NTI: LinMot GM01 gripper module made of stainless steel

With the high flexibility of the adjustment options and the stainless steel design of the new gripper module, LinMot is once again one step ahead of the competition. The special arrangement of the gripper's two durable linear motors allows each individual clamping jaw to be controlled independently. This means that the GM01 can not only gently grip dry, moist, solid or soft products and transport them without leaving visible traces, but also move them axially to the left and right of the gripper. This feature enables special gripping tactics that cannot be achieved with a conventional gripper. Thanks to the position detection and the control of the clamping force, even unevenly shaped products can be gripped securely.

The most important advantages of the intelligent gripper from the GM01 series also include the wide range of monitoring options, which are essential for applications with a high degree of automation. This means that incorrect gripping or faulty parts can be detected on the fly and sorted out accordingly.

In addition, the LinMot SSCP linear motors used in the GM01 are made of stainless steel (EN 1.4404/AISI 316). They therefore meet the requirements of protection class IP69K in accordance with DIN EN 60529 and can be used in machines and systems for processing food or products in the pharmaceutical industry. They can easily cope with extremely harsh or corrosive environments and can be cleaned in in-place cleaning processes such as CIP or SIP using all standard cleaning agents.

The linear motors of the gripper module are also equipped with sensors. The data obtained can be evaluated in the PLC so that the motor can be kept within a constant temperature range depending on the process (e.g. foodstuffs such as fish). With the GM01 gripper module, LinMot thus offers numerous development innovations compared to competitor products: Constant opening and closing times with extremely high dynamics for high capacities; high grip safety even with uneven products; excellent suitability for the pharmaceutical, food and automation industries thanks to protection class IP69; high process reliability thanks to monitoring data such as pressing pressure, distance, temperature and utilization; wash-down safe for compliance with production cleaning guidelines; easy adaptation to individual production and packaging formats.

Customizable solutions

In order to meet even more individual process requirements, the gripper jaws can also be specially manufactured by the customer and adapted precisely to the product characteristics and shape. Thanks to the flexibility of the LinMot GM01, each gripping unit can be adjusted and moved as required, both in terms of force and position, despite the customized design of the gripper jaws. Whether it is round products with a sensitive surface, picking up several products according to the "scoop-broom principle" or large and flat products with a sticky surface, the LinMot gripper modules offer a flexibly customizable solution that is adapted to the product characteristics.

Round products with a sensitive surface: The gripper closes until the product is gripped or lightly touched. Regardless of the size, it is possible to check whether a product has been gripped correctly. To prevent slipping, the contact pressure can be increased (depending on the transport dynamics). The product can be deposited by slowly or quickly opening one or both gripper jaws. By measuring, checking and storing information such as position, force and even temperature, the process steps are 100% verifiable and traceable.

Collect several products at the same time using the scoop-broom principle: The gripper jaw pushes the product onto the scoop. The scoop is positioned in front of the product and the broom gently pushes the product into the scoop. Several items can also be loaded in this way. By applying slight pressure during transportation, the broom can protect the product from falling out. Unloading takes place with a quick jerk to remove the products from the bucket and place them in a defined position.

Large and/or flat products with an adhesive surface: To gently lift sticky and adhesive products, such as a chicken breast, from the surface, the gripper jaws are gently moved under the object to be gripped. Just before the product is deposited, the gripper is opened halfway so that the product adheres to the surface before the gripper jaws are fully extended and is deposited precisely and gently.

GM01 gripper module made of stainless steel from LinMot, nominated in the Drive Technology and Automation category.