Handling manipulators are used in many branches of industry for the safe and ergonomic lifting and moving of heavy loads. However, most models only allow the products to be moved; turning or swiveling them is usually not possible. With the "Partner Equo", Dalmec has developed a pneumatic handling manipulator that can also perform these movements: It has an extension arm at the end of which a gripping device with an endless swivel joint and a rotary drive or swivel unit are mounted. Thanks to its modular design, the manipulator can also be individually adapted to the handling requirements in a company in terms of design and equipment. This allows continuous adaptation to new areas of application. For example, Dalmec recently designed pick-up devices for loading and unloading welding and machining centers. The Partner Equo, which will be presented at Maintenance 2019, can also be manufactured entirely in stainless steel - including the associated grippers.

Constantly maintained parallelogram ensures precision

The Partner Equo is manufactured from a radius of 2.5 to 4.5 m for loads of up to 550 kg and with a vertical stroke of 1.25 to 2.45 m. In its basic version, the handling manipulator, which is controlled by pneumatic compensation cylinders, has two joints: "The main swivel joint ensures that the manipulator can be rotated endlessly around the main axis of rotation, while the angle of rotation of the middle joint between the parallelogram and extension arm is limited to 315° as standard," explains Dieter Hager, Sales Manager at Dalmec. In addition, the handling manipulators from the Italian company have a modular design, meaning that the basic unit, extension arm and pick-up device can be put together individually. "The device can therefore be equipped with various mechanical or pneumatically actuated gripping devices. Among other things, pneumatic versions with an endless swivel joint and a pneumatic rotary drive can also be fitted," explains Hager.

The portfolio of devices and application areas is being continuously expanded. © Dalmec

A third joint of this type allows the execution of turning and swivel movements. For example, all types of drums can be safely lifted, rotated and emptied. The drive enables precise pouring, with the handling manipulator compensating for the weight loss and remaining stationary in the Z-axis - without additional actuation of a control unit. The basis for this is a special patented system for the vertical movement of the pneumatic compensation cylinder, which keeps the parallelogram constant and ensures consistent movement in both the empty and load weight over the entire range of the working stroke.

Handle metal safely

Like every Dalmec manipulator, the design and functional features of the Partner Equo can be tailored to the individual handling requirements of the respective company. "The grippers are also designed for the specific application," explains Hager. "In this way, the portfolio of devices and application areas is continuously expanded." For example, the company recently developed a lifting device for loading and unloading welding and machining centers. This is equipped with a permanent magnet, which allows the handling of metal products of different shapes, weights and sizes. A similar, newly designed gripper is specially designed for handling red-hot parts during the machining phases on the machine tools. Both grippers have a third pneumatic joint that allows rotation and swiveling.

All stainless steel design

In addition, Partner Equo manipulators and the associated holding devices can be manufactured entirely in stainless steel to meet the requirements of cleanliness classes in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries as well as in sterile areas. The weld seams are mainly produced using the MAG and MIG processes in an inert gas atmosphere - the most important factors for an aesthetically pleasing functional design - and are ground and smoothed. The exposed and visible surfaces are then polished and brushed.

Partner manipulators and the associated pick-up devices can be manufactured entirely in stainless steel to meet the requirements of cleanliness classes in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries as well as in sterile areas. © Dalmec

The manipulator can be designed to be upright, floor-mounted, suspended or ceiling-mounted. "There are six different types of anchoring available for column-mounted devices," says Hager. "In addition to a stable base plate and a version that can be moved with a forklift or pallet truck, base plates for manual transportation, with floor-movable profile rails or floor-recessed running rails can also be implemented." As a stationary overhead device, the pneumatic manipulator creates a free production area. Its flange is equipped with holes for connection using screws, allowing it to be attached to the customer's steel beam or a bracket.

The third option is a mobile ceiling unit that comes complete with trolleys. "The runner system consists of two opposing U-profiles made of special aluminum with spring steel inserts without transition points," explains Hager. "The connection between the different parts is made using screws." The running rails are attached to the steel structure using cross beams and suspensions.

According to documents from Dalmec / ag