Efficient vacuum generation with compressed air is possible. If the vacuum generator is optimally designed for the application, all parameters such as workpiece properties, cycle times and transport routes have been taken into account and if a suitable, performance-based ejector with functionalities relevant to the requirements is selected, compressed air is not expensive, but a highly efficient energy carrier. Vacuum technology specialist J. Schmalz shows how it's done.

Pneumatic vacuum ejectors are the instrument of choice when it comes to reliable, efficient vacuum generation. Whether basic, inline, multi-stage or compact ejector - the system is optimally configured only when the vacuum generation fits the application.

Compressed air is one of the most expensive forms of energy, but due to its many advantages and potential applications, it has become indispensable in industrial automation. And certainly not from the automated vacuum application: Pneumatic vacuum ejectors are used in automation systems in all industries. Especially when it comes to fast cycle times with short intake and deposition times of the workpiece. The advantages: In contrast to vacuum pumps and blowers, they generate a high negative pressure at a relatively low volume flow. They do not require any mechanical parts, ie they require little wear and maintenance. They have a low weight and compact dimensions and are therefore extremely variable in their installation position in the overall system.

The right ejector for every application

The range of Schmalz pneumatic vacuum generators includes basic, inline, multi-stage and compact ejectors. Basic ejectors of the series SEG, SPB (without valve technology) and SPB-C (with valve technology) with a maximum vacuum of 85% consist of a compact housing, are extremely robust and require little maintenance. Available with nozzles from 0,5 - 3,0 mm diameter and with a pumping speed up to 370 l / min, its strength lies in the dynamic handling of suction-proof or slightly porous workpieces, eg. B. in Umsetzvorgängen in the automated packaging industry.

Inline ejectors are absolutely space-saving and therefore suitable for mounting in tight spaces. The slim plastic SLP series can be integrated directly into the hose line by means of plug-in connections. The VR series with its anodised aluminum base body can be screwed directly onto the suction pad or to the distributor traverse without complex tubing. With nozzle diameters of 0,5 - 0,9 mm and a pumping speed up to 21 l / min, they are used for handling compact, suction-proof workpieces such as electronic components or are used in separation processes in plastics and sheet metal processing.

Multi-stage ejectors consist of several nozzle chambers arranged one behind the other with a very high pumping speed. They are preferred when it comes to the fast, safe handling of porous workpieces such as cardboard, chipboard, OSB or MDF boards. The SEM series with a stable aluminum body has a maximum pumping speed of 2370 l / min and an evacuation rate of 85%. The SEM-C series with a pumping speed of 673 l / min has integrated additional functions such as control valve, vacuum switch for system monitoring, blow-off function and optional air-saving control.

New standards in pneumatic vacuum generation

Compact ejectors are used in fully automated handling systems in sheet metal processing, the automotive industry, in packaging machines and in various robot applications. All series are equipped with suction and blow-off valves, system monitoring and filters. The compact ejector series X-Pump (SXP / SXMP) is in demand for extreme demands in terms of cycle time and process reliability, as in the automotive industry. A power module for extremely high blow-off power shortens transfer times by approx. 50%. With the integrated condition monitoring function, vacuum systems can be completely monitored and downtimes avoided.

Schmalz sets new global standards in pneumatic vacuum generation with the latest SCPi / SMPi compact ejector generation: the integrated IO-Link functionality enables remote parameterization, ie operating parameters can be set conveniently from an external PC workstation. In the same way, an efficient "process monitoring" for early error detection is possible. The integrated automatic air-saving system prevents unwanted compressed air consumption during machine downtime, which allows savings of up to 65% per year.

If necessary, a pumping speed up to 8.640 l / min

Extensive accessories such as manifold connection plates for blocking compact ejectors, silencers, filters, connecting cables and connections such as cable sets, plug and valve connections enable application-specific, individual system configurations. For special applications, there are also ejector special versions, such as the SEC ejectors, which, with a suction capacity of up to 8.640 l / min with 10-75 mm nozzle size, can suck in very porous parts such as foams, fabrics or various recycling materials or facilitate the transport of bulk material.

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