Automation Canada - Automation in 2021 - 6

Reap the Benefits of Compressed Air With
Vacuum Grippers
Another gripper technology is the vacuum
gripper, which combines suction cups and
vacuum generators. Compact and flexible,
these grippers
are ideal for limited work
spaces and can handle a variety of objects at
high speeds. At the same time, however,
vacuum grippers can run up your maintenance
and operating costs; suction cups are
susceptible to quick wear, while generators
consume high rates of compressed air and can
easily clog in the presence of dust and other
contaminants.
When it comes to suction cups, it's
important to consider the nature of your
workpiece when selecting a material. Buna
suction cups, for example, are ideal for oily or
plain workpieces, while silicon is suitable for
food, as well as hot or cold objects. In
addition, polyurethane is a good choice for
oily, plain and rough workpieces; viton is
suitable for oily, plain and hot workpieces; and
anti-static buna is ideal for electronics.
Cup shape is also an important factor,
especially when it comes to gripping objects
that are flat versus round, slim versus large and
sturdy versus delicate:
* Standard cups-for flat or slightly
undulating surfaces.
* Bellows type-for pliable workpieces, as
well as surfaces that are bevelled, domed
or round. This type is also suitable for glass
bottles, lightbulbs and other delicate
objects.
CANADIAN AUTOMATION
Suction cup shapes and surfaces for vacuum grippers.
* Oval type-for slim or oblong
workpieces.
* Extra deep-for round and domed
workpieces.
Vacuum sources fall into two categories:
electro-mechanical vacuum pumps/blowers,
as well as compressed air-driven vacuum
generators/ejectors. In general, electromechanical
pumps and blowers can achieve
high vacuum and suction rates-up to 99.99
percent and 1,200 cubic meters per hour,
respectively. At the same time, however, these
machines tend to be heavy and large,
requiring a reservoir with a complex piping
system. Because they run continuously, they
also consume a lot of current, which generates
heat.
Compressed-air driven generators,
especially single-stage units, overcome many
of these challenges. Compared to
electro-mechanical pumps and blowers, they
are more compact, lightweight and easier to
install. They include simpler piping systems,
require lower upfront costs and incorporate
no electrical connections, eliminating harmful
heat buildup. Although these units can run up
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4
6
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