Ready for immediate use: New vacuum gripping unit of the ZXP-X1 series for collaborative robots

The vacuum gripper unit of the ZXP-X1 series – here as an example mounted on a cobot – enables quick and easy plug-and-play assembly thanks to its design and offers a high variety of options for attaching vacuum suction cups for numerous applications. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

From pick-and-place applications and conveyor lines to labeling or palletizing: vacuum grippers on collaborative robots (short Cobots) enable safe and fast processes. To save time during installation and maintenance and to achieve particularly high flexibility for various applications, SMC has further developed its vacuum portfolio with the ZXP-X1 series. Among the advantages is the plug-and-play feature.

Especially in times of change, it is more important than ever: customer requirements can change repeatedly. At the same time, maintenance and servicing are indispensable to ensure process safety at all times. This also applies to cases where vacuum grippers are used on Cobots, for example. SMC, the specialist for pneumatic and electric automation, offers a new solution with the vacuum gripping unit of the ZXP-X1 series, from which users can benefit extensively: time savings during installation and maintenance, greater flexibility thanks to a variable number of vacuum cups and individual mounting options, as well as space savings through an all-in-one unit with an integrated vacuum generator and pressure sensor.

Quick (re)ready for use

The connection of the vacuum gripper ZXP-X1 is remarkably quick and easy according to the plug-and-play principle: the simple and intuitive programming allows for quick commissioning by effortlessly connecting the air supply line and electrical wiring via M8 connector. Mounting the gripper with the standardized ISO9409-1-50-5-M6 flange is also straightforward with minimal effort. Additionally, a mesh fabric attached to the vacuum port prevents the ingress of foreign objects. “Overall, users receive a solution that offers time savings during installation and maintenance – and thus saves costs,” says Irina Hermann, Product Management at SMC.

Variety with a compact design

Depending on the application, not only 1, 2, or 4 vacuum cups can be attached to the gripper, but also various suction variants – whether regarding diameter (8, 10, 13, 16, 20, 25, 30, or 32 mm), cup shape (flat, ribbed flat, thin flat, bellows, or multi-stage bellows), or material (NBR, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, or FKM). Furthermore, the cups can be mounted at different distances thanks to the mounting flange and can also be used separately with an external vacuum source. This extensive flexibility opens up numerous possibilities for process engineers in planning their systems. Additionally, the process can be optimized by optionally attaching the SMC series ZP2V vacuum safety valve, which maintains the vacuum even when the cups are not engaged during transfer. The certification of the ZXP-X1 series for universal robots of the UR3(e), UR5(e), UR10(e), UR16e series (collaborative robots/Cobots) also enables use on various robot systems.

As an additional highlight, SMC engineers have given the gripper a diet: by reducing the number of components and streamlining external dimensions, the weight has been further reduced by 5%. “This has a positive effect on the moment of inertia and dynamics,” explains Hermann.

Industry-wide applicability

Since vacuum generators, vacuum cups, valves, and pressure sensors are integrated into a single unit, the ZXP-X1 series is an all-in-one solution with numerous advantages, suitable across industries and for various tasks – from the food industry and medical technology to paper and packaging industries, forestry, or general automation and manufacturing. Whether for printing processes, applying labels, foil or bag packaging, or liquid, powder, or gas-filled containers – with the vacuum gripper units of the ZXP-X1 series, process engineers are on the safe side.