Many users in various sectors of industry are already familiar with the innovative large-area gripper systems FX/FM from the vacuum specialist J. Schmalz GmbH in D-72293 Glatten. These systems have a modular design and are available in two different variants: The "FX" is a large-area vacuum gripper with integrated vacuum generation (ejectors), while the "FM" has no integrated vacuum generation. The various modules can be combined to form individual vacuum gripper systems.

The FX systems are used primarily with handling and robot systems, while the FM systems are particularly suitable for flexible use together with handling devices or, as the result of recent developments, with vacuum tube lifters. With the new JUMBO FM gripper, Schmalz have added a new model to their range of grippers. This gripper, with its compact dimensions (400 x 120 x 50 mm or 600 x 12 x 50 mm per FM module), low intrinsic weight (10.9 kg or 16.5 kg), high lifting capacity (40 kg or 55 kg) and extremely simple handling, is ideal for use with a vacuum tube lifter.

The JUMBO FM gripper permits handling of workpieces and goods of many different types weighing up to 55 kg, even if the gripper is not fully covered by the workpiece. The special sealing mat ensures safe gripping without damage to the workpiece surface, thus opening new opportunities for handling with vacuum. Suitable vacuum tube lifters for use with the new gripper are the JUMBOERGO 45 or 65, equipped with the powerful vacuum blowers SB-L or SB-V.

The FM gripper can be used for handling any loads which are suitably rigid, do not weigh more than 55 kg and cover at least 50% of the lower surface of the vacuum gripper.
 

The vacuum is provided by the blower which powers the vacuum tube lifter; the ejector needed for operation of an FX griper is no longer needed. The use of a single medium for gripping and lifting ensures that this combination of vacuum tube lifter and gripper easily exceeds the statutory safety regulations.

The vacuum tube lifter JUMBOERGO 45 or 65 equipped with a large-area gripper system FM can be used to handle many different workpieces, such as wooden panels with holes, profiled sandwich panels, pallets or even complete layers of narrow strips of wood safely, precisely and economically.