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Automation Simplified - SMC MHM Magentic Gripper

Automation Simplified - SMC MHM Magentic Gripper

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 9:44:23 AM America/New_York

Why use a Magnetic Gripper?

MHM Gripper being used on Aubo Robot If you have an application in which you are moving a material that made of a ferrous material, a magnetic gripper might be a better solution than a vacuum cup or mechanical gripper solution. Magnetic grippers can handle a variety of material sizes, attach and release quickly, and allow easy grasping of a wide range of product shapes including items with holes.

A disadvantage of vacuum grippers is that they are susceptible to malfunction and subject to wearing out. Vacuum grippers also must be placed exactly depending on the work piece. If the work piece has holes or is not perfectly flat, the vacuum gripper may not be able to lift and move the work piece when a magnetic gripper can move the work piece.

Magnetic grippers are used for material handling, palletizing, and bin picking of automobile parts. Magnetic grippers are also used for palletizing metal containers like paint and solvent cans and other steel containers.

Different Kinds of Magnetic Grippers

Magnetic grippers either use electromagnets or permanent magnets. Grippers using electromagnets are generally powered by DC power. This solution is beneficial because the magnet can be turned off and on with an electrical switch. Grippers using permanent magnets do not require electrical power to operate - these magnets are always 'on'. The permanent magnet solution is unique in that it maintains grip even if power is lost in the facility.

How do Magnetic Grippers work?

Magnetic grippers use magnets (electromagnets or rare earth magnets) to 'grip or grap' the work piece. The magnets are switched on and off either electronically or pneumatically. This enables the system to pick up and transport even very thin steel sheets one at time. When gripper magnets are controlled pneumatically, they are permanent magnets meaning the gripper does not require a voltage source to allow the magnet to grab the work piece. In addition, this type of gripper will maintain grip if power is lost in the facility. Most magnetic grippers have a rubber buffer on the gripping surface to ensure that the work piece does not slide during pick-up and prevents the work piece from being damaged.

5 Advantages of Magnetic Grippers

Magnetic grippers only require one surface to hold the work piece.
Speed - magnetic grippers can attach and release work pieces quickly.
Flexible - one gripper can be used on parts of different shapes.
Magnetic grippers can attach to work pieces with holes.
Minimal maintenance

5 Disadvantages of Magnetic Grippers

Parts can slip if the gripper is moved too quickly.
Oil, dust, and other contaminants can reduce the strength of the end effector.
Machining chips can remain on the gripper.
Work pieces can stay magnetized.
Magnetic grippers can only be used with ferromagnetic material.

SMC MHM Magnetic Gripper

The SMC MHM Gripper is a magnetic gripper that can be used in place of vacuum cups or grippers when holding a metallic work piece. Position sensors can be mounted on all 4 sides and can be mounted on 3 sides.

Additional SMC MHM Gripper benefits:

1. Steel plates can be transferred without a vacuum.

2. Supports work pieces with holes and uneven surfaces where a vacuum pad cannot be used,

3. Holds work pieces even when air is shut off.

4. High holding force: 80 N (Work piece plate thickness: 0.6mm), 120 N (Work piece thickness: 1.4mm)

5. Residual holding force 0.3N or less (Reduces work piece release time)

To learn more about the SMC MHM Magnetic Gripper, contact your local Scott Equipment Company Account Manager, email sales@scotteq.com or call 800-222-2903.