SCHUNK: Finger Change at the Push of a Button
May 18, 2021
SCHUNK has again increased its gripper fingers program, and they can be exchanged more rapidly now: whereas the proven SCHUNK BSWS jaw quick-change system required an Allen key for operation, however, the new manual BSWS-M system only requires the push of a button to mechanically unlock the top jaw and pull away from the gripper. Attaching a new jaw and connecting it with the gripper is also done as quickly and easily with just the push of a button. As a result, the toolless jaw quick-change system reduces set-up times to a minimum, and therefore increases productivity and flexibility of the complete system. Dowel pins and a corresponding bore hole are available options, serving as an additional mounting aid, to ensure e.g. in the case of asymmetric finger pairs that they can be only mounted in the correct position.
Three versions available
Just like the BSWS, the toolless jaw quick-change system is available in three versions: The exchange mechanism of the BSWS-BM version (seven standardized sizes from 50 to 200) are incorporated in the base, which is firmly mounted on the base jaw of the gripper, and therefore only the gripper fingers need to be changed. For this version, existing SCHUNK gripper fingers which are equipped with an adapter bolt of series BSWS-A can be used. The second version is the BSWS-URM (six sizes from 50 to 160 are available) and can be easily and modularly incorporated into customized attachable fingers. The gripper fingers include a kit with the necessary locking mechanism for direct installation in the gripper fingers. Therefore, as there is no base, the complete finger length can be used for clamping. The third version is the BSWS-ABRM which is available in six sizes from 50 to 160. It includes finger blanks with an integrated change mechanism, and customers can adapt them individually to the respective clamping contour. All three versions are versatile in use and can be combined with every SCHUNK premium gripper and numerous gripping modules with SCHUNK PGN-plus finger interface.
Also useable as a stationary change system
The benefit of the SCHUNK BSWS-M quick-change system can be seen not only in its rapid exchangeability of the gripper fingers, but can also through its strength and adaptability to different applications: in stationary applications, or if it is used on a transport system, because workpieces can be quickly removed and replaced by another version at the push of a button. The system is as easy as push/pull allowing the BSWS-M to be integrated into many applications without the need for any technical training.
