The increasing demand for customized products, for example in nesting or sheet metal working, leads to an increasing number of applications with high variation and low volumes. This poses challenges for production companies: they often have to adapt processes and machines to the various workpieces.

With the FMG matrix gripper, Schmalz has developed an innovative solution for the automated handling of flat and predominantly suction-tight workpieces. Thanks to its modular design, the FMG can grip almost any shape. The gripper size can be easily expanded (or reduced) as needed with additional modules.

The suction cups can be activated individually and selectively with compressed air. This extends the suction points by 10 millimeters using a spring plunger.

At the same time, a channel opens that directs the external vacuum to the workpiece. This ensures that only the suction cups required to grip the geometry come into contact with the workpiece.

Leaks at inactive suction points are eliminated. The integrated air-saving control ensures low energy consumption and a constant vacuum supply. The system secures the workpiece thanks to its auto-hold function, even during a power outage. Thanks to the standardized suction cup interface, users can use various suction cups with diameters ranging from 12 to 28 millimeters.

A higher-level machine control or a camera sensor provides grip point data to activate the suction cups based on the geometry and position of the workpieces. Alternatively, Schmalz offers a complete system, including a camera and software, for product recognition and grip point calculation. Thanks to simultaneous control, the system is ready for new items in less than a second.

The matrix gripper requires an external vacuum supply. The air-saving function reduces compressed air consumption by up to 80 percent.