"For many companies, automation is the key to cost-effective production. Of course, this also includes lifting, transporting and positioning components - with as little manual intervention as possible. The easier this is, the less potential for error there is. Or: With very large components, manual operation is hardly feasible or only possible with considerable effort. This is exactly where our new ball bearing pin comes in: It can be operated pneumatically, is self-locking and easy to integrate," explains Jürgen Rothmund, Technical Sales at Erwin Halder.

What sounds like a simple detail at first glance makes a big difference in practice: instead of being unlocked manually using the push button as with the tried-and-tested variants, the balls at the lower end of the bolt are released using compressed air. The actuation module, a one-way valve, is firmly connected to the bolt. If the air pressure is released, whether planned or unintentional, the balls re-engage automatically via spring pressure. This ensures that the load remains secured, even if a cable breaks, for example.

Ideal for robot systems and hard-to-reach areas

Thanks to the pneumatic control system, it can be conveniently unlocked remotely. This makes the system particularly suitable for automated lifting, transporting and positioning of large components - even when the load-bearing element is out of reach of the operating personnel. The ball lifting pin can be mounted via a flange on the actuation module with four screws, for example on robot arms or load beams.

The position can be transmitted to the machine control system via an integrated cable. "Transparency is crucial, especially in automated processes. With the position indicator, the operating personnel can see at a glance whether everything is in the green zone and can concentrate fully on the process," explains Jürgen Rothmund.

The pin and shackle are made of robust, manganese-phosphated heat-treated steel and precipitation-hardened stainless steel, while the housing is made of lightweight, blue anodized aluminium. The stainless steel spring provides the necessary return mechanism. The new ball bearing pin is available in diameters from 8 to 13.8 mm with different lengths from 10 to 75 mm, depending on the version. Due to the modular design, special sizes are also possible on customer request.