Pick and Place Application Equipment

2 finger grippers are the most popular style of gripper.  SMC has many variations in 2 finger grippers to fit a variety of applications and work pieces.

3 finger grippers are great for round work pieces.  The 3 fingers movement is synchronized by either a wedge cam or a rotary cam mechanism.

4 finger grippers are optimal for postioning square work pieces as well as picking up round objects. Its wedge cam design minimizes its overall size while retaining a high holding force making it suitable for end-of-arm (end effector) or space constrained pick and place applications.

The Auto Hand Changing (AHC) system, coupled with a tool adaptor, can be quickly linked and interchanged with either a standard or high precision pneumatic gripper. It is very versatile and can be integrated into a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) making the AHC an effective 2-in-1 gripper component. The MA2 load bearing unit has a max. transportable mass of 3 kg, with a built-in failsafe mechanism for drop prevention when there is loss of air pressure. Paired with the tool adaptor, it can link with two types of grippers.

The LEH family of electric grippers includes three series fitted with two fingers. Series include the LEHZ standard, the LEHZJ with IP50 dust cover, and the LEHF with low profile fingers and long stroke options. Benefits include adjustable gripping forces, a drop prevention function, and gauging capability for recognizing different dimensions and outputting length measurements.

The LEHS series electric grippers are equipped with three fingers, offering the ability to hold round work pieces. Four sizes are available. Benefits include adjustable gripping forces, a drop prevention function, and gauging capability for recognizing different dimensions and outputting length measurements.

Series MHM is a magnetic gripper that can be used in place of vacuum cups or grippers when holding a metallic workpiece. Position sensors can be mounted on all 4 sides and can be mounted on 3 sides.

• Steel plates can be transferred without a vacuum
• Supports workpieces with holes and uneven surfaces where a vacuum pad cannot be used
• Holds workpieces even when air is shut off
• High holding force: 80 N (Workpiece plate thickness: 0.6mm), 120 N (Workpiece plate thickness: 1.4mm
• Residual holding force 0.3 N or less (Reduces workpiece release time)

SMC Vacuum Generators use compressed air to generate vacuum using a venturi. Vacuum levels down to -27 inHG (-91kPa) is obtained from multi stage units with suction flow greater than 7 SCFM (200 l/min.) SMC's  air vacuum generators can be connected via a manifold or used individually. These compact devices can also be customized to integrate suction filters, vacuum sensor switches, and supply/release valves onto the  generator. Additionally, SMC's generators can be configured to manage distribution of vacuum from a external vacuum source.

SMC vacuum cups are designed in a range of 19 diameters from 2mm to 200mm for use in delicate or heavy applications. SMC vacuum cups are available to fit many unusual shapes and are constructed from a variety  of premium materials such as Silicon, NBR, Urethane, Fluorine etc. Installation options can be specified on either spring loaded buffers or threaded stems. Special application cups are also available such as  check valve, porous material, annulus area etc.

The ZP, ZP2 and ZP3 series lateral entry adapters offer a wide variety of cup diameters, materials and designs to suit multiple applications. The adapters are available with SMC's acclaimed built-in one-touch fittings. Buffer types are available with strokes up to 50mm, depending on the series.

Non-contact suction cups (XT661) utilize the Bernoulli principle for picking up parts where direct contact is not feasible.  The design makes it possible for picking up porous, uneven and serrated surfaced objects.

XT661's design averts deforming or distorting the shape of fragile and non-rigid workpieces such as: foil, thin sheets, paper, and printed circuit boards. 

Visit SMC's Cobot Page: https://www.smcusa.com/help-support/applications/cobots/

Vacuum Generator and vacuum cup are integrated for space savings. The two-stage vacuum generator increases suction flow up to 50% and reduces air consumptions up to 30%. Design features allows for daisy-chain piping and the mounting with lock plates makes for easier maintenance.

ZP2V is a vacuum saving valve that when multiple vacuum pads are operated by one vacuum generator, and some of them are not holding the work piece, the reduction of vacuum pressure is restricted and the work piece can remain held by the rest of pads. When the work pieces have different shapes, the control circuit can be simplified. There is no need for switching operation when changing work pieces.