Automated wood-panel handling with vacuum technology

The video shows a machine line being loaded with coated MDF panels. For this project, Messrs. Biele in Spain requested advice from the vacuum specialists at J. Schmalz GmbH and decided to use vacuum components which were specifically designed for the flexible handling of wooden parts.

Due to the adhesion forces, the panels tend to stick together when the top panel is lifted from the stack. To prevent malfunctions, the top panel is pulled past a mechanical separator in order to remove any other panels which may be sticking to it.

In order to handle the forces resulting from this dynamic operation, suction pads of the type SAF were selected, since these have, in particular, a high coefficient of friction. This ensures maximum transport safety, good system availability and a long operating lifetime.