J. Schmalz GmbH presented vacuum handling solutions at K 2013.
For the first time, Schmalz will show the vacuum tube lifter called JumboFlex 50, which allows lifting with one-hand operation from 35-50 kilograms.
An intuitive single-button control and larger soft-touch inserts make it even easier for users to lift and transport loads. The company also has developed a larger lift tube and vacuum pump, to increase the tube lifter's suction rate.
The Schmalz booth at K focused on their gripper and components for lifting fiber-reinforced plastics, including needle grippers that can handle fiber textiles without damaging them.
Also new from Schmalz is holding fixtures for simple clamping of components during machining. The advanced version is automated: height-adjustable cylindrical tubes act as both a mount for suction pads and delivers the vacuum. The end positions of the cylinders are calculated and transmitted to the motor through an interface with the computer aided manufacturing software. Once the cylinders reach the end positions, the vacuum is automatically activated and the clamping procedure begins.
Schmalz is based in Glatten, Germany.
Tel 011 49 74432403-506, www.schmalz.com.