The design of electronic subassemblies for the automotive industry is subject to frequent change and often several variants are required to suit individual vehicle models. Without flexible-handling concepts, assembly systems for these varying requirements are severely restricted. The Festo HGPPI servo-pneumatic proportional gripper with its independent gripper-jaw movements provides the flexibility required to meet this challenge.
A real world example
Custom-engineering company, Axelius Automation, developed a flexible assembly system for electronic components for different variants of vehicle airconditioning system controllers for Behr Hella Thermocontrol. In this system, plugs are inserted into multicircuit electronic PCBs, which are then separated into individual circuit boards, tested on an ICT tester and packaged for final airconditioner controller assembly.
The servo-pneumatic proportional gripper positions the plugs over the circuit board. During the plugging operation it holds the plugs, which are inserted into the panels with a force of 100 N per pin.
Axelius project manager for system engineering Bernd Büsser says: “The proportional gripper can easily be adapted to different plug sizes without costly conversion. One signal from the system PLC via Profibus is all that is needed to adjust for different plug dimensions.”
Behr Hella Thermocontrol head of planning, Peter Stillers, says that he is delighted with the improved productivity generated by the new system and adds, “Previously, we could only insert a specific plug-type on a specific panel type on a single assembly line. Now we can produce a large number of variants with greater speed and flexibility.”
Functional description
The servo-pneumatic gripper combines mechatronics and microsystems technology in a single assembly, which integrates gripper technology, electronics, a displacement encoder and valves. The mechatronic intelligence enables the small and lightweight gripper to move its jaws independently of one another. This means that it can grip a wide range of shapes, weights and work piece surfaces.
Piezo technology saves space and energy since energy is only supplied during movement. Piezoceramic bending actuators with proportional switching characteristics provide fast cycle times. In the case of servo-pneumatic proportional grippers, information about the displacement signal and the force is always available to ensure controlled sequences. The gripper fingers with free and independent positioning offer maximum freedom of movement with accuracy.
Read more...Turning compressed air into a strategic energy advantage
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Compressed air accounts for up to 80% of a system’s lifecycle costs, yet often remains overlooked in energy strategies. CompAir’s Energy Check provides a data-driven analysis of the complete compressed air network to identify energy savings of 20 to 30% or more.
Read more...Air compressor secures premium meat company’s legacy
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
A tailored ELGi compressed air solution from Integrated Air Solutions is helping Tulisa Meat Market protect six decades of quality and consistency in its premium meat production.
Read more...Solving common automation challenges with Festo’s servo drive and servo motor solutions Festo South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Automation projects face challenges that include limited installation space, the need for precise and repeatable linear motion, rising cycle-speed demands, and seamless integration with existing control architectures. Festo’s servo portfolio directly addresses these issues with compact, modular drive and motor solutions designed for specific applications.
Read more...Identifying signs of hydraulic cylinder wear and tear CT Hydraulics (Nqoba)
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Recognising the early warning signs of hydraulic cylinder degradation is crucial for preventing costly downtime, ensuring operator safety and maximising the lifespan of your hydraulic systems.
Read more...Integrated Air Solutions opens Pinetown branch
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Integrated Air Solutions has opened a branch in Pinetown, bringing world-class diesel and electric air compressor services closer to customers in KwaZulu-Natal.
Read more...Cartridge-style flowmeter Axiom Hydraulics
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Sun’s new cartridge-style flowmeter QMEH delivers precise, real-time flow measurements for demanding hydraulic applications. Using a custom-built, state-of-the-art sensor, the QMEH accurately detects flow and converts the electrical signal into a proportional flow rate.
Read more...How to size and select a servo motor Festo South Africa
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Festo highlights some factors to consider in the process of sizing and selecting a servo motor effectively to ensure optimal performance, reliability and energy efficiency.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version