A new product is shaping Schmalz's appearance at Blechexpo 2025 – and it has the potential to revolutionize the design process. With the Digital Engineering Service, digital designs of customized gripping solutions are created automatically, which was previously simply not possible due to the enormous data volume and high time expenditure. With just a few clicks, users receive a reliable design, precisely tailored to their workpieces.
The basis is CAD data or simple parameter inputs. The software analyzes geometries, centers of gravity, and possible gripping points and creates an optimized model that can be directly used for automation. The advantage: The process is up to 80 percent faster than any manual analysis – from a week of design time to one day. The result is a solution that conserves resources because it avoids unnecessary components.
Smart gripping, automated loading and unloading
At the trade fair, Schmalz also presents the Solution Kit ivOS Sheet Metal. This combines 3D vision sensors, the appropriate gripping technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) into a plug-and-work solution for sheet metal handling – increasing productivity in semi-automated processes by up to 50 percent. With the next step towards full automation, increases of up to 90 percent are even possible.
The system automatically recognizes different or unknown workpiece geometries without the need for programming or manual intervention. The AI segments the workpieces to be gripped and independently selects the strategy and control of the suction cups. It takes over the complete process planning, calculates the best gripping point, and controls the robot collision-free to the drop-off point.
When requirements in production change, the software optimizes part handling and continuously expands the spectrum of recognized workpieces and executable processes. This provides companies with a future-proof system.
Reliably move workpieces with different geometries? The Matrix surface gripper FMG, also on display in Stuttgart, can do that. The modular system automates the handling of different workpiece shapes and dimensions. Especially in high-mix-low-volume processes, the gripper shows its flexibility. It selectively picks individual workpieces from complete stacks and securely handles even very thin parts. This is made possible by individually controllable suction grippers in each module; multiple modules can be combined into a large surface gripper. Even in the event of loss of actuator voltage, the Matrix surface gripper FMG holds the suctioned workpieces.
Ergonomic solutions for moving heavy loads
With the crane portal KBG and the vacuum lifting device VacuMaster Comfort, Schmalz focuses on the manual handling of large sheets, for example, when loading CNC machines. Through a chain hoist hanging from the modular portal, a single person can lift, turn, or swivel loads up to 750 kilograms as needed by up to 180 degrees.
A regulated vacuum generator minimizes energy consumption and enables even handling of large and flat workpieces.
Another innovation in sheet handling is the oval bellows suction gripper SAOXB. This optimally adapts to curved, elongated workpieces – even on oily surfaces and at high cycle times. Its specially structured friction surface and high lifting capacity ensure secure holding power during fast movements and complex contours.
Intelligent control in mini format
Also on display at the trade fair: A clever solution for the automated handling of airtight and lightly porous materials. The Mini Compact Terminal SCTMi offers up to 16 stackable SCPMi ejectors and communicates via common interfaces such as IO-Link, PROFINET, EtherCAT, or EtherNet/IP. A variant with stacked valves divides a central vacuum generation into different suction zones. The special feature: The SCTMi models already have an integrated power blow-off function as standard.
Thanks to compact dimensions and low weight, they can be flexibly mounted and withstand high accelerations on the axis.
Schmalz at Blechexpo: Hall 1, Stand 1110
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