Easy pneumatic positioning

The new type of pneumatic positioning device (PPD) from SCHUNK enables free pneumatic positioning with pneumatic grippers - with a simple set-up of gripper, sensor and positioning device. Thanks to the prefabricated PLC function blocks, commissioning is also very simple. This is an optimal solution for any gripping application where flexibility is required, for example for robotic applications that move workpieces of different sizes or position workpieces or close together.

Until now, free positioning with pneumatic grippers was only possible with solutions that were quite complicated for users. SCHUNK is now closing this gap with the new pneumatic positioning device. It was developed as an accessory for pneumatic grippers and is controlled via IO-Link. Together with a position sensor, every position of the gripper fingers can be controlled. This bypasses the principle of opening/closing the gripper. This new flexibility of pneumatic gripping requires only a simple adjustment of three components: the PPD, a position sensor and a standard gripper. And that means no modifications or special variants of the gripper are required. So with the PPD, this new gripping dimension can easily be retrofitted into the existing business process.

Optimize cycle times, avoid collisions

The flexible control of pneumatic grippers allows users to optimize their cycle times. Because the gripper fingers no longer have to move to the end positions before and after each gripping movement. The device prevents collisions with closely spaced workpieces because it pre-positions the gripper fingers. Moreover, the gripping force can also be adjusted with the device by adjusting the output pressure. This offers distinct advantages when several sensitive workpieces need to be gripped. It is possible to grip the workpiece even more gently by adjusting the speed of the gripper claw, as this reduces the gripping impulse.

Robust and precise

Four integrated fast 2/2 valves in the unit together with the integrated electronics and the positioning sensor (installed on the gripper) ensure a closed control loop. The IP67 sealed design makes the PPD ideally suited for deployment in industrial environments. The robust design allows the unit to be installed end-of-arm, allowing accurate positioning to be achieved with short hose lengths. This ensures positioning accuracy down to 0.5 mm. The PPD is available in three versions that differ in the flow rate of the internally installed valves. Size and weight always remain the same An IO-Link sensor from SCHUNK or all common analog sensors from other suppliers can be used as a sensor.