection applications, particularly where 100% verification is required.
Featured Product
The ERT150 - Dorner's Next Evolution of Edge Roller Technology Conveyors
The next evolution in Dorner's Edge Roller Technology conveyor platform, the ERT®150, is ideal for small and light-load assembly automation, as well as medical and medical-device assembly application. The ERT platform is the only pallet conveyor of its kind available with an ISO Standard Class 4 rating for cleanroom applications. Earning the ISO Standard 14644-1 Class 4 rating means Dorner's ERT150 will conform and not contribute to the contamination of cleanrooms to those standards. As implied by its name, the ERT150 (Edge Roller Technology) uses rollers to move pallets through the conveyor smoothly with no friction (a byproduct often seen in belt-driven platforms). The conveyor's open design eliminates concerns of small parts or screws dropping into rollers and causing conveyor damage or jamming. The ERT150 is suited to operate in cleanroom environments requiring a pallet handling conveyor. It is capable of zoning for no or low-back pressure accumulation and is ideal for automation assembly applications within industries including medical devices, electronics, consumer goods among others.
