Magnetic End Effectors Offer Fail-Safe Operation

DocMagnet offers its Pick and Place (PNP) magnetic material-handling system, a range of magnetic end-effector products for use with robotic automation. The end effectors are lightweight to maximize a robot’s end-of-arm capacity, and have contoured soft pole shoes to enable easy access to the part. The versatile system uses permanent-electro technology for fail-safe operation of the magnet, and electricity is only used to switch the magnet from the off position to on and vice versa.

Three different configurations are available, and the systems can be customized for most applications. Safe working loads range from 50 to 1,200 lbs with maximum clamping force ranging from 250 to 6,000 lbs, depending on the model. Cycle and dwell times are dependent on the application but can be as fast as ¹/₃ sec., the company says.

The N series features a bi-polar design for handling both round and flat workpieces in a relatively small space. The pole shoes are designed according to the range of diameters necessary for the user’s round work. The D series is designed for additional removal of residual gauss and is capable of demagnetizing a workpieces down to less than 20 gauss in less than 1 sec., the company says. It also offers a bi-polar design for both round and flat workpieces. The R series is designed for safe handling of thin plates and sheets. It features a round pole design with a small magnetic flux height and maximum holding power on sheets as thin as 14-gauge steel.