Schmalz responds to the increasing demands of modern packaging operations with intelligent Vacuum Automation solutions. These systems are specifically designed for applications where products are sensitive to handling, surface conditions vary or production lines must accommodate multiple formats and product variants. By providing secure gripping, gentle product handling and high process reliability, Vacuum Automation enables manufacturers to achieve greater operational flexibility, consistent quality and maximum efficiency, even in demanding production environments.
Many packaging systems handle parts with irregular shapes or different procurements. With the modular finger gripper mGrip and its flexibility thanks to adaptable opening angles, gripping force and finger positions, users can map product changes without having to reinvent handling every time. The end effectors adapt to different formats, eliminating adaptation times. At the same time, process reliability is increased because the mGrip works reproducibly even with varying workpieces: The system grips safely, transports reliably and deposits in a controlled manner. This reduces supply errors, which can quickly lead to jams in packaging lines.
Automated movement of flexible movers
Bags require very little material, but they also have disadvantages: they are non-rigid, form folds and often do not lie flat. This is exactly where the PSPF bellows suction cup comes in. Its soft, supple sealing lip holds even bags with a lot of wrinkling. Schmalz combines this sealing lip with a reinforcing bellows that provides stability and grip during fast cycles. This allows operations to cycle pick and place applications to the second. The PSPF bellows suction cup supports this process, even when bags are only slightly filled and are therefore more deformed. Users benefit from reproducible gripping processes, fewer rejects and fewer system stops.
Height flow rate, less effort
In addition to the gripper, the vacuum generation determines the cycle and stability. Schmalz offers the SCPLi compact ejectors for this purpose. They generate vacuum from compressed air according to the Venturi principle, sit close to the gripper and deliver a suction rate of 290 to 1,140 liters per minute, depending on the version. This shortens evacuation times and supports fast packaging processes. The device transmits data directly to the control system via IO-Link, allowing operations to monitor and optimize gripping in a targeted manner. Users will also be interested in the flexibility: an optional air-saving regulation feature also enables the efficient handling of air-tight materials such as glass or sheet metal blanks. There is also a new flange version that docks the SCPL compact ejector series directly onto the gripping module, so that vacuum generation does not require lengthy pipe runs and unnecessary flow losses do not occur in the first place.
Schmalz supplements the automation at interpack with vacuum tube lifters such as the JumboFlex for manual processes. They support ergonomic lifting and moving, which relieves employees and keeps the material flow stable. Tube lifters are suitable when cardboard boxes, bags or shrink wrapped goods are moved frequently and the line requires high repetition rates.
