Today, automated loading processes with robots become even more powerful. For this purpose, SCHUNK has further expanded its range of pneumatic robot couplings for pallet handling. The new powerful VERO-S NSR3 138 robot coupling ensures process-reliable handling of heavy pallet weights. For the first time, reliable detection and transmission to the machine control system via IO-Link interface of the individual clamping statuses is possible.

The maintenance-free robot couplings of the VERO-S NSR Series have been setting benchmarks for high-efficiency, robot-assisted pallet changes on machine tools for many years now. Now, SCHUNK is making the handling of heavy pallets safer and further expanding its portfolio for high-end pallet loading.

With the new VERO-S NSR3 138 robot module, SCHUNK is now launching an extremely dimensionally stable module with high pull-down forces. Specifically, it can absorb higher moments (My = 1,500Nm and Mz = 1,600Nm) than its slim, interfering-contour-optimized counterpart VERO-S NSR 160. The blow-off function integrated as standard ensures optimum cleaning of all reference surfaces and thus a process-reliable sequence. The module clamps thanks to spring force via a form-fit, self-retained locking. As a result, the full pull-down force is maintained even in the event of a pressure drop.

Process-reliable Clamping Status Monitoring and Pallet Presence Check

Transparency in the clamping procedure is provided by the optionally combinable AFS3-R IOL 138 monitoring unit. This allows the “module opened”, “module closed”, “module closed with clamping pin” and “pallet presence” statuses of the robot module to be recorded. Subsequently, they can be transferred to the machine control via the standardized IO-Link interface, as a first in the industry. This is a fieldbus-independent point-to-point connection that enables events as well as process and service data to be exchanged between machine control and clamping device. Also, it enables integration into almost any fieldbus system.

High Process Reliability in Unmanned Operation

The module is hermetically sealed. Meanwhile, all functional parts are made of hardened, stainless steel, ensuring a long, maintenance-free service life. Locking is done in a form-fit and self-retaining manner. For unlocking a pneumatic system pressure of 5 bar is sufficient. The use of non-oiled air is also possible. The repeat accuracy amounts to 0.02mm.