IEF-Werner has extensively developed its proven miniSPIN series to support users even better. For example, they can now move small components precisely and automatically not only with up to 20 grams, but also up to 100 grams - with the usual short overall cycle times. In addition, the handling unit is much more flexible in terms of motors and controls. Video tutorials are now also available to customers.
Furtwangen, 19.09.2023
With the miniSPIN series, users from the semiconductor technology, electronics, medical technology and watch and jewellery industries can move and transport miniature components highly dynamically and quickly. "Until now, this was only possible with components weighing up to 20 grams and in cycle times of 200 milliseconds," Andreas Hirt explains, responsible for sales of the miniSPIN quarter-turn actuator at IEF Werner. "We have now extended this upwards. On request, our customers can also get the handling system for components weighing up to 100 grams."
The compact miniSPIN is based on a lever arm that is available in lengths of 87 and 151.5 millimetres, depending on the application. It is attached to the drive shaft of the motor-gearbox combination. At its end, a sleeve is screwed to a pivoted interface. The end effector on the lever arm can be operated with vacuum or compressed air via a pneumatically operated rotary distributor. In this way, the user can mount both a suction gripper and a pneumatic parallel gripper on the quill and transport products safely from A to B.
It is also possible to specify the quill as another NC-controlled rotary axis. This allows the user to rotate the suction cup 360 degrees and even endlessly as well as position it freely. The additional degree of freedom allows the miniSPIN to be used, for example, to remove a component from the pallet and rotate it to the appropriate position during the movement for a camera inspection. A backlash-free planetary gear ensures high positioning rigidity.
In the technical design, the IEF developers placed great emphasis on the control ratio between external mass moment and motor moment of inertia. This means that the lever arm does not overshoot in the transfer positions. The lines for the media are integrated in the lever arm. To ensure that the gripper picks up the components safely and without delay, it can be equipped with special vacuum switches or quick-action valves.
Even more compact on request
"With the swivel arm, the miniSPIN can perform both an X and, by swivelling the lever, a Z direction with just one motor," Hirt explains. "With a classic linear system, I need two separate axes for this. At the same time, the classic solution requires more installation space and significantly more cables." The miniSPIN, on the other hand, is much more compact and can be used both as a stand-alone component and combined with directly driven linear axes - for example with the euroLINE series from IEF-Werner. This allows users to implement highly dynamic handling systems with a long reach.
Brand new: If even less installation space is available, IEF-Werner offers the miniSPIN optionally with an angular gear. This deflects the servo motor by 90 degrees. This means that the handling unit requires less installation depth in the axial direction. Users also have more freedom in the selection of motors and controllers, as third-party solutions can now also be integrated. "Compared to robot systems that can be used for similar applications, the user can also programme the miniSPIN more easily and, for example, position the rotary axis directly via the degree specification," Hirt says.
Service staff often get very similar questions from customers on the phone. That is why the engineers have focused on supporting information in addition to technical innovations in the further development of the miniSPIN. For example, users can access video tutorials on various topics on the IEF website - including the structure and functioning of the miniSPIN, its lifting suction cup and drive technology - information that they previously only received in written form, for example in the manual. With these innovations, IEF-Werner supports its customers even more comprehensively.