News | May 11, 2021

Finger Change At The Touch Of A Button

SCHUNK is expanding its range for the rapid change of gripper fingers. While an Allen key was still required for the proven SCHUNK BSWS jaw quick-change system, all that is needed with the new manual BSWS-M system is a push of a button to mechanically unlock the top jaw and pull it instantly off the gripper. Moreover, a new jaw is attached just as quickly and easily, and connected to the gripper at the simple push of a button. This means that the tool-free jaw quick-change system reduces set-up times to a minimum, while also increasing productivity and flexibility of the entire automated system. As an additional mounting aid, optionally available alignment pins and a corresponding alignment pin hole can now be used to ensure that the fingers can only be mounted in the correct position in the case of asymmetrical finger pairs, for example.

Three variants to choose from

Like the BSWS, the tool-free quick jaw-change system is available in three variants. In the BSWS-BM variant (seven standardized sizes from 50 to 200), the change mechanism is integrated into a base, which in turn is permanently mounted on the base jaw of the gripper. Only the gripper fingers are changed. With this variant, already existing SCHUNK gripper fingers equipped with adapter pins of the BSWS-A series can be further used. The second variant BSWS-URM (six sizes from 50 to 160) can be easily and modularly integrated into customized attachment fingers. Here, the locking mechanism is supplied as a kit for direct installation in the gripper fingers. This allows the entire length of the finger to be used for clamping, as the base is eliminated. The third variant BSWS-ABRM (six sizes from 50 to 160) comprises finger blanks with integrated change mechanism, which can be individually adapted by the customer to the respective clamping contour. All three variants can be used universally on all SCHUNK premium grippers as well as on numerous other gripping modules with SCHUNK PGN-plus finger interface.

Can also be used as a stationary changing system

The SCHUNK BSWS-M jaw quick-change system not only pays off when it comes to the rapid change of gripper fingers, but can also demonstrate its strengths in other applications. For example, in stationary applications or when used on a transport system, workpieces can be quickly removed at the touch of a button and replaced with another variant. The self-explanatory system can be used reliably in any application without technical training.

Source: SCHUNK