Schmalz has released its new gripper to handle delicate food products, ensuring they remain packaged safely and kept intact.
The new Schmalz Finger Gripper OFG aims to automatically handle unpacked food products, such as doughnuts, chocolate kisses, fruit, and vegetables, while being transported hygienically and gently.
It has four rounded, bending fingers made from silicone, which imitate a human hand. It is FDA-compliant, while the main body of the equipment is designed to be easily cleaned, and can be made of PET-P (polyethylene terephthalate) or aluminium.
When pressure inside the gripper increases, the finger bends to form fit, while when pressure decreases, it retracts. There is also an option for a centrally positioned suction cup to increase gripping force and stability during transfer.
The gripper has the option for a ‘basic’ control unit – opening and closing via vacuum and pressure – as well as a ‘controlled’ control unit, allowing parameters to be configured by USB or a serial interface. A robot controller can also be integrated to the gripper to adjust the opening angle and gripping force.
The model is suitable in industrial environments, and is heat resistant up to 200 degrees Celsius. It is protected against water and dust, in accordance with protection class IP68, and has a pressure range from -0.8 to 1.6 bar.
