Product category:
Pneumatic Actuators, Motors, Accessories
News Release from: Montech | Subject: Grippers
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 22 June 2000
The importance of grippers in automation
projects
Montech considers grippers to be a key element of automation projects, so has designed its range to fulfil the demands of automation systems, with models to suit virtually any application.
Montech considers grippers to be a key element of automation projects, so has designed its range to fulfil the demands of automation systems, with models to suit virtually any application This is in strong contrast to many of the grippers supplied by the pneumatics specialists, which tend to be designed in isolation
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 7 Feb 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Depending on the model used, the repeatability will typically be ñ0.05mm, though the high precision gripper can achieve +/-0.005mm.
It should also be borne in mind that all models are self-centring and that hardened guides and precision bearings are used throughout.
The grippers are designed for a life of 10 million cycles and carry a two-year warranty.
Further reading
Not all aluminium frameworks rely on T-slots!
Montech's Quick-Set framework system avoids T-slots and instead uses a superior dovetail clamping technique.
All-in-one linear units simplify automation
Montech's all-in-one modular linear units are pneumatically-actuated devices that provide automation designers with a simple, compact means of delivering precision linear motion.
All models are available for 48-hour delivery.
There are six product families within Montech's range of grippers, and all are high quality, precision components.
Customers can choose from parallel action - with high precision and long-stroke variants - scissor, toggle or angular action.
These last two types both open fully (180deg) to provide clearance when approaching and leaving the object being handled.
In addition, the long-stroke parallel action gripper is available with an optional incremental encoder for object verification, orientation and measurement.
One of the most attractive features of the Montech grippers is the option to have the gripper air supply fed directly via a rotary axis.
By using a 'conical stub' mounting (rather like a circular dovetail) and a simple arrangement of O-ring seals, the air can be supplied directly to the gripper with no need for external pipes.
However, a machine controller will probably need a signal to indicate when the gripper is closed (and/or opened), so what about the sensor cables? Montech has an answer to this too: known as the series DT pushbuttons, these sensors send an electrical signal to the controller when they have detected that the gripper air pressure has risen.
These devices are installed at the gripper air supply where it enters the rotary unit and they therefore eliminate the need for sensors to be attached to the moving gripper.
Although the conical stub provides a neat means of mounting the grippers on rotary units, customers can alternatively specify the Quick-Set dovetail so that the gripper can be easily, quickly and accurately fitted to other Montech automation elements or to a Quick-Set aluminium framework.
For installation on other automation systems, the grippers can be supplied with tapped holes and accurately machined dowel holes.
Unlike many of the grippers supplied by pneumatics companies, Montech's devices are not throw-away items but are, instead, fully serviceable.
There are also integral throttling orifices to protect the grippers against overloads from excessively high forces on the gripping fingers.
A comprehensive CD-Rom catalogue is available that includes technical data, CAD drawings and prices for the grippers, together with Montech's other ranges of automation components.
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