With this large-area vacuum gripper system, J. Schmalz GmbH extend their product range, above all for the woodworking industry. The extra strong suction bar SBX can be used wherever very rough or badly warped wooden boards have to be handled.

The large-area vacuum gripper system is normally mounted on an industrial robot. Due to its compact design, the SBX can be integrated easily into many different production processes. Pieces of wood which, in the past, had to be handled manually can now be moved automatically. 

Possible applications:

• Commissioning, sorting, moving, stacking of boards, strips, planks, glued beams, etc.
• Handling of building timber and sawn wood
• Suitable for warped boards with rough-sawn surfaces
• Lifting of complete layers or single pieces of wood

The large-area vacuum gripper system SBX can also be used for handling complete layers of other workpieces such as pipes or steel sections.

The highlights at a glance:

• Extra strong holding forces
• Adaptation to uneven workpiece surfaces
• Suitable for particularly long and heavy objects
• Minimum leakage, since unused rows of vacuum apertures are automatically closed, which also prevents the entry of dirt
• Very low intrinsic weight due to aluminium body
• Complete system, delivered ready for connection
• Very simple installation
• No disturbing cables or tubes

Benefits for the user:

• Simple handling of workpieces with varying dimensions and with openings
• Reliable lifting and movement due to high holding forces
• Very short cycle times and thus real time savings
• Suitable for many different applications

Construction:
The large-area vacuum gripper system SBX is based on a modular design and can be integrated easily into existing systems. Since its is made of anodised aluminium, the SBX has a very low intrinsic weight. The vacuum can be generated either internally (ejector version) or externally by a pump or blower.

Strong holding forces can be realised by using pumps or ejectors. They reach a maximum low pressure of -0.85 bar instead of -0.45 bar using a conventional blower. Double low pressure creates double suction power! That's a big advantage especially for very warped boards. They can be gripped easily.
Unused rows of vacuum apertures are closed automatically by means of so-called "flying balls", reducing leaks and preventing the entry of dirt and dust. Two beams can be combined, permitting handling of extremely long and heavy objects.  

Which large-area vacuum gripper system for which application?

In addition to the SBX, the product range of J. Schmalz GmbH includes the large-area vacuum gripper system FX/FM and the VacuBox. Which system is best for a given application must be decided individually.

In general:

• The FX/FM is very suitable for applications where the workpieces are relatively undemanding with respect to their weight, size, surface roughness and amount of warping.
• The SBX is used primarily to grip building timber and sawn wood with rough-swan surfaces. Due to its compact design, this large-area vacuum gripper system is generally mounted on an industrial robot, where it is extremely flexible.
• The VacuBox from Schmalz is generally used in a portal system and is best suited to very rough applications where extremely long, warped boards have to be handled. 

Are you interested? Would you like to discuss your personal problem with one of our staff? We are at your service.

Send us an email or call us at +49 (0) 7443 / 2403 - 230. Ken Steyerl will be glad to help you.