The SCHUNK Safety gripping systems, EGN and EZN, are among the most innovative new products at Automatica 2014. The world’s first gripping systems certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 13849, with the SLS, SOS, and STO functionalities, enable safe man/machine collaboration where space is at a premium. The satisfy the Performance Level d requirements, as well the SIL 3 requirements, and establish personal safety to the actuator level.

In the interaction with safety shut-off mats, door switches, light curtains or 3D cameras for area monitoring, with the SCHUNK safety gripping systems, it is now possible to define hierarchical protection zones without completely interrupting the production process through emergency shutdowns if man/machine contact is too close. Instead, depending on the protection zone that is activated, the grippers either go into a safe limited speed or into a safe operational stop. Unlike the solutions available on the market, the SCHUNK safety gripping systems are also continuously energized in safe operational stop, so that the parts grasped can be reliably held even without maintaining mechanical gripping force. As soon as the protection zone is released, the grippers switch back into regular operating mode without having to start up the plant again; this enables new scenarios of direct man-machine cooperation.

Broad spectrum of implementation
The mechatronic SCHUNK EGN/EZN 2-finger parallel gripper or 3-finger centric gripper program is completely modular and covers a broad spectrum of applications. Gripping force, speed, and finger position can be regulated and controlled while the handling process is running. Because the gripper fingers are already pre-positioned during the procedure, extremely short cycle times can be realized. All modules have the patented SCHUNK multi-tooth guidance: Multiple, prismatic guides, arranged in parallel make it possible to absorb moments, and thus minimize wear as well as guide play. Depending on the size, the high power density mechatronic modules of the family-run company generated gripping forces up to 1,000 N.

Safety functionality can also be retrofitted
In addition to the basic version, the mechatronic SCHUNK Universal Gripper is also available for dusty, damp, or corrosive environments. Cable sets that are suitable for drag chains or robots are available in different lengths appropriate for the application. A brushless servo motor whose rotary movements are converted into a lift movement via a spindle nut, provides the drive. A resolver connected directly on the motor continuously scans the position of the servo motor and enables precise positioning of the gripper fingers. The EGN/EZN is activated by the SCHUNK ECM controller equipped with standard plug-and-socket technology, either by Profibus (up to 12 mbps) or CAN bus (up to 1 mbps). The ECM controller enables extremely easy commissioning and parameter assignment by PC, USB stick, or rotary encoder switch. To use the certified functionalities, SLS, SOS, and STO, the grippers have been supplemented with a SCHUNK safety module that queries the resolver and compares it with the values of the ECM. No modifications of any kind are required on the gripper. Modularly structured, the safety function can be retrofitted at any time.

In order to achieve precision in the sub-micron area during ultra precision machining, toolholders need features such as balancing grade extremes. What has only been achieved with great effort until now, is now being offered by SCHUNK, as a standard: The polygonal toolholders of the TRIBOS-Mini and TRIBOS RM series are immediately available with the interfaces HSK-E 25, HSK-E 32, and HSK-F 32 starting from clamping diameter 0.5 mm, on option also ultra-fine balanced at a balancing grade of G 0.3 at 60,000 rpm.

Therefore demanding requirements in terms of dimensional accuracy and surface quality in the micro-mold making can now be met in the optical industry, the medical technology, and the watch and jewelry industry can be met. Compared to conventional balanced toolholders for micro machining, their tool life is longer. Since expensive cutting edges are used for micro machining, an excellent balance grade pays off after a very short period of time.

The TRIBOS polygonal toolholder technology which has been developed and patented by SCHUNK is an expert in the field of micro machining. Even the standard mountings convince with a run-out and repeat accuracy of less than 0.003 mm at an unclamping length of 2.5 x D and a balancing grade of G 2.5 at 25,000 rpm. They are suitable for every tool shank in h6 quality, and depending on the type, tested up to 205,000 rpm. Since the mountings have no movable parts, they are mechanically insensitive, and ensure almost maintenance- and wear-free clamping. Even after several thousand clamping rounds there are no signs of material fatigue. Additionally, tool change of TRIBOS is process-reliably done via a hydraulic clamping device within a few seconds.