Anyone automating in the food, agriculture, packaging, or logistics industries knows the problem: potatoes, baked goods, dairy products, or items packaged in nets and blisters. The goods are irregularly shaped, sensitive, and vary in size and weight. Conventional mechanical grippers quickly reach their limits here. Schmalz now closes this gap with two new solutions: the finger gripper mGrip Basic and the control module SRCU Basic. These models specifically lower the entry barrier and bring the proven soft-touch handling to industries that previously had no economic access to automated handling.
Grabbing without leaving traces
Pneumatically controlled finger grippers are more adaptable than mechanical systems. The finger gripper mGrip Basic uses soft, variable finger modules with a specially developed geometry. They adapt to the shape of the items without damaging them. Finger spacing and position can be flexibly adjusted. This makes it suitable for applications with varying products – such as fruits and vegetables, confectionery and baked goods, or products packaged in foil.
A central advantage of the modular system: The finger modules can be quickly disassembled and repositioned thanks to the integrated fastening elements. When the product changes, the configuration changes, not the gripper. This reduces setup times and lowers investment costs.
Full control, minimal effort
The control module SRCU Basic complements this concept. The operator can manually adjust the output pressure via an adjustment handle, thereby varying the gripping strength. The vacuum switch displays the current pressure value. In addition, the control module features an internal pressure reducer that automatically limits the output pressure, thus preventing overload of the fingers. This extends the lifespan of the system. For applications with low product variance and up to 120 picks per minute, the module offers a particularly economical and reliable control solution.
Users can also integrate the finger gripper mGrip Basic into their own end-of-arm tool (EOAT) solutions, as the finger modules and mounting plates can be incorporated into custom gripper systems. This gives designers the freedom to develop tailored solutions based on Schmalz's proven soft-finger technology.
The platform mGripedia showcases over 100 real applications demonstrating how Schmalz automates the gentle, hygienic, and process-safe handling of sensitive products – from croissants to chicken legs. All use cases can be filtered to find the optimal solution for a specific workpiece. If needed, direct feedback from experts is just a click away. Thus, Schmalz not only provides hardware but also a tested modular system of know-how, data, and application experience that can be quickly transferred to one's own processes.
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