Automating
pneumatics
We
take a look at the various trends and developments in low cost pneumatic
automation and discuss their advantages
The
pneumatics industry is one of the major research groups and growth areas
in the field of low-cost automation. The use of pneumatics allows for
the simplification of the technical outlay for special machinery and
auxiliary equipment leading to natural integration of pneumatics and
automation. In addition, the relatively small capital expenditure needed
for pneumatic automation facilitates the manufacturing of customised
machinery, components fixtures and auxiliary units for a specific shaping
operation, even in small numbers.
Mechanisation of manipulators in work handling and extensive automation
of operations, with the help of a common control system, is resulting
in a variety of semi and fully automated machining and working stations.
These working stations can be integrated into a production line using
pneumatics.
One can say that pneumatic systems that are pre-programmed for auxiliary
equipment in production operations have advanced considerably over the
years. They have assumed the function of a flexible production aid that
has begun to find application in wide areas of engineering. Pneumatic
actuators have come to assume those parts of production aids, which
are characterised and identified by functions of linear motion.
Pneumatic automation industry can now offer a virtually seamless
range of proven optimised components. These components are available
in different sizes and several specifications to allow the rapid customisation
and construction of devices on a modular principle. In order to have
a better understanding of the development of these pneumatic components,
let us look at the innovations in various products such as pneumatic
gripper, guide units and cylinders.
Pneumatic grippers
The range of applications of pneumatic grippers
is constantly expanding. Companies can now supply equipment for almost
all handling needs. The interesting fact is that all these requirements
can be met at three basic gripper families that cover all requirements
ranging from high precision to high initial and repetition accuracy.
Often companies offer more than the functionality with their pneumatic
grippers, which is also available from the specialist suppliers in this
field.
They offer seamless integration, through defined interfaces into a modular
system for handling and assembly technology, with other components in
the process.
The three main gripper families which are currently available include:
. Standard grippers
. Micro grippers
. Precision grippers
A compact but comprehensive discussion of these grippers appears
in
the following lines.......
....CONTD
