The new MHM-X7400A series from automation specialist SMC now offers users a powerful and energy-saving solution especially for cobots, which achieves a holding force of up to 200 N with minimal dimensions even without a power or compressed air supply and can be used immediately thanks to plug & play.

Whether in the general automation and manufacturing industry, the food and packaging sector or medical technology: collaborative robots are used in many manufacturing industries, which have to pick up ferromagnetic workpieces with perforated or uneven surfaces using magnetic grippers. For even safer pick & place applications, the supplier of pneumatic and electrical automation technology SMC has now expanded its magnetic gripper portfolio with a new series especially for cobot series. Among other things, the plug & play system is available for the TM series from Omron and Techman Robot (compatible with TM5, TM12, TM14): The MHM X7400A-TM magnetic gripper achieves a higher holding force of up to 200 N (Ø 25, tool thickness 6 mm) compared to many comparable products and is suitable for use in applications where vacuum suction units cannot be used.

Precise performance where other solutions give up

The new series is the ideal choice when other solutions do not offer optimum performance: Vacuum cups, for example, cannot suction porous or simply uneven workpieces. The MHM-X7400A magnetic gripper from SMC, on the other hand, can pick up workpieces with different geometries - and ensures reliable gripping of sheet metal, metal plates or other materials with ferromagnetic properties. Thanks to the magnetic force, protection against falling is guaranteed even if the compressed air or power supply is interrupted, and energy-saving operation is made possible. The holding force can be infinitely adjusted by changing the distance between the magnet and the workpiece using the adjusting screw. This prevents workpieces from being damaged by excessive holding force or several parts being picked up unintentionally.

Efficient operation in robot environments

Available with a diameter of 25 mm, the size of the MHM-X7400A series is particularly space-saving and impresses with its low weight. The magnetic grippers are therefore predestined for use in application environments with limited space, such as robot arms, and increase productivity thanks to the possibility of faster movements. The simple and quick connection of the compressed air line and electrical wiring via plug & play also reduces the installation time (M8 or M12 plug connection). Certified for various universal robots, the magnetic grippers in the MHM-X7400A series have also been developed for use with the TM5, TM12 and TM14 cobot models from Omron and Techman Robot (MHM-X7400A-TM) and also allow several magnetic grippers to be arranged in parallel as required, for example for transporting parts with a large surface area.

More holding power and flexibility for many industries

The mounting options also make the magnetic gripper from SMC a flexible partner for pick & place applications: Threaded holes on the cylinder head and on the side allow it to be mounted axially or laterally - mounting options via ball head mounts are also available as a special solution. Axial installation is also possible in a centered position using an adapter. The magnetic field-resistant electronic signaling devices can be attached from two sides (standard environment: electronic signaling device D-M9; environment with magnetic field: electronic signaling device D-P3DWA; machine tool environment: water-resistant electronic signaling device D-M7BAL-1232). A damping ring made of fluororubber on the cylinder head, which can be replaced without tools, also ensures that the surface of the workpiece is gently absorbed and prevents direct metallic contact.

All in all, with the new MHM-X7400A series magnetic grippers, SMC provides a more compact, more powerful and low-maintenance solution for collaborative robots compared to other models, which reliably handles larger and heavier magnetic workpieces even when no vacuum is available or the compressed air/power supply is interrupted. As a result, users benefit from lower running costs during operation, reduce their energy consumption by using magnets instead of vacuum and can ultimately better achieve their sustainability goals for reducing_{CO2 consumption}- whether for use in the automation, manufacturing or food industry, in packaging lines or in medical technology.