In addition to the Schunk gripper catalog, a design and selection tool with intelligent search functions and algorithms will significantly simplify the engineering process with immediate effect. A few details about the gripper type, the workpiece and the gripping situation are all that is needed - and the online tool will immediately throw up the appropriate modules from the gripping component program. Schunk promises that the designer remains in control of the situation at all times: technical information, drawings, images and supplementary documents are automatically offered for each gripper in the hit list, so that a quick and well-founded comparison is possible. In addition, the user receives individually determined information on the respective degree of utilization and reason for utilization. In this way, the high performance of the individual grippers can be fully utilized and costly oversizing can be avoided.

The tool speeds up the calculation and design process and supports the operator with additional know-how. Intelligent logarithms enable a targeted preselection, which also takes into account components that the designer and system planner may not have on hand. The desired components can be ordered directly online via a seamless link to the Schunk Shop, without any media disruptions. With regard to new series or sizes, the tool helps designers to stay up to date. It ensures that designs are always based on the latest information, long before the next gripper catalog is printed and viewed. Saving the hit list and the corresponding information ensures complete documentation and archiving of the design. In addition, recalculations are possible if parameters change. The data can also be called up at any time for follow-up projects. The intuitive, HTML-based tool, which is available at http://www.schunk.com, takes around 2,550 grippers into account and can be used on all common browsers.

Schunk's aim is to save time and costs when designing and selecting gripping systems and to gain certainty in the design. Added to this is more transparency for the customer. This is because in future it will be possible to prove and document the basis on which the design was carried out: which parameters were used as a basis and what the calculation results looked like can be seen immediately. In the event of failures, it can be traced at any time whether the design was correct or whether, for example, workpiece weights, process parameters or other influencing factors were subsequently changed." Above all, however, the digital tools focus on simplifying the engineering process.

The idea of consistent simplification is particularly evident in the two configurators for gripper swivel units and for assembly automation. Both are based on the E-Catalog Solutions technology from Cadenas. Just a few clicks at schunk.partcommunity.com are all it takes to configure complete assemblies consisting of swivel modules, grippers, sensors and fully standardized adapter plates using the configurator. The units can then be checked in a 3D preview, adapted if necessary and finally downloaded in all common CAD formats (either 2D or 3D) or as a 3D PDF. An intelligent combination logic ensures that only feasible configurations are displayed. In addition to the gripping system components, the individually generated parts lists include all required standard parts and connecting elements, such as adapter plates.

The configurator for modular assembly automation works just as easily: it can be used to intuitively configure complete pick-and-place assemblies and download the system as an assembly. To speed up the process, users can first choose from four basic pick-and-place assembly variants and then customize them. The tool includes the most important grippers, rotary modules, linear modules and the complete column assembly system from the module program for high-performance assembly, which offers more than 10,000 possible combinations.

All gripping system components from the Schunk catalog range are now available as "Smart Parts". In addition to the geometry data, the D-CAD models include technical catalog data and product properties. Specific options and add-on parts such as mounting kits for sensors, dust protection or sealing variants as well as the sensors themselves can be selected and configured directly on the model. There are also links to data sheets, operating instructions and direct links to the website, where further information is available. Another service is also available: interested parties can order self-constructed gripping system and clamping technology components for additive manufacturing from Schunk's 3D print service. pb