SMAC Moving Coil Actuators now sells MGR6 micro grippers. The SMAC MGR6 gripper has a very low moving mass with two independent axes, and, thanks to a patented Soft-Land routine, is capable of light, controlled forces. It can be used as an end effector on third party robots. The unit sells for less than $1,000 and has:

• Dimensions of 55 x 47.5 x 24 mm

• Stroke to  10 mm (5 mm (5 mm each) and peak force to 3.8 N … with a force constant of 11.5.

Applications that use the MGR6 micro gripper include tiny semiconductor (0201) components handling, small lens handling, stent and catheter handling, sample tube handling, and electronics assembly. These applications make use of the SMAC patented Soft-Land feature — programmable down to as low as 2.5-g force (depending on controller),and two independently controlled gripper fingers to pick up asymmetric or offset parts.

Small-part assembly is on the rise thanks in large part to the spreads of consumer products such as smartphones and watches. These parts are too small and fragile to be handled by most humans. The gripper also provides feedback on what’s happened during the process — whether there’s been a pickup or correct positioning or placing, for example. The MGR6 enables increased small part assembly …particularly of complicated small products that are made in very high quantities.

Traditional small grippers are primarily pneumatic with problematic guides and forces that are often too high due to seal friction. Plus many such grippers are single axis, so leave offset parts vulnerable to damage.

Built-in sensor feedback gives SMAC devices (including the Micro Gripper) the mechatronic ability to perform tasks and verify their quality at the same time. This lets the automation components quality check key processes in realtime.

SMAC precision actuators are known for programmable and controllable position, velocity, and force, high acceleration, and life exceeding 100 million cycles; and a patent-pending Soft-Land capability for handling delicate tubes and vials, performing fragile part assembly, measurement , and so on.

SMAC electric grippers incorporate programmable speeds, positions and forces with data feedback. The ability to independently control each jaw allows precise force control, measurement and positioning. This makes them suitable for a wide range of positioning, measuring, and inspection applications, particularly where 100% verification is required. For more information, visit www.smac-mca.com.