All-in-one Talent: Electric vacuum gripper of the ZXPE5 series for UR cobots operates without an additional compressed air source

The electrically certified vacuum gripper series ZXPE5 from SMC, approved for the Cobots by UNIVERSAL ROBOTS, requires no air connection thanks to integrated components, is quick to assemble and install, and impresses with numerous suction cup configurations. Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH

Whether in the pharmaceutical, food, or packaging industry: Cobots are ideal assistants for pick-and-place applications or palletizing. Equipped with vacuum grippers and suitable suction cups, they are primarily suitable for gentle handling of delicate and uneven workpieces such as films or bag packaging. To ensure quick and space-saving connection of the end-of-arm tool (EoAT), SMC has developed the electric vacuum gripper of the ZXPE5 series. This requires neither air connection nor air line, includes all peripheral devices in a single unit, and can be connected in no time. The advantages are complemented by its lightweight and low power consumption, three operating modes, and numerous suction cup variants, which are supported by additional features of the series specifically for UNIVERSAL ROBOTS cobots.

Collaborative robots (Cobots) are at home across industries. When equipped with efficient tools, they are an ideal support for their human colleagues. This applies, for example, to vacuum grippers for pick-and-place applications or label sticking. With the ZXPE5 series, automation specialist SMC has now developed an electric vacuum gripper that integrates all components for vacuum generation into a single unit, eliminating the need for an air connection and air line. This not only saves space and weight but also reduces assembly effort. Additionally, the gripper, certified for UNIVERSAL ROBOTS cobots, impresses with three operating modes, numerous suction cup configurations, and high process safety.

All-in-one helps save

Since the otherwise peripheral devices—vacuum pump, atmospheric vent valve, digital pressure display, and suction cup—are integrated into the housing of the ZXPE5 series, and vacuum generation is electrical, there is no need for an external air connection or air line. This not only reduces resource consumption and material costs but also wiring effort and machine weight—without adapters, suction cups, or mounting flanges, the net weight is only 556 g. Furthermore, process safety is improved thanks to reduced risk of leaks or hose breakage. The diagnostic function, which compares the initial state and the current vacuum status when no workpiece is being sucked, along with the corresponding status display, provides additional security. The 360° view of the display also allows maximum flexibility in positioning the solution. Moreover, the standardized mounting flange according to ISO9409-1-50-4-M6 simplifies tool exchange. Only two clamp screws need to be loosened or tightened, and an M8 connector connected.

Flexible and versatile

In addition to quick tool changes, the adaptability regarding the number, spacing, and selection of vacuum suction cups ensures maximum flexibility. One, two, or four vacuum suction cups can be mounted, with the spacing variably adjustable. The suction cups are available in shapes such as flat, flat with ribs, bellows, narrow/flat, multi-stage bellows, 2.5-stage bellows, 5.5-stage bellows, and a flat version for film packaging, in diameters of 8, 10, 13, 16, 20, 25, 30, 32 mm. Material options for the suction cups include NBR, silicone rubber (white and blue), urethane rubber, and FKM. Thanks to the variety in configuration options, a broad range of applications can be covered.
The electric vacuum gripper also offers three operating modes for the vacuum pump: automatic, manual, or continuous. This increases process safety and reduces power consumption by up to 64% through optimized operation for the application. The optional vacuum safety valve of the ZP2V series from SMC further enhances both effects: it prevents workpieces from falling during transport, and air consumption is optimized again, saving costs and reducing the CO2 footprint.

Ready for quick deployment

Suitable for an operating temperature range of 5 to 40 °C, the ZXPE5 series is certified for UNIVERSAL ROBOTS' Cobot series UR3(e), UR5(e), UR10(e), and UR16(e). The movements of the cobot and the operation of the vacuum gripper can be programmed and controlled using the easy-to-use URCap software. Thanks to quick mounting, fast installation of the gripper, and simple programming, a cobot equipped with the electric vacuum gripper ZXPE5 is ready for use in a short time—whether in general manufacturing or in specialized industries such as forestry, paper production, or medical industries.