Magnetic gripper designed for the bakery industry
Goudsmit Magnetics of Waalre has developed a new magnetic gripper, specially intended for high temperature applications, such as those in the bakery industry. Utilising magnetism and compressed air, these grippers can be used for positioning and placing baking tins on the infeed conveyors as well as for destacking lids from a magazine.
The low weight, small installation dimensions and high switching speed make the gripper perfect for use in existing gripper units or robot systems. Operations can be performed immediately after the tins come out of a hot oven, and automates what has traditionally been a difficult and time-consuming task.
The gripper continues to function even when exposed to high ambient and product temperatures up to 120°C. Moreover, the gripper always remains in its last position – even when air pressure is lost – regardless of whether it is on or off.
The magnetic gripper’s square housing is constructed of high grade aluminium and is also nickel plated. It has various threaded holes and therefore offers numerous mounting possibilities. The contact surface is AISI 316 stainless steel. Switching requires compressed air, which is easily controlled with a 5/2 or 5/3 valve. The big advantage is that the baking tin cannot fall, even if the air supply is cut off.
In contrast to the common vacuum system, the magnetic gripper requires minimal maintenance and has a tested service life of more than one million cycles.
Visit the Goudsmit Magnetics website for more information.
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