Schmalz at productronica: clever solutions for sensitive gripping

The spring shock absorber FSTImc is also available with integrated flow resistances and flow valves. (Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

The resistant material HT1-ESD is suitable for vacuum grippers due to its ESD compatibility, which handle sensitive electronic components. (Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

The mini compact valve SCTMi can be connected to an external vacuum source and already features integrated power venting in its standard version. (Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

Innovative systems and exciting world premieres? Visitors will find both from November 18 to 21 at the productronica in Munich. In Hall B3 at Stand 301, vacuum specialist Schmalz showcases efficient and forward-looking handling systems – especially for delicate components.

In Munich, Schmalz presents a real innovation for vacuum automation with the new material HT1-ESD: The specialist has further developed its proven high-temperature material HT1 and now makes it ESD-compatible. This makes the material suitable not only for gentle handling of sensitive goods such as display glass but also for sensitive electronic components like circuit boards or semiconductors. The conductive resistance range guarantees controlled discharge, the high temperature resistance up to 170 degrees Celsius, and excellent ozone and abrasion resistance ensure a long service life and also enable cleanroom-compatible applications. The material will be used in various suction cup families, including flat suction cups, bellows suction cups, oval suction cups, and flow cups.

Sensitive workpieces such as battery foils are handled by the spring actuator FSTImc. For process-safe operation, it is equipped with a very soft damping spring. This compensates for uneven component heights and bulges. When handling differently sized components, the use of integrated flow valves is recommended to securely close unoccupied suction points. For porous workpieces, integrated flow resistances perform this function. This provides users with flexibility in limited space. Its compact design allows the FSTImc to fit into tight production environments, and its construction protects it from dirt and mechanical influences. A vacuum-guiding profile or a rigid hose connection for stress-free movement supplies it with vacuum.

New vacuum and pressure switches in waffle shape

With the electronic vacuum and pressure switches of the VS-V/VP-W-D series, Schmalz presents a compact solution in Munich for measuring and monitoring underpressure and overpressure in handling and automation systems. The robust waffle-shaped housing with integrated TFT display visualizes all process data even in demanding environments with dust, dirt, and moisture. All parameters can be transparently transmitted via the IO-Link interface, minimizing downtime and making processes more efficient. Thanks to their thoughtful mounting concept, the switches can be flexibly integrated into panels, walls, or DIN rails. The protection class IP65 and brass sockets ensure reliable long-term use in industrial environments.

Intelligent control for modern production systems

An ingenious solution is the mini-compact terminal SCTMi. It allows users to automate the handling of airtight and slightly porous materials. The series is available with up to 16 modular SCPMi ejectors and common communication interfaces (IO-Link, PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP). At productronica, Schmalz is showcasing a new variant with modular valves that divide a central vacuum generation into different suction zones. Ejector replacement is quick and straightforward. The SCTMi models already feature an integrated power blow-off function as standard. Thanks to their lightweight and compact design, they can be mounted flexibly and withstand high accelerations on the axis.