09/21/2010

Efficient vacuum generation can be achieved with compressed air. When the vacuum generator has been optimally designed for the application, and all parameters e. g. workpiece properties, cycle times, transport paths have been taken into account, you only need to select the right ejector with the right amount of power and the functions that meet your needs. At that point, compressed air is no longer an expensive source of energy, but a highly efficient energy source instead. Vacuum specialist J. Schmalz points like this work.

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Pneumatic vacuum ejectors are the best choice for reliable and efficient vacuum generation. Whether you're talking about a basic injector, an inline ejector, a multi-stage ejector, or a compact ejector – the system is not optimally configured until the vacuum generation is matched to the particular application.

Compressed air is one of the most expensive forms of energy, but its many virtues and application options make it an indispensable tool in the field of industrial automation. This is doubly true for automated vacuum applications – pneumatic vacuum ejectors are used in automation equipment in virtually every field, especially when you need fast cycle times with little time needed to pick the workpiece up and deposit it. The advantages: compared to vacuum pumps and blowers, they generate a great deal of vacuum power with a relatively low volume flow. They don't require mechanical parts, which cuts down on wear and maintenance. They are light and compact, which gives you a lot freedom in choosing where to install the unit in the overall system.

The right ejector for every application

The product range of pneumatic vacuum generators from vacuum technology specialist J. Schmalz includes basic, inline, multi-stage and compact ejectors. The basic ejectors of the SEG, SPB (without valve technology) and SPB-C series (with valve technology) have a maximum vacuum of 85 %. They are built into a compact housing, are extremely durable, and require little maintenance. They are available with nozzles measuring 0.5-3.0 mm in diameter, and with a suction capacity of up to 370 l/min. They are especially suited for dynamic handling of suction-tight or slightly porous workpieces, e.g. for moving items in the automated packaging industry.

Inline ejectors save a lot of space and can therefore be installed in tight spaces. The slim, plastic SLP series can be directly integrated in the hose line (using plug connections). The VR series with anodized aluminum body can be screwed directly onto the suction pad or distribution beam without requiring the user to bother with the installation of hoses. With nozzle diameters of 0.5 - 0.9 mm and a suction capacity of up to 21 l/min, they are used for handling compact, suction-tight workpieces (such as electronic components) or for separating layers during plastic and sheet metal processing.

Multi-stage ejectors consist of several nozzle chambers (arranged in a row) with a very high suction capacity. They are especially valuable when used for fast, secure handling of porous workpieces, such as cardboard boxes, chipboards, and OSB/MDF sheets. The SEM series has a sturdy aluminum body, a maximum suction capacity of 2,370 l/min, and a degree of evacuation of 85 %. The SEM-C series has a suction capacity of 673 l/min and is equipped with additional built-in functions, such as a control valve, a vacuum switch for system monitoring, a blow-off function, and optional air-saving regulation.

New standards in pneumatic vacuum generation

Compact ejectors are used in fully automated handling systems in the sheet metal and automotive industries, in packaging machines, and for various robotic applications. All series are equipped with suction and blow-off valves, system monitoring, and filters.

The compact ejectors of the X-Pump series (SXP/SXMP) are ideal when you have extreme requirements concerning cycle time and process safety, as is the case in the automotive industry. A power module for extremely high blow-off power can shorten release times by approx. 50 %. The integrated condition monitoring function allows for constant monitoring of vacuum systems and helps prevent system downtime.

The newest generation of compact ejectors from Schmalz is setting new standards around the world. The SCPi/SMPi ejectors have a built-in IO-Link function that allows for remote parameterization, which makes it easy to configure operating parameters from an external PC workstation. It also allows for efficient "process monitoring", so that you can detect malfunctions early on. The integrated air-saving function prevents undesired consumption of compressed air during machine downtimes, which can work out to a savings of up to 65 % per year.

Suction capacity of up to 8,640 l/min as required

Extensive accessories, such as collective connection plates for interlocking compact ejectors, silencers, filters, connection lines, and other connections (e.g. cable sets, plug connections, valve connections) allow for customized and application-specific system configurations. Special ejector designs are also available for specific applications. For example, SEC feed ejectors can lift very porous parts (e.g. foams, fabrics, or various recycling materials) and transport bulk materials with a suction capacity of up to 8,640 l/min using a nozzle size of 10 - 75 mm.