Nowadays, almost every industry requires a pneumatic gripper for efficient performance. Operations have now become very modern, and with these modern tasks, there is a need for a tool that efficiently handles challenging tasks in the required time and space.
In such areas, pneumatic grippers are very common and helpful. They can bear heavy weights and even handle delicate material. While it makes your work easier, it can also create trouble if you are not well aware of how pneumatic grippers work. It’s also important to learn what to do to increase their lifespan and save them from any harm.
In this article, you can get everything you need to know about pneumatic grippers and how to use them.
How Do Pneumatic Grippers Work?
Pneumatic grippers work on the compressed air medium and are a useful tool to control mechanical parts. They can pick, hold, or drop the objects to meet the operation requirements.
Here’s an explanation of how they work;
Compressed Air Activation: When air enters the gripper, it activates the compressed air work. Controlled air is responsible for controlling the gripper.
Piston Movements: When the standard cylinder gets filled with pressurized air, it starts to push the piston. This pressure then turns into mechanical force and makes the gripper work.
Controlled Release: Upon completion of the task, the air pressure drops. This causes the jaws to drop and release the object.
Pneumatic grippers are common in industries as simple, fast, and reliable tools. They can be easily controlled and operated in environments where speed and accuracy are important.
Gripper Mechanism
There are several parts in the pneumatic gripper that work together efficiently just to grab and release the object. Following are the key components of a pneumatic gripper.
The Body is the main part that holds everything together and provides the structure of the pneumatic gripper.
Piston: When the air enters the gripper, it changes into mechanical motion, and it makes the piston move. Because of the compressed air, the jaws open or close and perform the action.
Jaws or Fingers are the parts that directly touch or hold the object. They are changeable according to size and task requirements.
Seals protect the gripper from leakages because of air pressures. They make sure that the machine works smoothly and lasts long.
Valves are responsible for airflow, and they determine when the jaw opens or closes.
How Do Pneumatic Grippers Work in Industries
Because of the way grippers work, and complete tasks, pneumatic grippers are quite common in many industries. There are various types of grippers, each one designed for a different use.
Parallel Grippers
The jaws of the parallel grippers move in a parallel motion. They can only open or close their jaw in a parallel direction. Such grippers are ideal for places that need to grip objects in uniform shape and size.
They are best fit for car manufacturing where they can screws and bolts in parallel directions.
Angular Grippers
Angular grippers do the same job, but they can move in an angular direction. They have special types of jaws and features that can fit particular needs.
They are best for gripping objects that are in the usual size and shape. For example, angular drippers have the ability to handle various components like circuit boards and other delicate wiring.
Custom Grippers
They have specially shaped jaws with extra features for particular needs. Because of their design, custom grippers are special for unique tasks. In industries where the standard grippers won’t work, these custom grippers fill the role very perfectly.
Custom grippers can gently handle fragile items without damaging them, which is why they are common in the food packaging industry.
How Do Pneumatic Grippers Work with Automation System
Pneumatic gripper cylinders help improve the efficiency and accuracy of the task, which is why they are quite important in automation systems. The reason why they are a reliable choice for many industries is that they can easily integrate with other components in automated setups. Here is an explanation of how they work in automated setups.
Control System Compatibility
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are used to control industrial automation systems. Pneumatic grippers can connect with these PLCs very well.
The PLCs send signals to the gripper to tell when to open or close the jaws. Due to this, the gripper can work perfectly in coordination with other parts of the automation process, such as conveyors to robotic arms.
It can be used for packaging lines. When the gripper picks up the item, the PLC can instruct the gripper when and where to place it to avoid any delay or error in the task.
Position and Force Sensors
Pneumatic grippers can even monitor the position of the jaws and the amount of force being applied to them because many of these grippers come with built-in sensors.
One benefit of these sensors is that they help the system make real-time adjustments and prevent the objects from getting damaged or even losing grip on heavy items.
The sensors that help the gripper safely handle fragile items are very important in areas like electronic manufacturing; they can be useful for components like circuit boards that need to be handled without putting in too much force.
End-Effector Adaptability
Pneumatic grippers are not limited to only one task. They can be attached with robotic arms and an end-effector (a tool attached at the back of the robotic arm) to customize the gripper, depending on your need.
There are many reasons why pneumatic grippers can work perfectly with automation systems. They can perform the task accurately, provide fast production, and can be customized; they require less maintenance cost as well. These factors prove that using pneumatic grippers with automated systems can help the business generate the best results.
Maintenance Tips for Extending Pneumatic Grippers Lifespan
In the long run, proper maintenance is necessary for the pneumatic gripper to work. This will not only increase the efficiency but also the lifespan of the machine. By following a few steps, you can prevent the gripper from getting damaged and from any unnecessary issues.
Regular Inspection and Lubrication
The regular wear and tear of components can even lead to complete system failures. That is why it is important to keep an eye on any potential issues before they become bigger problems.
Keep inspecting the grippers and look for signs of any damage, such as worn-out seal, air leakage, or any loose wiring or connection.
Make sure that all the components of the gripper are clean because the dust and debris inside them can cause the gripper to jam and stop functioning.
Using lubrication to move areas like pistons and jaws can also help the gripper to last longer. Applying lubrication reduces friction and prevents any wear and tear. Before using lubrication, make sure that the gripper is clean.
Common Troubleshooting
Neglecting common maintenance can turn the issue into a big problem, but it can be fixed as well.
If the gripper has any leaks or blockages, it can reduce the air pressure and damage the piston as well. It happens because of less air pressure, and the piston cannot function properly. Therefore, when you find any damage, it is always better to replace the component right away.
When the seal gets too tight, or the connection starts to get loose, replace them right away before they harm the gripper.
Replacement and Upgrade Options
It is not necessary that only an issue can damage the components, but it can also naturally wear out once its estimated lifespan has finished. But when you find any part that is very old and needs to be used, you need to replace it immediately before any problem arrives.
If your gripper can’t handle the tasks or your demands from its old feature, you can also upgrade it for better results. Modern pneumatic grippers have many advanced features to meet the standard of your operation.
Final Thoughts
In modern industries, pneumatic grippers play a vital role in providing reliable performance and completing the operation efficiently. Their ability to do tasks perfectly, such as manufacturing, packing, and more, makes them a valuable asset to the business.
However, if not taken care of, the performance of the gripper can lead to malfunctioning or complete failure. So, it is important to keep a check and balance on its components. For even better results, you can upgrade your gripper with advancements like applying censors and adaptability to end factors.
When selecting a pneumatic gripper, it is important to look for a trusted supplier who would provide high-end products. In these names is one allied FOYE. They provide the best quality pneumatic components to boost productivity and minimize the risk of system failures.
FAQs
How do pneumatic air grippers work?
They work with air pressure. When the compressed air enters, it enables the piston to move, and it starts to function like pickling objects, packaging items, or holding them.
How does the piston work in pneumatic grippers?
Pneumatic grippers work with the air pressure. When the air pressure gets high, it makes the piston move and completes the task.
Can a pneumatic gripper handle delicate objects?
Yes, pneumatic grippers are so accurate at performing an operation that they can efficiently handle delicate objects and complete the task repeatedly without making an error.
What are the signs of malfunctioning in pneumatic grippers?
Check for the signs of slow jaw movement, low air pressure, leakage, and the inability to hold any weight firmly. These signs indicate the damage to the gripper; therefore, replace its component to prevent extra damage.
What should I do if my pneumatic gripper is not working efficiently enough to meet my standards?
If your operation requires modern features, you always have the option to upgrade your gripper. By doing this, it increases the efficiency of the tool and helps the operation meet the standards and requirements.