Vacuum Pumps for Automation Technology
Modern automation systems rely on high-quality vacuum technology
How Automation Technology Increases Efficiency and Quality Using Vacuum Systems
Automation systems using robots with vacuum grippers, also called vacuum cups, boost productivity, especially in times of labor shortages. They excel in hygienic environments and delicate surface handling, making them ideal for repetitive tasks in manufacturing, quality control and packaging. These robots can pick from unsorted bulk materials, load and unload workpieces into and from CNC machines, position small parts, and pack products. Automation also allows workers to focus on more complex tasks. KNF vacuum pumps play a central role, providing the necessary suction pressure to enable flexible, precise control.
Advantages of Electric Vacuum Pumps for Automation
There are two common ways of generating vacuum. Pneumatic vacuum generators rely on compressed air as an energy source in combination with air-operated vacuum pumps or venturi systems with expensive vacuum control components, while the electric vacuum generators use electricity for driving vacuum pumps. Pneumatic vacuum generators are more expensive due to the extensive infrastructure required for the compressed air which leads to higher operational costs. Electric vacuum generators are more energy-efficient, reducing the electricity costs of an automation system significantly, especially in continuous operations.
How Diaphragm Pumps Enable Economic Automation
Electric vacuum pumps for automation applications are a cost-effective alternative to air-operated pumps, especially for future-proofing automation with mobile cobots. High speed and precision in providing suction pressure are crucial for significant output increases. Choosing KNF electric pick-and-place vacuum pumps saves on the costs of setting up, maintaining, and operating compressed air infrastructure. They also save on electricity costs due to their high suction power and low energy consumption, making them economical for 24/7 operations.
KNF’s BLDC motors offer comprehensive control functions, allowing full customization for pick-and-place tasks. Parameters like motor speed and ramp-up significantly influence energy efficiency. Real-time data from the pick-and-place vacuum pumps enhance automation adjustments. The high suction power results from the diaphragm shape and movement, ensuring reliable suction pressure even with high acceleration forces of the robot arm.
Automation Technology Requires Reliable and Durable Pumps
KNF vacuum pumps for automation applications are designed for a long service life, with micro gas pumps used as cobot pumps achieving more than 20,000 hours. The latest generation of KNF brushless DC motors has an innovative bearing design that withstands high mechanical loads. This technical strength protects the vacuum pump's longevity, especially with fast switching cycles.
We subject all our pumps to intensive testing before they are deployed as vacuum pumps in automation systems. This includes test cycles under worst-case conditions. For even more predictable service life, we can adapt the test conditions to the requirements of the actual application on request. Customers benefit from our low-maintenance and often even maintenance-free vacuum pumps which significantly reduce service life costs, time and effort.
Ready-To-Install Vacuum Pumps
The advantages of KNF's electric vacuum pumps as part of a pick-and-place vacuum system pay off even before commissioning. On request, we can supply the vacuum pump as a subassembly. This could be a ready-to-install unit with a valve block, filter, seals, and sensors. We can assist with incoming goods inspection and carry out the tests according to customer specifications at our premises. When the KNF pump arrives at the customer's incoming goods department, it can be installed in the pick-and-place vacuum system immediately.
How Automation Can Benefit from Customized Vacuum Pumps
Picking, positioning, and placing are the main activities of pick-and-place systems. Each part of the automation process requires an individual solution for a unique task. A properly selected pump produces exactly the vacuum required for the suction grippers. When it comes to developing vacuum pumps for pick-and-place applications, the “more is more” approach results in an oversized vacuum pump for the suction cup with an excessive power requirement. Every picking and placing action would result in reduced energy efficiency.
KNF experts will help you select the best vacuum pump for your automation task. Our pumps cover an ultimate vacuum range from 600 to 0.5 mbar (abs.). Since suction grippers require vacuum as end-of-arm tooling, this range corresponds to a vacuum level of 40 to 99.9% (based on 1,000 mbar absolute atmospheric pressure). Our vacuum pumps maintain the vacuum reliably, so even highly dynamic movements of the robot with the suction cup do not result in unplanned ejection of the workpiece.
KNF's electric vacuum pumps for automation applications are compatible with all common venting solutions from well-known valve manufacturers. All pumps can be seamlessly integrated into a higher-level control system, and proprietary BLDC motors offer lots of options for digital parameterization as well as regulating vacuum performance.
Matching Your Needs
Our experts will be happy to advise you on which vacuum pump is ideal for your automation solution.