High-Speed Module Doubles Number of Cycles in Assembly Systems

8 September 2012

The high-speed SRU-plus 20-S module from SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems, now opens up a new dimension in high-speed assembly. Compared with other available rotary units of the same size, the high-speed SRU-plus 20-S module can increase the number of cycles by up to 100%.

With lightweight parts, the module enables rotation times starting at 0.3s and up to 3,700 cycles per hour. Alternatively, a load of up to three times or more than that of standard rotary units of the same size is possible. The se-cret of such high performance with process stability is a patented shock ab-sorbing system that combines an elastomer with an oil-damped shock ab-sorber. Arranged in a stack, the high-performance damping enables signifi-cantly shortened cycle times and a higher number of cycles, or the rotation of much higher mass inertias or loads.

The SRU-plus 20-S is the innovative family-owned company's new high-speed addition to the SRU-plus series of attractively priced universal rotary units. All variants of the rotary unit are completely modular in design whereby existing SRU or SRU-plus modules can be replaced 1:1 by all variants of the SRU-plus, including the new high-speed version. System integrators therefore benefit from maximum flexibility in the planning of systems. Depending on the requirements, customers can choose one of three damping variants: the hard-damped version SRU-plus H for minimal interfering contours at high loads; the soft-damped version SRU-plus W for short cycle times in combination with minimal installation space or the SRU-plus S version with high-performance damping for high cycles per hour or for particularly compact systems. The high-performance rotary modules enable compact system designs and with the new high-speed ver-sion, it also opens up an entirely new dimension in productivity. This means the units provide the basis for the design of assembly systems with performance comparable to that of cam-controlled rotary indexing tables while offering much more flexibility.

Numerous standardized variants

To match the particular application, all SRU-plus versions are available with media feed-through, with step-less adjustment of the end positions or with pneumatic or locked central positioning. The series, available in different sizes from 20 to 60 (versions H and W) with constant torque increase, offers a superior cost to benefit ratio. The rotary angle of 90° or 180° with an end position adjustment of +3°/-3° or +3°/-90° also allows a high degree of flexibility in the design of assembly processes. Integrated feed-through enables the passage of gases, liquids and vacuums without the necessity for cumbersome and interference-prone hoses. Optionally, electric rotary feed-through that ensures long-term reliability of sensor and actuator signals is also possible.

The SCHUNK swivel head series SRH-plus also benefits directly from the expansion of the rotary module series. The numerous SRU-plus variants that include the high-speed version with high-performance damping, are available in a combined SRH-plus swivel head version. The swivel heads can be equipped with electric signal feed-through and a media feed-through to enable the design of very compact and reliable systems. Interference caused by defective cables or hoses are practically eliminated as a result of the integrated rotary feed-through system. Since the swivel heads meet protection class IP67, they can also be used reliably in demanding environments.