Schunk Plugs Speed into Pick & Place

6 February 2012

'Plug&Work' is the latest initiative from Schunk that makes commissioning of its pneumatic Pick & Place units quick and easy. Schunk has now integrated standard sequence programs into its PPU-P10 Pick & Place unit, as well as for the connected gripping and rotary modules. As soon as the hose and two cables are connected, the complete unit is ready for use.

This new system ensures that additional programming efforts are no longer necessary. In the long term, the new VCU system is a time and energy efficient productivity booster whereas conventional pneumatic solutions completely lose compressed air from the air supply line during each and every cycle. To prevent this, five to nine integrated micro valves, depending on the VCU version selected can minimize the compressed air and energy consumption. All this is possible while accelerating the cycle frequency.

All the valves are supplied via one single air line on the back of the VCU unit. For performing a complete cycle, the unit needs only one command from the master control system, everything else is done independently. The unit can be controlled via 10 digital I/Os, via Profibus or CAN-Bus.

With the VCU valve box Schunk has enhanced its leading position in the field of modular high-performance assembly. The PPU-P 10 Pick & Place unit is the fastest pneumatic Pick & Place unit on the market and this is now further enhanceed with the new VCU system. It is designed for additional payloads of up to 1kg and achieves 95 cycles per minute at full additional payload. Therefore it is twice as fast as conventional pneumatic solutions. Combined with the VCU valve box, this maximum value can be easily, comfortably and reliably achieved.