Disrupting Industrial Automation: Magswitch Automation Magnetic Grippers

Why Magswitch Technology is number one in so many areas of Robotic material handling around the world. With more than 45 patents across the world and many more pending. Magswitch technology is based on continuous R&D to make the best tools better again. Magswitch technology is the best in the world today and we are already working to ensure we continue to be the leader in Magnetic gripping tomorrow and beyond.

In today's rapidly evolving industrial landscape, efficiency, safety, and productivity are paramount. Magswitch, a leader in switchable magnetic technology, offers a range of innovative tools that have transformed the way industries handle material, increasing productivity and reducing downtime. In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of Magswitch tools and delve into the diverse applications where they can be utilized. We will explain how by harnessing the Magswitch strongest in Industry magnetic force on a given material thickness and utilizing single sided gripping, is changing every aspect of moving ferrous material, faster and at a lower capital cost, than all the competitors.

Features of Magswitch Tools

Magswitch tools are designed with cutting-edge technology and unique features that set them apart from traditional gripping and clamping methods. Some notable features include:

Fail-Safe Technology

Magswitch grippers don’t drop parts in a power down event!  Magswitch tools incorporate fail-safe mechanisms, ensuring reliable and secure gripping of materials. True On/Off Capability means Magswitch tools have zero magnetic attraction in the off position.  With Magswitch tools, the magnetic force can be easily activated or deactivated, providing precise control and reducing the risk of accidents. With actuation times of as little as 100MS, time on and off the part deliver significant cycle time reductions.

Pole Shoes and Customizable Contact Surface

Magswitch tools offer the flexibility of custom pole shoes, allowing for improved holding force and secure gripping of components with irregular shapes. Magswitch magnetic grippers have superior holding force than competitors in a similar footprint.

Electric and Pneumatic Actuation

Magswitch tools are available in both electrically and pneumatically operated variants, providing options to suit different automation systems. Utilizing rotary actuation in pneumatics deliver up to a 90% reduction in air consumption. Magswitch electric powered grippers draw less than two amps, by far the industry leader, enabling operation on robot mounted EOATs. Both electric and Pneumatic Magswitch tools are designed to be maintenance free and to last the life of the line.

Variable Field Output (VFO) and SMART Sensing

Certain Magswitch tools, such as the E-Series and ELAY-Series, feature VFO functionality, enabling de-stacking of thin materials and optimizing performance for specific components.

VFO is proprietary Variable flux output. By varying flux output Magswitch can lower the hold force when it detects a second part lifting only one, moving to full Flus transfer, full power, so the robot can move at maximum speed to deliver the part.

Magswitch Smart sensor capability – makes Magswitch number one in part sensing capability. Proprietary use of a range of sensors on the Magswitch grippers allows for, tool on, part present, part identification, single or multiple part selection and release, part proximity and part motion fly through variability alarm.

Benefits of Magswitch Tools

The utilization of Magswitch tools brings numerous benefits to industrial operations, including:

Increased Productivity

Magswitch tools offer faster and more efficient material handling, reducing cycle times and improving productivity. Magswitch replaces traditional gripping methods, such as vacuum cups, mechanical grippers and pin clamps, resulting in significant time savings.

Enhanced Safety

Safety is a top priority in any industrial setting. Magswitch tools prioritize safety by providing easy actuation, lighter lifting, stability control, and lift-to-shear capabilities. These features minimize the risk of workplace injuries and create a safer working environment.

Energy Efficiency

Magswitch tools do not require an electrical power source to maintain operating state, reducing energy consumption and lowering operating costs. Compared to vacuum systems, Magswitch tools consume up to 90% less air, resulting in substantial energy savings.

Versatility

Magswitch tools are designed to handle a wide range of applications across various industries. From pick-and-place operations to press line stamping, assembly, bin picking, and heavy-duty material handling, Magswitch tools offer versatility and adaptability to meet diverse industrial needs.

Custom Solutions

Magswitch understands that every application is unique. They offer custom solutions tailored to specific requirements, including fixture design, pole shoe customization, and accessory development. This ensures optimal performance and maximizes the usability of Magswitch tools in any given application.

Applications for Magswitch Tools

Magswitch tools find applications in a multitude of industries and processes. Some notable applications include:

Pick & Place/Machine Tending

Magswitch tools excel in pick-and-place operations, significantly reducing cycle times and improving efficiency. They can replace mechanical grippers, power clamps, or suction cups, resulting in faster and more precise handling of components.

Press Line/Stamping

Magswitch tools are ideal for stamping processes, offering improved handling of lubricated sheet metal blanks and reducing downtime caused by slipping or dropped parts. They provide faster actuation times, reduced air consumption, and enhanced overall performance.

Assembly/Body-in-White

Magswitch tools streamline assembly processes, offering the versatility of suction cups while maintaining the reliability and safety of traditional power clamps. They enable precision locating of components, fast mean time to repair (MTTR), and on-tool part present and double blank detection.

Bin Picking

Magswitch tools, coupled with vision systems, offer robust solutions for handling randomly arranged components. They can grip components on flat, round or irregular surfaces, overcoming small misalignments between the gripper and the target. With Variable Field Output (VFO) technology and smart part present sensing, Magswitch tools are highly suitable for bin picking applications.

Hot Stamping and Welding

Magswitch tools are designed to withstand high-temperature environments up to 200oC sustained, making them ideal for handling parts in hot stamping operations. They offer durability and reliability, replacing traditional grippers or suction cups that require frequent replacement.

The Magswitch Method

By utilizing the many unique features of Magswitch, we eliminate the need for addition sensors, and part perimeter mechanical grippers. This not only reduces EOAT cost to deliver, Magswitch enables smaller EOATs, by up to 50%. Simply by using smart single sided gripping Magswitch delivers small lighter and faster EOATs, maintance free and that consume less energy.

Smaller EOATs enables smaller robots and less expensive production line area.

Conclusion

Magswitch tools have revolutionized industrial automation by offering unique features and benefits that enhance productivity, safety, efficiency and capital cost. With their fail-safe technology, true on/off capability, customizable contact surface, and energy-saving design, Magswitch tools have become indispensable in various applications, including pick-and-place, stamping, assembly, sheet separation, bin picking, and hot stamping. By choosing Magswitch tools, industries can optimize their operations, reduce downtime, and achieve higher levels of productivity and safety.

If you are interested in learning more about Magswitch magnetic grippers and how they can enhance your Magswitch applications, please contact us at sales@magswitch.com. We have a team of experts ready to assist you with any questions or inquiries you may have. You can also browse our catalog of magnetic grippers and see some examples of how they are used in different industries and applications.