SCHUNK has set a new benchmark for assembly automation through a 24V modular system. The complete handling system based on 24V technology consists of a robotic arm, a rotating grasping unit, and a linear module. For users, this technology has great potential, especially as components based on 24V technology are gradually entering the market - from feeding to mobile applications, from robots to security technology.

The SCHUNK ELP linear axis, SCHUNK EGS rotary gripper module, and SCHUNK EGP robotic arm can all be used in conjunction with the 24V assembly system. Reduced debugging and maintenance costs, achieving high energy efficiency and low lifecycle cost operation.

There will always be some products that constantly surprise process designers. In transportation technology, the SCHUNK ELP linear axis is undoubtedly such a component. Like the pneumatic module, there is no need to adjust the throttle valve, while like the electric module, there is no need to load a new sequence. The linear direct drive ELP only needs to mechanically define the end position and adjust the telescopic speed of the two rotary coding switches. The self-learning function can improve other functions. Two to five strokes are sufficient to complete programming. During the learning process, calculate the allowable speed of the current load. The motion curve itself is designed as a slope, where the device automatically accelerates and decelerates based on the entire stroke. Therefore, the high speed of the module is not controlled by the driving force, except for being affected by collisions and vibrations. If the weight of a component changes during movement, its motion trajectory can be adjusted within a few strokes without any user intervention. Because control is achieved through digital input/output, the SCHUNK ELP series is fully compatible with all controllers and can easily replace pneumatic modules. Combine the SCHUNK EGP small component robotic arm with the SCHUNK EGS rotary gripper module to form a modular system that can be used to execute complete handling solutions based on 24V technology.

Meet higher requirements for assembly systems

According to evaluations of integrators, system suppliers, and large users, 24V technology has numerous advantages for modern production: it rapidly increases the range of product specifications that can be produced in many fields, enhances the sensitivity of components, intensifies price wars, and promotes the application of intelligent technology with high requirements for energy efficiency and noise control. Nowadays, there is almost no system specifically developed for a single product. On the contrary, it is necessary to produce many products of different specifications as soon as possible, and a wide range of systems must be provided for future design and scope changes. 

Therefore, the current assembly system must be able to be flexibly set up. Faced with this situation, pneumatic transportation will soon reach its limit. Although significant progress has been made in certain aspects of pneumatic components and their networking, such as valve islands equipped with intelligent pneumatic systems, micro valves that can be integrated into actuators or adjusted procurement prices, this cannot fully compensate for the strength required by 24V technology in long-term operation, which means that the market for pneumatic systems can be directly redistributed to 24V technology within a short period of time. Therefore, in addition to continuing to focus on mature pneumatic products such as MPG-plus small robotic arms, Xiongke is also committed to researching modern 24V modules such as SCHUNK EGP to actively face transformation.

24V SCHUNK ELP linear axis

Taking SCHUNK ELP as an example, its global advantages over pneumatic products are obvious: although users must invest twice as much as pneumatic shafts, the module is wear free and provides value for money during medium to long-term use. With a total output of 40 million cycles and a maintenance interval of 5 million cycles, the total cost of wear-resistant components, working time, and production downtime for the pneumatic shaft far exceeds the total cost of the ELP shaft. For example, an assembly system equipped with 17 linear modules, with a lifespan of 40 million cycles, will save approximately € 12000 in costs, excluding the cost of continuous operation, such as compressed air costs.

In addition, the design advantage is that in practical applications, the throttle valve is usually opened large enough for the pneumatic module to save cycle time and obtain the final reserve from the system. Therefore, the wear of shock absorbers is rapidly increasing, and the cost is also increasing. Large enterprises also set fixed maintenance intervals, during which all shock absorbers should be replaced and recalibrated regardless of their condition. This is a method to avoid unexpected system downtime. Even so, there may still be adverse side effects in certain aspects: repeated and severe vibrations of the surrounding components of the pneumatic linear module can also cause vibrations of other components, such as the camera system. 

Incidental damage to certain areas can also be severe. This is also the problem that SCHUNK ELP can solve: it allows dynamic movement, but can run in a coordinated manner, which can protect peripheral devices at the end. Due to the fact that the compact device does not require hydraulic dampers, it can almost eliminate debugging and maintenance work. In addition, there is no need to worry about potential damage to your system or prolonged downtime due to damper failure. As valve islands, hose connections, maintenance devices, and boosters are no longer required, the design structure of the equipment can be greatly simplified. The energy chain is reduced to half its original size by setting up two 24V circuits for sensors/logic systems or actuators.

In order to simplify the setup of the 24V system, the ultra compact linear module is also equipped with electric brakes as required. If a power failure occurs, the brake can reliably maintain the position of the linear module and prevent any vertically installed linear axis from accidentally falling into the work area. It is equivalent to a rod locking device of a pneumatic module, which helps to prevent damage to personnel, components, and system components. The brake provides STO (safety torque off) safety function during operation. The linear module can also stop at full speed.

System manufacturers and end users have shown great interest in the rapid expansion of 24V programs, and have begun to use products such as ELP linear axes or EGP translational robots specifically to reduce vibration, allowing them to serve as actuators or assembly systems in small systems or robot units without the need for compressed air supply. In addition, the self-learning function of the module can reduce debugging work. An example of this is SCHUNK ELP with self-learning function: after connecting the system, the handling system can be debugged before programming. Given that certain projects often face challenging time constraints, this is also a significant factor.