TPT March 2019

T E CHNOLOG Y

Compact magnetic gripper handles heavy steel par ts

closed magnetic circuit with neodymium magnets that makes direct contact with the handled product via steel legs. This pole configuration was calculated with FEM

AT EuroBLECH in Hanover, Germany, Goudsmit Magnetics presented a recently developed compact, strong magnetic gripper, known as the Powergripper. The magnet handles and holds heavy ferromagnetic parts such as rolled profiles, bar material and solid steel products in the shape of grilles, plates and milled parts, brake discs and steel wheels. The magnetic gripper, mounted on a robot or XYZ manipulator, can pick up over 100 kg. It is fitted with neodymium magnets and is pneumatically switch- able, yet is permanently magnetic. This provides extra safety, because the magnet retains the heavy load even in the event of a loss of compressed air. This requires no backup system of any kind, which means low investment and maintenance costs and a simple controller. As an example of the ratio of compactness to magnetic force, a 115mm Powergripper weighing 9.5 kg can safely lift a load of around 175 kg and has a holding force of 527 kg. In comparison with a standard magnetic gripper, which has the same application but is intended for thin-walled sheet material, a power gripper with the same diameter is 3.5 times stronger. To achieve this, Goudsmit has developed a

The magnetic Powergripper lifts or holds heavy metal parts, and is suitable for robot applications and as a lifting magnet

The magnetic grippers are also used for picking up steel workpieces for processing in saws and machine tools as well as welding and grinding processes. The on/off position is detectable by means of standard sensors that can be mounted in the slotted holes provided for this purpose. It is also possible to join two or three power grippers together with special connection strips for heavy-lift applications, such as in shipyards, to lift hull sections that weigh tonnes. The magnets can be switched on and off via simple pneumatic control using a 5/2 or 5/3 valve. The magnet system is powerful when switched on, yet has hardly any residual magnetism when switched off. The magnet is maintenance-free, has a long life, and is available in various sizes. Goudsmit Magnetics Group – Netherlands Email: info@goudsmitmagnets.com Website: www.goudsmitmagnets.com

analysis and optimised to the extent that the circuit is less susceptible to widening of the air gap between the poles and the gripped object. This ensures the optimum holding force and even makes it possible to handle rusty products safely. The magnetic gripper is made with a special bearing-supported suction cup assembly that tests have shown to have a service life of at least one million strokes. This Powergripper is less suitable for use on thin-walled products. At wall thicknesses below 10mm the lifting force is relatively lower, so the normal gripper is more suitable. Tests show the relative lifting forces of power versus normal grippers; which gripper is best suited for which product; and what the safe holding force is. In a robot application the Powergripper serves to pick up or hold solid, heavy steel parts, such as cast parts, hot rolled profiles, solid bar material and thick-walled welded constructions.

Metalube goes formaldehyde-free METALUBE has taken steps to comply with the reclassification of the chemical formaldehyde, from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). While the ECHA reclassification currently recommends limiting the use/ exposure of three types of formaldehyde actives, Metalube has decided to remove all formaldehyde actives from its product ranges. All Metalube lubricants will now be free from formaldehyde

all of our ranges is now a priority and ensures that we are fully compliant with the ECHA reclassification.” Metalube’s new formaldehyde- free alternatives have been carefully selected by specialists in the company’s technology centre. Through extensive product testing, Metalube has ensured that product performance and capability have not been compromised.

In a statement about the change, commercial director Douglas Hunt commented, “At Metalube we are not only committed to providing our customers with quality lubricants but to also ensuring their safety when using our products. Removing formaldehyde from

Metalube Ltd – UK Fax: +44 161 775 7511

Email: post@metalube.co.uk Website: www.metalube.co.uk

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MARCH 2019