Overview

This document provides detailed technical specifications, features, and maintenance guidelines for Gimatic's pneumatic self-centering needle grippers, specifically the PT series and mini-gripper variants. These grippers are designed for handling applications in plastics, textile, and food industries.

1. Product Specifications

PT Series Needle Grippers

• Needle Configuration: PT25 with 4 needles, PT28 with 8 needles, each needle diameter 2 mm.
• Operating Medium: Compressed air compliant with ISO 8573-1:2010 [7:4:4].
• Pressure Range: 3 to 8 bar.
• Temperature Range: 5° to 60 °C.
• Gripping Force: 90 N total at 6 bar.
• Needle Stroke: Adjustable between 1 to 7 mm.
• Cycle Air Consumption: 3.5 cm³ per cycle.
• Weight: PT25 approx. 165 g, PT28 approx. 182 g.

PT Mini-Gripper Series

• Needle Configuration: 4 needles, diameter 1.5 mm.
• Operating Medium: Compressed air compliant with ISO 8573-1:2010 [7:4:4].
• Pressure Range: 3 to 8 bar.
• Temperature Range: 5° to 60 °C.
• Gripping Force: 40 N to 50 N at 6 bar depending on model.
• Needle Stroke: 0 to 4 mm or 0 to 7 mm depending on model.
• Cycle Air Consumption: 0.6 to 1.1 cm³ per cycle.
• Weight: Ranges from 63 g to 134 g depending on model.

2. Features and Options

• Self-Centering Mechanism: The grippers are self-centering, ensuring uniform needle stroke controlled by the piston end-stroke.
• Stroke Adjustment: Needle stroke can be adjusted simultaneously by loosening a grub screw and using a 1-euro coin for fine tuning.
• Double Acting (PT Series): Provides reliable gripping with pneumatic actuation on both directions.
• Single Acting (Mini-Grippers): Normally closed operation for safety and simplicity.
• Material Options: Needles made of AISI 316L stainless steel; front covers available in AISI 303 steel or PA 12 polymer.
• Special Features for PT28: Includes blow-off port for cleaning, PTFE pad for hot surface contact, and optional magnetic sensors.
• Mounting Accessories: Various mounting options including clamp and plate mounting depending on model.

3. Maintenance Guidelines

• Needles are easily replaceable; ordering code for a single needle is PT-25-13.
• After five million cycles, re-lubrication is required using BERULUB FG-H 2 SL grease (NSF H1 registered, No. 135919).

4. Dimensional Data

Detailed dimensional drawings are provided for PT23 and PT30 mini-grippers, including measurements for needle positions, mounting holes, and overall size. Needles are 1.5 mm diameter, with front covers either stainless steel or polymer, allowing selection based on application requirements.

5. Compliance and Standards

All pneumatic grippers operate with compressed air meeting ISO 8573-1:2010 [7:4:4] quality standards, ensuring clean and dry air supply for optimal performance and longevity.

Critical Parameters and Recommendations

• Operating pressure must be maintained between 3 and 8 bar for safe and effective gripping.
• Temperature limits are 5° to 60 °C to avoid material degradation or performance loss.
• Regular maintenance and lubrication after 5 million cycles to ensure durability.
• Use of optional magnetic sensors recommended for automation and position feedback.
• Selection between PT25 and PT28 models depends on application needs such as needle count, cleaning requirements, and hot surface contact.

Summary

The Gimatic PT series pneumatic needle grippers offer versatile, reliable, and adjustable gripping solutions for delicate and precise handling in various industries. Their self-centering design, adjustable stroke, and compliance with air quality standards make them suitable for demanding automation tasks. Proper maintenance and selection of accessories enhance their operational life and adaptability.