Pick and Place With Magnetic Grippers: Applications Beyond Woodworking

For production environments where handling speed is important, reducing the time required to grip and release components can contribute to overall process efficiency.

Access to Different Workpiece Geometries

Mechanical grippers often require appropriate gripping surfaces or access points. Magnetic gripping can provide an alternative where the surface of the component is accessible from above.

This can be useful when handling flat or irregularly shaped steel components.

No Mechanical Jaw Movement

Because the magnetic force provides the holding action, the gripping process does not necessarily require conventional jaw movement. This can simplify some handling operations and reduce the number of mechanical movements involved.

What Should Be Considered Before Using Magnetic Grippers?

Magnetic gripping is not suitable for every workpiece. Manufacturers should assess the material, geometry, weight and surface condition before selecting this technology.

Workpiece Material

The first consideration is whether the component is sufficiently ferromagnetic to be securely handled.

Workpiece Weight

The magnetic gripper must have adequate capacity for the load being handled. Safety factors should also be considered, particularly when robots move components at speed.