On the success of the Schunk’s online configurator for assembly automation, the world's first 3D configurator for gripper/swivel units is now set to follow in its footsteps. These will make significant time savings and minimise the risk of errors when planning and designing gripping systems.

 

Within the framework of its digitalisation strategy, SCHUNK, a leader for gripping systems and clamping technology, rapidly expands its range of digital tools based on eCATALOG solutions technology from CADENAS. 

 

On the successful start of the SCHUNK online configurator for assembly automation, the world's first 3D configurator for gripper/swivel units is now set to follow in  its footsteps. In addition, all gripping system components from the SCHUNK catalog range are now available as Smart Parts. The configurators and the intelligent 3D-CAD models enable systems developers and integrators to make significant time savings and minimise the risk of errors when planning and designing gripping systems.

 

Just a few clicks are required on the company’s website to configure entire assembly groups using the SCHUNK configurator for gripping rotary units from SCHUNK SRU-plus rotary modules, grippers, sensors, and even completely standardised adapter plates. Subsequently, the gripper/swivel modules are verified in the convenient 3D preview, adjusted if necessary, and finally downloaded in all common CAD formats (either 2D or 3D) or as 3D PDF. An intelligent combination logic ensures that only feasible configurations are displayed. The individually generated parts lists include all required standard parts such as centering elements and screws in addition to the gripping system components. The SCHUNK configurator is just as easy to use for the modular assembly automation: it enables complete Pick & Place superstructures to be intuitively configured and the system downloaded as an assembly. In order to accelerate the process, users can first select from four basic Pick & Place design variants and then specifically develop them. The tool consists the most important grippers, rotary modules, linear modules, and the entire pillar assembly system from the world's most comprehensive module range for high-performance assembly consisting of over 10,000 combinat ion possibilities.

 

Intelligent catalog data

All gripping system components from the SCHUNK catalog range are now available as Smart Parts. The intelligent 3D CAD models also include the technical catalog data and product features in addition of the CAD geometry data. Specific options and attachments such as mounting kits for sensors, dust protected or tight versions or the sensors themselves can be selected and configured directly on the model. Links to data sheets, operating manuals, and direct links to the SCHUNK website are available, where more information can be found in the simplest way. 

 

This makes it faster to select components and accessories and eliminates the laborious search and the procurement and management of component data. In addition, the meta data can be used to simulate motion sequences in the CAD system and take into account information on center of mass, materials or environmental protection standards. Instead of designing gripping systems from individual components and laboriously fortifying them with meta data was previously the case in the CAD program, entire subsystems can now be configured and completely downloaded directly in CADENAS. As all data models are already classified as eCl@ss 10.0, they provide the optimum prerequisites for standardised procurement, warehousing, maintenance and use.