EcoCGrip – the flexible robotic gripper from Dürr Ecoclean for the toughest cleaning conditions

08/01/2007

Monschau, August 2007 – An increasing proliferation of options and ever shorter product life cycles are changing production processes in the automotive industry: A high degree of flexibility is needed along with cost benefits. One solution to meet the demands of engine and transmission manufacturing is the EcoCGrip modular parallel gripper from Dürr Ecoclean GmbH. It is designed for wet part handling in industrial cleaning machines, and can be used in gantry systems as well. The robotic gripper can be quickly and cost-effectively adapted to various workpiece dimensions and types by replacing only its gripper tooling, or "fingers".

Whenever complex part dimensions and high cleanliness requirements call for the targeted treatment of channels, boreholes and functional surfaces, individual part cleaning is the method of choice. Due to the constant redesign of workpieces and the many variations in parts, manufacturers now seek handling systems which offer a high degree of flexibility and reliability. With the innovative EcoCGrip, the manufacturer of industrial cleaning systems, Dürr Ecoclean GmbH, has developed a solution to satisfy these demands. The robotic gripper, which is designed for workpieces weighing up to 70 kg, is used as a parallel gripper in individual parts cleaning. For batch processes in which the components are situated in or on workpiece holders it can additionally be equipped with a clamp-down device in order to secure the parts. Furthermore when parts are changed, the modular design of the EcoCGrip means that only the gripper fingers need to be adapted to the new part, instead of the whole gripper or the robot itself. Thus the EcoCGrip promotes significant savings on time and costs.

A match for the toughest conditions

In addition to its high degree of flexibility, the robust EcoCGrip can be used in a variety of environments that would damage other grippers. During the cleaning process the gripper manipulates the workpieces or selected batches according to the sequence-of-operations saved in the robotic control system. The gripper guides the part through the various treatment stations, and is able to fully immerse the part, as it does in an injection flood washing (IFW) station, withstanding up to 10 bars, or as spray cleaning is needed. The gripper is not harmed by the chemicals in the cleaning medium or by the dissolved grime in the solution. Even in high pressure cleaning and deburring applications, which can use up to 500 bars of water pressure, the gripper continues to operate as it passes through diverted liquid jets. The gripper accurately holds the workpiece and maintains its correct position, withstanding reaction forces of 50 N to 100 N. This also applies to drying processes, whether pre-drying with an air current of 250 mbars or targeted blowing of blind holes and undercuts with up to 6 bars of compressed air.

For additional process reliability the EcoCGrip is equipped with an integrated braking system. This prevents the gripper from "dropping" the workpiece, even in the event that the compressed air supply should fail. This design feature protects people in the plant and protects the surrounding equipment.

In order to protect the inner workings of the gripper from the dampness, sealing air is continuously supplied to the gripper. As the air is dehumidified before being fed into the gripper, it can carry off any condensation.
 

Also ideal for parts handling in gantry systems

The primary fields of application of the new EcoCGrip are cleaning systems. The flexibility and modularity advantages of the new robotic gripper, however, are also applicable to gantry systems. This ensures continuous part transportation without complex changeover processes.

The Dürr Ecoclean Group is a leading supplier of solutions in industrial parts cleaning, automation and filtration. With sites in Germany, France, the Czech Republic, the USA, as well China and India, the Group services the automotive industry and its suppliers. It also supplies the worldwide general market with innovative standard systems, customized system solutions and services. Dürr Ecoclean is a member of the Dürr Group, a leading global supplier of products, systems and services for automobile manufacture.

Contact for editorial offices:

Dürr Ecoclean GmbH                                        
Robert Pauels                                                   
Industriestraße 10                                             
D-52156 Monschau                                           
Tel +49 (0)2472 83-224                                     
Fax +49 (0)2472 83-165                                    
Robert.pauels(at)ecoclean.durr.com                  
www.durr-ecoclean.com                                   

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