Swivel/gripper modules are fast and save space

Integrated swivel/gripper modules provide ultra-compact handling solution for pick-and-place applications and offer freely-adjustable swivel angle of up to 210s and fast cycle times.

Festo has introduced a series of pneumatic handling modules that combine a powerful swivel drive with a precision parallel gripper in a single, ultra-compact unit.

The new HGDS swivel/gripper modules provide machine and automation builders with a particularly flexible and cost-effective dual-functionality actuator for pick-and-place type applications.

They are designed to help machine builders and system integrators minimise design and installation time, as well as reduce purchasing costs.

To facilitate application matching, Festo offers a choice of three HGDS swivel/gripper modules, with different torques, gripper forces and gripper stroke lengths.

The smallest module can generate up to 0.85Nm torque, up to 30N gripping force, and has a gripper stroke length of 5mm.

The largest module in the series has commensurate ratings of 2.5Nm torque, 85N gripping force and a 14mm gripper stroke.

This combination of high rotational and gripping forces enables HGDS modules to provide industry-leading cycle times of just 0.5 seconds, making them ideal for high-throughput automation applications.

Typically, these include picking components from bowl or linear feeders and re-orientating them on assembly pallets; presenting components to automated inspection cameras; and picking components from in-feed conveyors, rotating them and placing them for assembly.

All three HGDS swivel/gripper modules employ the same innovative pneumatic technology.

The gripper unit - which can operate at up to 4Hz - is powered by a piston-driven rod, moving at 90s to the gripper jaws.

The rod's linear motion is transferred to the gripper jaws via a pair of backlash-free reversing levers.

A key advantage of this approach is that it allows the powerful gripper actuator to be mounted in-line with the swivel drive - minimising the overall dimensions of the module and enabling it to be used in applications where the work space envelope is extremely limited.

The swivel drive unit uses the rotary vane principle to provide powerful, fast response movement and is equipped with flexible buffers to cushion its rotary motion.

The two high power modules are optionally available with self-adjusting hydraulic shock absorbers for larger loads.

All three HGDS modules accommodate a large swivel angle of up to 210s, which can be adjusted to any desired value very easily and accurately.

Modules equipped with flexible cushioning buffers offer a swivel angle repetition accuracy of 0.2s, while the hydraulic shock absorber versions improve on this still further, offering an accuracy of just 0.02s.

Both the swivel and gripper actuators feature built-in magnets for position sensing, together with pre-drilled slots for adjustable non-contact proximity sensors, to simplify implementation of closed-loop control schemes.

Festo HGDS swivel/gripper modules can operate from lubricated or unlubricated filtered compressed air, accommodate a wide range of supply pressures from 3 to 8 bar, and use quick-connect push-in fittings for the air supply tubing.

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