Economical and attractive

The new magnet gripper from the MHM-X7400A-TM series for cobots also provides a holding force of up to 200 N without power or air supply, ensuring sustainable safety during the suction and transport of ferromagnetic workpieces. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

The suction and transportation of ferromagnetic workpieces with uneven surfaces demonstrate the limits of vacuum units on collaborative robots. In such cases, magnetic grippers leverage their strengths to ensure a secure grip on the material across numerous industries. The new MHM-X7400A series from automation specialist SMC offers users a powerful yet energy-efficient solution specifically for cobots, achieving holding forces of up to 200 N with minimal dimensions, even without power or compressed air supply, and is ready for immediate use thanks to plug-&-play.

Whether in general automation and manufacturing industries, food and packaging sectors, or medical technology: many manufacturing sectors employ collaborative robots that need to pick up ferromagnetic workpieces with perforated or uneven surfaces using magnetic grippers. For even safer pick-and-place applications, pneumatic and electric automation technology provider SMC has expanded its magnetic gripper portfolio with a new series specifically for Cobot series. Among other things, the plug-&-play system is available for the TM series from OMRON CORPORATION and TECHMAN ROBOT Inc. (compatible with TM5, TM12, TM14): The MHM X7400A magnetic gripper achieves a higher holding force of up to 200 N (Ø 25, tool thickness 6 mm) compared to many comparable products and is suitable for applications where vacuum suction units cannot be used.

Precise performance where other solutions give up

The new series is the ideal choice when other solutions do not offer optimal performance: For example, vacuum suction cups cannot pick up porous or simply uneven workpieces. The SMC MHM-X7400A magnetic gripper, on the other hand, can handle workpieces with various geometries—ensuring reliable hold of sheets, metal plates, or other materials with ferromagnetic properties. Thanks to magnetic force, protection against falling is guaranteed even when compressed air or power supply is interrupted, enabling energy-efficient operation. The holding force can be adjusted continuously by changing the distance between the magnet and the workpiece via the adjustment screw. This prevents damage to workpieces caused by excessive holding force or unintentional pickup of multiple parts.

Efficient operation in robot environments

Available with a diameter of 25 mm, the size of the MHM-X7400A series is particularly space-saving and lightweight. Thus, the magnetic grippers are well-suited for use in environments with limited space, such as robot arms, and can increase productivity through faster movements. The simple and quick connection of compressed air lines and electrical wiring via plug-&-play reduces installation time (M8 or M12 connector). Certified for various universal robots, the magnetic grippers of the MHM-X7400A series were also developed for use with OMRON CORPORATION and TECHMAN ROBOT Inc.'s Cobot models TM5, TM12, and TM14 (MHM-X7400A-TM), allowing, if needed, the parallel arrangement of multiple magnetic grippers—for example, for transporting large surface parts.

More holding force and flexibility for many industries

Furthermore, the mounting options make SMC's magnetic gripper a versatile partner for pick-and-place applications: Through threaded holes on the cylinder head and side, it can be mounted axially or laterally—mounting options via ball head mounts are also available as custom solutions. Axial installation is also possible centered using an adapter. The electronically controlled signal indicators resistant to magnetic fields can be attached from two sides (standard environment: electronic signal indicator D-M9; environment with magnetic field: electronic signal indicator D-P3DWA; machine tool environment: water-resistant electronic signal indicator D-M7BAL-1232). A tool-free replaceable damping ring made of fluororubber on the cylinder head ensures gentle contact with the workpiece surface and prevents direct metallic contact.

Overall, SMC's new MHM-X7400A series magnetic grippers offer a more compact, powerful, and low-maintenance solution for collaborative robots compared to other models, reliably handling larger and heavier magnetic workpieces even when vacuum is unavailable or compressed air/power supply is interrupted. This benefits users with lower operating costs, reduced energy consumption by using magnets instead of vacuum, and ultimately helps achieve sustainability goals by lowering CO2 emissions—whether in automation, manufacturing, food industries, packaging lines, or medical technology.