Automation Canada - Automation in 2021 - 4

Understand What Your Application Demands
To help you select the right gripper, it's important to first consider the
nature of your task, operating environment and workpiece-including
its size, mass and material. Some key considerations and questions to
ask yourself include:
* Environmental. What temperature range will your gripper operate
in? Will your gripper be exposed to dirt, dust, oil or moisture?
* Industry. Does your application involve food or other hygienic
workpieces? Will your gripper be exposed to cleaning processes? Does
your application require anti-static materials?
* Design constraints. What direction of motion do you need? What
is your application's maximum operating speed? How large is your
work space? Will your operators be sharing the space with collaborative
robots?
Other factors to keep in mind include upfront, operating and
maintenance costs, as well as energy consumption. Grippers fall into
several categories, and your answers to the above questions will help
you determine which type you need to get the job done as safely and
efficiently as possible.
Mechanical Grippers-Proven Reliability, Flexibility and
Durability
When it comes to handling applications, pneumatic or electric
mechanical grippers are the most common. Pneumatic grippers, which
make up 90 percent of the market, tend to be more lightweight and
cost-effective than their electric counterparts. They also feature higher
grip forces, can handle faster cycle rates and are more suitable for harsh
environments. Electric grippers, on the other hand, offer greater
precision, affording end-users with force and travel control. At the same
time, they tend to be heavier due to the presence of a motor and other
internal components, which also drives up their upfront costs.
Whether electric or pneumatic, mechanical grippers fall into several
CANADIAN AUTOMATION
design classes. Parallel grippers, for example, incorporate fingers that
pull directly apart. Two-finger designs are the most common, making
up 85 percent of the mechanical gripper market, while three-finger
designs are suitable for handling round objects or performing centering
functions. Other examples include radial and angular grippers, which
feature fingers that open at an angle. Radial grippers open to 180
degrees, making them suitable for applications involving varying or
inconsistent workpiece sizes. Angular grippers tend to be faster than
180 degree designs and open to roughly 30 degrees.
Pneumatic Grippers (90% of market)
* High grip force
* Faster cycle rates
* Basic control (open/close)
* Lighter weight (end of arm)
* Harsher environments (machining, welding)
* Less expensive
Electric Grippers (10% of market)
* Less grip force
* Slower cycle rates
* Flexible control (position, speed, force)
* Heavier weight (motor, etc.)
* Cleaner environments (medical, electronics)
* More expensive
Comparing pneumatic and electric grippers.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4
4
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