Posted to News on 28th Jan 2007, 11:33
Vactivator cylinder benefits from automatic stroke control
PIAB is introducing the Vactivator vacuum-handling cylinder featuring automatic stroke control. The simple design and precise tolerances of the Vactivator make it a low-energy option that is excellent for fast and accurate control in graphic and packaging applications, such as paper and blanks feeding, carton erecting, and pick-and-place procedures.
The Vactivator is actuated solely by vacuum, which means no additional equipment is required. Because of its forgiving design, a low level of energy is necessary for operation. This provides a reliable, cost-effective vacuum system with a lifetime of over 30 million production cycles under average industrial conditions.
Auto-return action
Counter to traditional gripping systems in which construction is often based on pneumatic cylinders, valves and sensors for the control of the piston rod, the Vactivator's piston rod stops and returns instantly when the suction cup contacts the object. No positioning units are needed, as the piston rod returns to its original position using vacuum and a return spring while the object is held by the suction cup. Suction cup gripping is possible anywhere within the stroke of the piston rod and, as the object is always released at the same position, advanced gripping equipment is unnecessary.
A limited number of couplings and pipes, along with a provided T-slot, makes installation of the Vactivator quick and easy. The cylinder is available in models V10/50 with a stroke of 0-50mm and V10/20 with a stroke of 0-20mm.
