Automatica 2006 review
from our Exhibition Correspondent
After a recent quiet period in the automation sector, there was a definite upbeat buzz at the Automatica International Trade Fair in Munich. Reliable production processes, cost-effectiveness and high quality are challenges that must be met by companies across multiple industries in all the high wage economies of Europe and the USA, and the exhibitors at the Automatica Fair were displaying and demonstrating new products to help meet those challenges.
Automatica focuses on robotics, assembly and handling technologies, so vacuum technology has a key role to play. The vacuum industry was represented by 19 exhibitors.
Vacuum ejectors
Airtec used the exhibition to launch its new HV Series of vacuum ejectors, designed to reduce energy consumption. This has been achieved through the use of a mechanical vacuum switch that has been integrated into the HV-P ejector. The vacuum switch includes an adjustable vacuum level set point which signals a valve to close off the pressure supply when the upper desired level has been reached, so delivering energy savings. If the vacuum level falls below the lower level set point, the valve opens allowing the pressure supply to re-start the ejector.
To ensure the most economically feasible operation through the reduction of cycle times, each ejector incorporates a blow off function that facilitates the release of components as soon as the target has been reached.
To ensure the integrity of the ejector, each pneumatic port includes a filter element to prohibit coarse particles from entering into the ejector.
The HV-P series comprises three ejector sizes, all of which are available with nine different control circuit designs. And to complement the HV-P series, Airtec has also introduced the HV ejector for standard applications.
Similar levels of innovation were demonstrated on the PIAB stand. Based on the company's COAX technology, the P6010 ejector is a smaller, more efficient and more reliable way to generate vacuum. It’s simple to install and can be adapted to meet specific application needs. Additionally, integrated 'control options' like the new PCC (PIAB Cruise Control) or AVM (Automatic Vacuum Management) introduce cutting-edge solutions to the world of vacuum technology.
Both PCC and AVM provide vacuum sensing capability and save energy. The PCC offers many advantages for leak-prone materials such as paper and corrugated cardboard, while the AVM is ideal for handling non-leaking objects such as sheet metal, plastic or glass.
A durable, maintenance-free, design makes the P6010 ideally suited for automated material handling and other manufacturing processes in the automotive, robotic, graphics and packaging industries. Featuring PIAB's proprietary COAX technology, the P6010 provides powerful, whisper-quiet, and non-heat generating suction at extremely low feed pressures. Additionally, the pump's compact size makes it possible to mount closer to the point of suction, thus reducing compressed-air requirements and saving energy.
The P6010's modular construction, which measures 77x73x214mm, allows for the easy installation of several units together, as well as the flexible connection of mounting options and accessories. The pump's ejector housing is constructed with anodized aluminum to withstand the most demanding industrial environments and the complete unit has a safety classification of IP65.
Meanwhile, the capabilities of modern venturi-based vacuum ejectors over alternative technologies were ably demonstrated on the Timmer Pneumatik stand. In a typical handling application, the company pitted one of its venturi products against a conventional vacuum pump. First off, if you already have a compressed air supply, then the venturi product provides a vastly more compact solution than an electrically driven vacuum pump. It is also significantly quieter with the silencer fitted, and uses less cumbersome hosing. Further, the company points out that the ejector runs much cooler than the electrically driven alternative, which it says is a key consideration in areas such as handling applications within the graphics art industry.
A further source for venturi-based ejectors was the Festo stand, where you could find a comprehensive range of options with innovative features.
On its stand, J Schmalz introduced two new series of high-performance ejectors for energy-saving vacuum generation. The compact basic ejector Schmalz Base Pump (SBP) weighs only a fraction of the weight of comparable ejectors and is the lightest in its class, says the company, whilst the very compact inline ejector Schmalz Line Pump (SLP) weighs only 5 grams (barely more than the piece of hose it replaces), but has an enormous suction capacity.
The SBP series is tailor-made for use in lightweight vacuum gripper systems. A vacuum generator with a single-stage nozzle, the SBP is available in six different power ratings with nozzle diameters between 0.5 and 2.5mm. The one-piece plastic housing is robust and impact-resistant and can be mounted either on its side with the aid of threaded mounting holes or, with the aid of a base and a terminal strip, in an upright position. The compressed air and vacuum can be connected quickly and easily with the aid of push-in connections or with threaded couplings.
The basic ejectors SBP can be used in feeder systems, vacuum spiders, automatic pick & place systems, separating devices for machining of metal and plastic sheets, and also for the construction of ejector blocks for the decentralised supply and individual control of suction pads.
The new SLP inline ejectors, meanwhile, represent what the company claims is the most compact and most integrated solution that you'll find. The SLP is simply connected into the vacuum hose, thus reducing the installation time and costs and greatly reducing the system weight. Designed as vacuum generators with axial connections, the super-compact SLP inline ejectors weigh only 5g yet offer a suction capacity of 14 litres at an air consumption of only 21 litres. SLP vacuum generators have a single-stage nozzle and are available with a nozzle diameter of 0.5 or 0.7 millimetres. The push-in connectors permit rapid connection of a 4-mm hose and the ejectors can be installed and used almost anywhere.
Vacuum pumps
Demonstrating its capabilities within the automation market, Rietschle Thomas was featuring a number of different products from the Thomas range on its stand. The Thomas products cover a number of operating principles, inlcuding Wob-L piston pumps, articulating piston pumps, diaphragm pumps, rotary vane pumps, linear pumps and liquid pumps. The Becker stand also had a selection of the company's range of vacuum pumps, which includes both oil-lubricated and oil-free rotary vane products, inverter-driven direct drive screw vacuum pumps, single and double stage side channel vacuum pumps, and inverter driven radial vacuum pumps. The company also offers a number of combined vacuum/pressure products.
Vacuum components
When it comes to associated components for materials handling applications, Sommer Automatic was showing examples of its wide range of suction cups and vacuum gauges, whilst. Euro-Tech highlighted a complete range of suction cups, suction plates and vacuum clamps for a host of different applications and industries. Fezer was showing complete vacuum transportation solutions.
A new name for 2006 was Biomedic Vacuum Technology, the Israeli manufacturer of vacuum pumps, suction cups, vacuum lifters, grippers, filters, silencers, and associated vacuum products. The company was displaying a broad sample of its extensive range. Incidentally, the company is also currently on the lookout for distributors in Europe, the USA and Canada.
Walther Prazision was showing an extensive range of quick disconnect couplings from both its standard series and its special series. The standard series of quick disconnect couplings come in nominal bores from 2 to 50mm, suitable for vacuum to 2000 bar. The products are available in both brass and steel with surface treatments, as well as stainless steel and plastics. The valve system options include standard, squirt-free and clean break.
The special series meets the needs of more demanding applications. There are, for example, break-away couplings for automatic disconnection of lines, hot oil couplings with temperature resistance to 310degC and sealing on both sides, and squirt-free steam couplings (DIN 2825) with temperature resistance to 250degC. You'll also find subassembly coupling elements without locking devices, couplings with proximity switches, and manual multi-couplings for the simultaneous connection of numerous fluid and electrical lines.
