Schunk first entered the field of 3D online system configurators for assembly automation in 2017: Since then, it has been possible to implement a wide variety of pick & place solutions and load them completely into the CAD program as an assembly. Now comes the next step: at schunk.partcommunity.com, users will be able to configure complete assemblies consisting of SRU-plus swivel modules, grippers, sensors and even fully standardized adapter plates with just a few clicks. The gripper swivel units can then be checked in the 3D preview of the configurator, adapted if necessary and finally downloaded in all common CAD formats (either 2D or 3D) or as a 3D PDF. An intelligent combination logic ensures that only feasible configurations are displayed.

In addition to the gripping system components, the individually generated parts lists include all required standard parts, such as centring elements and screws. The configurator for modular assembly automation works just as easily: it can be used to intuitively configure complete pick & place setups and download the system as an assembly. To speed up the process, users can first choose from four basic Pick&Place assembly variants and then customize them. The tool includes the most important grippers, rotary modules, linear modules and the complete column assembly system with over 10,000 possible combinations.

"The tool enables both designers and project managers to save a significant amount of time and minimizes the risk of errors when designing, planning and implementing handling systems," explains Marcel Nagel, who is responsible for the portfolio management of digital tools and product-related services at Schunk. Essentially, the aim is to significantly streamline and, not least, simplify the engineering process.

In addition to the 3D configurator, all gripping system components from the Schunk portfolio will be available as 'Smart Parts' in future. This means that the intelligent 3D CAD models include the technical catalog data and product properties in addition to the CAD geometry data. Specific options and add-on parts, such as mounting kits for sensors, dust protection or sealing variants as well as the sensors themselves, can be selected and configured directly on the model. Last but not least, the metadata can be used to simulate motion sequences in the CAD system and take information on mass centers, materials or environmental protection standards into account. Instead of designing gripping systems from individual components in the CAD program and laboriously enriching them with metadata as was previously the case, complete subsystems can now be configured directly in Cadenas and downloaded in full. As all data models are already available at [email protected], they offer optimum conditions for standardized procurement, warehousing, maintenance and use.