As the leading provider of vacuum technology, Schmalz supports its customers on the way toward networked production. The company will be at Assembly 2017 in Rosemont, IL, from October 24 to 26, at booth #840. Schmalz will demonstrate how vacuum technology can provide the operator with important process data through various channels, make automation procedures transparent, and increase productivity.

Without intelligent devices in networked production, Industry 4.0 cannot be implemented. At Assembly, Schmalz will be showing a whole collection of such Smart Field Devices. Via a built-in IO-Link, they can record, monitor and analyze data relevant to energy and performance in vacuum systems.

One highlight will be the premiere of the new app, which allows all NFC-capable Smart Field Devices from Schmalz to be read and even written to. This means, for example, that the operator can quickly and easily parameterize the vacuum and pressure switch VSi using a smartphone, or transfer values from one device to another. This reduces startup times by up to 75 percent. Furthermore, the app obviates the need for display and input modules on gripper systems, which in turn reduces procurement costs by up to 40 percent.

At Assembly, Schmalz will be presenting more innovations from the field of suction cups such as the SPB2f – SI and FSGA - VU1 , suction cups for very uneven workpieces, as well as the SPOB1f – SI, which is for dynamic handling of cardboard and rigid packaging. Other suction cups on display will be the SAXM – ED, a high-speed suction cup with demands for highest holding and shear forces for fast handling of sheet metal and car body parts. It lends itself for handling of workpieces with oily surfaces, convex surfaces and blanks at de-stackers.

The other elements of the exhibition portfolio will include the JumboFlex series of vacuum lifters for carrying loads up to 50 kg. These make production and logistics processes in industry and commerce not only more ergonomic, but also more efficient through higher handling rates. In connection with the particularly smooth running aluminum jib cranes, these can make almost any internal handling or logistics process faster and more ergonomic.
 

*One-hand operation for workpieces weighing up to 50 kg