Keywords
Citation
(1999), "It's in the separation", Assembly Automation, Vol. 19 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1999.03319cad.009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1999, MCB UP Limited
It's in the separation
It's in the separation
Keyword: Parts feeding
Separating Indexer keeps the parts apart
A vital task in any mass production employing robots or pick-and-place machines is the separation and feeding of individual parts for further processing.
A cunning little Separating Indexer, manufactured in Germany by robot gripper specialist, Sommer Automatic and available in the UK from Leader Grippers, Chertsey, can do just that; performing a variety of functions such as counting, sorting and, of course, separating (see Plate 7).
The unit measures just 125H x 58W x 19mm at maximum stroke. It consists of two double-acting reciprocating cylinders in a hard coated aluminium housing. One cylinder has up to 20mm/ram stroke, the other a 40mm/ram stroke, each operating a spacing plunger. Control is via two individual air fittings and a multi-way valve.
When both plungers are subjected to air pressure, there is an overlap between activation of the two plungers causing both to be momentarily extended, thereby ensuring separation and indexing.
Plate 7 From Leader
Grippers Separating Indexer keeps the parts apart
The spacing between the two plungers, or extension fingers if fitted, corresponds to the size of the parts requiring separation. Both plungers feature provision for a variety of attachments to cater for different spacing needs.
The operating cycle for opening and closing is around 0.25 seconds with forces of 82 and 65N respectively. Repeatability is given as better than 0.1mm.
Product information from Richard R. Leader Ltd, 108 Guildford Street, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9AH. Tel: +44 (0)1932 563722; Fax: +44 (0) 1932 567975; E-mail: 113022.3662@compuserve.com