Smart gripping modules for component handling

Weiss Robotics offers a process-stable solution for handling sensitive electronic components and assemblies with its new ESD-compatible gripper modules. The servo-electric grippers in the IEG ESD series can be pre-positioned, making them particularly versatile. Combining them with the GRIPKIT, which includes application examples, makes their use in robot-based applications considerably easier. The continuously adjustable gripping force control ensures particularly reliable handling, even with delicate components and thin circuit boards.

The fully conductive design of the IEG ESD gripper modules enables safe and ESD-compliant handling of electronic components and assemblies. This is of central importance, particularly in the areas of THT assembly, the separation and palletising of assemblies, or general handling within the SMD production process and with automated end-of-line testers.

To ensure the stability of the gripping process, the IEG ESD gripping modules feature integrated grip detection. This ensures rapid detection of the grip and also continuously monitors the secure Halt of the gripped component without the need for additional external sensors.

Different applications can be carried out one after the other without any problems, thanks to the configurable grips of the IEG ESD gripping modules, where the release distance, grip width and gripping force can be freely adjusted. Control and gripper selection are carried out during operation via the module’s standard IO-Link interface. This allows seamless switching between the parameterised grips and makes the handling of different parts particularly straightforward.

With its GRIPKIT for Universal Robots, as well as application examples for industrial robots from KUKA and ABB, Weiss Robotics offers convenient solutions for the rapid integration of the IEG ESD gripper modules into robot-based applications.

The IEG ESD gripper modules make it easier to plan the correct maintenance schedule by notifying the user of the next maintenance interval and providing meaningful operational and status data via IO-Link. At the same time, the gripper modules’ integrated maintenance and diagnostic functions help to avoid unnecessary system downtime caused by maintenance being carried out too frequently or not at all.

The IEG ESD series gripper modules are currently available in two sizes with rated forces of 30 and 200 newtons respectively. The maintenance-free, low-friction roller bearing guides with FDA-compliant lifetime lubrication enable precise and sensitive gripping throughout the entire stroke. Thanks to the unique double-bearing design of the base jaws, the gripping force is virtually independent of finger length. The brushless DC servo motor, which is also maintenance-free, ensures high dynamics and efficiency, whilst guaranteeing a long service life.