Posted to News on 11th Mar 2008, 20:33
VGS vacuum gripper system boosts productivity
PIAB is launching the VGS series of vacuum gripper systems, which comprises three gripper sizes that enable users to increase productivity and lower operating costs. With varying levels of vacuum flow, the units are versatile for material handling applications, as well as offering reduced energy consumption, faster response times and improved reliability. Suitable for use in a variety of industries, the VGS series is useful for pick-and-place, injection moulding, palletising and similar tasks.
Each system utilises an integrated COAX cartridge, designed to position vacuum power precisely where it is needed, thereby making maximum use of energy and increasing speed by eliminating line losses and inefficiencies. Vacuum flow levels are dependent on the size of the cartridge integrated in the system. The VGS series also features Duraflex suction cups in varying sizes to ensure a strong and reliable seal on difficult-to-handle materials such as plastic bags and cardboard boxes.
The VGS series can be utilised in each step of the manufacturing process to improve efficiency. Providing the lowest level of vacuum flow, the VGS 2010 is suitable for high-speed handling of small, leak-free or non-porous materials, such as blister packs, in pick-and-place applications. The carton erecting process is improved with the VGS 3010, which provides a flexible design that eliminates the need for multiple end effectors. This enables quick and easy changeover and reduces downtime when handling different shapes and sizes, such as materials removed from an injection moulding machine.
For challenging applications like carton and bag handling, the VGS 5010 provides maximum vacuum flow and can be mounted directly onto large suction cups for a more decentralised approach. Suitable for securely handling porous materials, the VGS 5010 compensates for air leakage in materials such as cardboard. PIAB says the VGS 5010 offers a significantly higher material handling speed compared to traditional centralised vacuum system, providing reduced downtime in end-of-the-line applications such as large carton erecting and palletising.
