Interview – The new gripper system EcoCGrip

Design Team Leader
Mr. Robert Pauels played
a key role in the
development of EcoCGrip.

EcoCGrip - Operation under
difficult wet chemical
conditions

EcoCGrip is a new gripper system for robots developed by Dürr Ecoclean of Monschau for parts handling in industrial cleaning plants. The gripper’s task is to pick up a part from a conveyor belt and feed it to the various cleaning process stages. We spoke to Mr Robert Pauels, the Design Team Leader at Monschau, who played a key role in the development of this gripper system. 

Mr Pauels, what is so new about the EcoCGrip System?

With the new patented EcoCGrip system Dürr is the only company able to offer a complete system. Customers can obtain both cleaning system and gripper from one supplier. The new system is also flexible and suitable for a wide range of applications. 

What do you mean exactly by “flexible”?

The system stands out because of its modular build. In essence it is made up of standard basic elements that can be combined to form a variety of grippers. The advantages become very obvious when the gripper system has to be adapted, as part of the production process, to suit a different part. With EcoCGrip only the “fingers” of the gripper need to be changed. EcoCGrip’s arms can be attached to the body element of the gripper at a number of different points allowing them to be adapted individually. Low level grippers can be integrated so that the gripper system is able to hold and transfer not only individual items but also complete pallets of parts safely.   

What are the applications for EcoCGrip?

As a modular parallel gripper EcoCGrip is used for handling parts in wet chemical cleaning plants, on gantry systems and for mass production applications. The advantages of EcoCGrip really come into play where individual parts with very complex surfaces need to be cleaned and precise handling of drilled holes and channels is required.

A lot is demanded then of EcoCGrip?

During the cleaning process EcoCGrip feeds parts to the various processing stages. That may mean an injection flooding process, where the cleaning solution may also be sprayed or splashed onto the gripper, or it might involve directing a 6 bar blast of compressed air at the part. The grippers have no problems though in withstanding either these chemical solutions or water sprayed at pressures of up to 650 bar during cleaning and deburring processes.

How is EcoCGrip able to meet these demands?

One might say by being small, light and strong.  The patented design uses anodized aluminium and stainless steel materials and makes it possible for the grippers to handle parts weighing up to 70 kg. An integrated brake system ensures operational safety. Even if the supply of compressed air to the system fails there is no danger to either operator or parts. The gripper simply comes to a standstill in its last pre-failure position but retains its full part holding strength.  

How is the system’s complex equipment protected from moisture?

EcoCGrip is equipped with an air seal system. A state of overpressure is maintained within the gripper system itself which effectively prevents moisture and condensate from penetrating inside it. The system remains reliable and ready for operation even in the most difficult conditions.   

Are there any cost benefits for EcoCGrip users?

The EcoCGrip system is very flexible when modifications are required. When production is adapted to suit new parts the complete gripper system does not need to be replaced. In a case like this only the “fingers” on the gripper are changed and this reduces investment costs considerably.  

Dürr also offers fast, customer-oriented service. Should there be a fault in the system, time-consuming repairs are not undertaken - the modular gripper component is simply replaced immediately. This saves downtime and additional cost

Your contact:

Robert Pauels - robert.pauels@ecoclean.durr.com