Today, vacuum technology forms a central element in the automated production and machining of plastic parts.

Regardless of whether the parts are injection-moulded or thermoformed and of the materials from which they are made, the parts can, with the aid of vacuum, be removed quickly, safely and without damage from the production machines, permitting these expensive machines to be used almost continuously.

The above-mentioned conditions result in specific requirements which the vacuum technology must fulfil. In other words, the vacuum-gripper and handling systems must:

• be constructed with the lightest possible moving parts,
• have the smallest possible dimensions,
• have a high performance,
• have the maximum possible technical availability and
• require as little maintenance as possible.

At the trade fair FAKUMA 2006 in Friedrichshafen (Hall A1, Stand 1409; 17.-21. Oct 06), Schmalz presents innovative vacuum components technology for the rational handling of parts in the plastics industry!

- Lightweight vacuum generators with additional functions - SBP-C

Extremely light basic ejectors made of plastic with integrated valve technology and vacuum monitoring offer new possibilities for the design of up-to-date gripper units.

While the very small vacuum sensor reliably monitors the system, the valves control the additional suction and blow-off functions.

>> SBP-C product information 

- Schmalz basic ejectors - Schmalz Base Pump "SBP"

 The new basic ejectors "Schmalz Base Pump" SBP are characterised by their low weight, extremely economic operation and high level of flexibility.

The new Base Pump is the ideal vacuum generator for highly dynamic, lightweight gripper systems.

>> SBP product information

  - Schmalz inline ejectors - Schmalz Line Pump "SLP" 

 The new inline vacuum generators are extremely light, powerful and easy to install!

With a weight of only 5 g, this ejector is the world's lightest inline ejector!

>> SLP product information

In the plastics industry, it is important that the vacuum is built up very quickly in order to permit rapid gripping and release of the workpieces.

For this purpose, the vacuum generator is mounted as close as possible to the consumer (the suction pad), which means that it has to move at the same speed as the entire gripper system.

This results in the following important prerequisites for the vacuum generator:

• Low weight
• Minimum size
• Integrated monitoring functions (vacuum switch!)
• Fast and easy installation

The Schmalz compact ejector SCPM "MiniPump" meets all of these requirements and is thus predestined for use in handling units in the plastics industry. 

Particularly when combined with the new vacuum switch VS-V-AH/AV-T, the MiniPump offers the user decisive benefits:

• Rapid generation of the vacuum
• Precise monitoring of the vacuum level
• Quick and easy adjustment of the switching points (such as the vacuum level at which traversing may be started) with the aid of the "teach" button
• Compact, light-weight and flexible unit

These new vacuum switches contribute decisively to improved efficiency and process safety, since they can be used universally for safety monitoring, for the optimisation of cycle times or as measuring and switching elements for additional functions such as energy-saving devices.

Highlights:

• Minimal dimensions (only 10 mm wide)
• Low weight
• Precise sensors with excellent repeatability
• Very short switching times
• Two adjustable digital outputs
• Easy adjustment with the aid of a "teach" button
• Indication of the switching state by means of a red/green LED
• Flexible installation options! (horizontal or vertical, with threaded flange or plug-in union)

The vacuum switches are thus ideal for the construction of integrated, intelligent vacuum gripper systems.

Click here for more information on the subject of vacuum switches VS-V-AH/AV-T:

>> Product information VS-V-AH/AV-T

The connecting element between the plastic parts and the handling system is the suction pads made of the special material HT1, which are designed primarily for the removal of the hot parts from the injection mould.

Your benefits:

• Suction pads made of HT1 leave no visible marks on the workpiece
• Time savings, since the workpieces do not need to be cleaned
• The suction pads are completely free of substances which could interfere with the wetting by paint
• The parts can be painted immediately without problems
• HT1 suction pads withstand temperatures of up to 160°C, and are thus suitable for removing hot parts from injection-moulding machines
• Long operating lifetime, even when handling hot parts

More information about the suction pads designed specifically for the plastic industry can be found here:

>>  Product information HT1 suction pads

>>  Application example 

Competition advantage by the use of vacuum switches with adjustable switching point on push of a button!

We are at the trade fair:

Come and visit us at the Fakuma (Friedrichshafen; 17-21 October 2006) and see our innovative products for the plastics industry.

You can find us on Stand 1409 in Hall A1.

We look forward to seeing you there!