In this case, we developed a magnetic gripper solution for an automated material handling application at a customer’s production site. As a manufacturer of electro-permanent magnets, we worked closely with the customer to design a gripper that could be mounted at the end of a robotic arm and operate together with a vision system.
The customer needed to handle round shaft workpieces with a wide range of sizes. The parts have diameters from 70 mm to 120 mm, lengths from 100 mm up to 1800 mm, and a maximum weight of 40 kg. The handling process required stable gripping, accurate positioning, and smooth movement during automated operation.
Based on these requirements, we designed a magnetic gripper using two HEPMT-1611G electro-permanent magnets working together. This configuration provides sufficient holding force while allowing the robot to handle both short and long shafts. The magnetic gripper mounts directly on the robot flange and connects to the control system for simple on/off magnetic control.
During on-site testing, the magnetic gripper demonstrated reliable performance in combination with the vision system. The robot was able to identify, grip, lift, and transfer shafts of different sizes without mechanical adjustments. The non-contact gripping method helped protect the surface of the workpieces and reduced the need for complex mechanical fixtures.
The test also showed that the magnetic gripper could adapt well to changes in part length and position. By using vision guidance, the robot maintained consistent gripping points and stable motion throughout the handling process. The electro-permanent design ensured secure holding during operation while requiring power only during magnetization and demagnetization.
This project confirms that a properly designed magnetic gripper is well suited for automated handling of cylindrical steel parts. It offers a simple, stable, and flexible solution for robotic applications in modern automation systems.
