Disrupting Industrial Automation: Magswitch Technology 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 globe and many more pending. Magswitch technology is based on continuous research and development to improve the best tools continually. 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 is a leader in switchable magnetic technology, holding numerous patents worldwide. Magswitch offers a range of innovative tools that have transformed the way industries handle material, increasing productivity and reducing downtime. In this article, we will examine the features and benefits of Magswitch tools, exploring the diverse applications in which they can be utilized. We will explain how harnessing the Magswitch's strongest magnetic force in the industry, 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 our 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:

The world's best on thin materials, Magswitch shallow field tools utilize proprietary technology to optimize hold force on materials ranging from 0.3 mm to your chosen material thickness. Magswitch has the strongest, lightest, and fastest tools to drive productivity that competitors cannot match.

Fail-Safe Technology

Magswitch grippers don’t drop parts in a power-down event!

Magswitch tools incorporate fail-safe mechanisms, ensuring reliable and secure material gripping.

True On/Off

Zero residual force, 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 as short as 100ms, time spent on and off the part delivers significant cycle time reductions. Magswitch actuation times are programmable to suit your ideal workflow.

Pole Shoes and Customizable Contact Surface

Magswitch tools offer the flexibility of patented custom pole shoes, allowing for improved holding force and secure gripping of components with irregular shapes. Magswitch magnetic grippers have a superior holding force compared to competitors in a similar footprint. Have our team of application engineers design the pole shoes for your job.

Electric and Pneumatic Actuation

Magswitch tools are available in both electric and pneumatic variants, providing options to suit different automation systems. Utilizing rotary actuation in pneumatics delivers 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)

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, meaning It Has a Variable flux output. By varying the flux output, Magswitch can lower the hold force when it detects a second part lifting only one, transitioning to complete flux transfer and full power, allowing the robot to move at maximum speed to deliver the part.

Magswitch Smart sensor capability – makes Magswitch number one in part sensing capability.

The proprietary use of a range of sensors on the Magswitch grippers enables tool-on, part-present, part-identification, single- or multiple-part selection and release, part-proximity, and part-motion fly-through variability alarms.

Benefits of Magswitch Tools

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

Increased Productivity

Higher throughput!

Magswitch tools provide faster and more efficient material handling, thereby reducing cycle times and enhancing 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.

Lower Capital Costs

The strength of the Magswitch tools means that, in many cases, the End of Arm Tool (EOAT) mounted to the robot is significantly smaller, lighter, and uses less space. As a result, a smaller robot can often be used. Strength eliminates the need for heavy grippers around the edge of the part being moved. Sensors are not required, as Magswitch has part presence and double blank detection built in. These features can deliver Capital costs of up to 27% in line with design/delivery costs.

Energy Efficiency

Magswitch tools do not require an electrical power source to maintain their 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 a wide range of industrial needs.

Custom Solutions

Magswitch understands that every application is unique. The application engineering team offers custom solutions tailored to specific requirements, including Magswitch tool selection, 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, reduce air consumption, and enhance overall performance. Magswitch has improved press throughput by 30%, saving significant capital investment through improved productivity of existing presses.

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 the precise locating of components, a fast mean time to repair (MTTR), and on-tool part presence and double blank detection.

Bin Picking

Magswitch tools, combined with vision systems, provide robust solutions for handling components arranged randomly. 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 presence sensing, Magswitch tools are highly suitable for bin-picking applications.

Hot Stamping and Welding

Magswitch tools are designed to withstand high-temperature environments of up to 200 °C, 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 additional sensors and part perimeter mechanical grippers. This reduces the EOAT cost of delivery, and Magswitch enables smaller EOATs by up to 50%. Simply by using smart single-sided gripping, Magswitch delivers small, lighter, and faster EOATs that are maintenance-free and consume less energy.

Smaller EOATs enable smaller robots and a 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 or online. 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 view examples of how they are used in various industries and applications.