Mini grippers make robotic fingers ideal for multiple installation

Citation

(2004), "Mini grippers make robotic fingers ideal for multiple installation", Industrial Robot, Vol. 31 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2004.04931dad.002

Mini grippers make robotic fingers ideal for multiple installation

Mini grippers make robotic fingers ideal for multiple installation

Keywords: Robots, Grippers

Available from Leader Grippers, UK, is a family of space-saving miniature grippers characterised by an extremely slim design.

These “finger-like” devices are said to be ideal for side-by-side installation on robots and other types of automated assembly machines.

An internal linkage drives a double-acting pneumatic cylinder, while the jaws, which move concentrically, connected to the centre section by pivoting arms.

By changing the pin linkage configuration, units can be switched from air-closing and spring- opening to spring-closing and air-opening.

Jaws are constructed from steel and faces can be readily machined up to 12 mm. Depending on the form of the workpiece, they can be turned, milled or drilled.

Materials that can be picked up quickly and easily held include, paper, hoses, chains, strips and flat metal sheets.

Additional factory-plugged air connections are located on the reverse side of the gripper's hard anodised aluminium body.

Manufactured by German workholding specialist, Sommer Automatic, these failsafe products are designated by the GM Series. All have a total wedge stroke of 2 × 35° and closing forces range from 12 up to 55 N cm.

The basic dimensions for standard models are 11 × 63 mm for the smaller units and 16 × 84 mm for the larger.

Leader can also supply double-acting version that feature air connections for both opening and closing for more power and faster cycles.

For more information contact: Leader Grippers, 3B2 Cooper House, 2, Michael Road, Fulham, London SW6 2ER, UK. Tel: (0207) 6106884; Fax: (0207) 6106872; E-mail: information@leader-grippers.com; Web site: www.leader-grippers.com