All-electric vacuum systems are in demand wherever compressed air is not available and efficiency is the focus. This can be in manufacturing and assembly as well as in autonomous transport systems and robots. The new Compact Pump GCPi from J. Schmalz GmbH generates the vacuum required for handling with the help of an efficient double-head diaphragm pump. Instead of compressed air, it only needs a 24-volt supply, for example from a battery. Thanks to the integrated energy-saving control, the speed of the pump is controlled as needed and optimized for the respective workpiece.

The GCPi is IoT-ready: Process parameters are entered via the integrated IO-Link interface or via digital control signals. In addition, it is possible to enter parameters via the LCD touch display attached to the device. The user reads out information about the process via the integrated NFC interface. Schmalz has equipped the GCPi with additional connections. The new LQE compact valve can also be operated via these: The all-electric 3/2-way valve has a very compact design and can be mounted directly on the gripper. This significantly accelerates evacuation and ventilation of the vacuum system. A sensor integrated in the LQE, which monitors the vacuum, ensures even greater process reliability. If independent suction circuits are to be implemented in the vacuum system, several LQE compact valves are used for decentralized control. The vacuum for this is generated - centrally - by the GCPi.