A new electropneumatic pump module, the AVM 5050, has now been introduced for controlling and monitoring vacuum systems that are designed to move materials using suction cups. The module has been developed by the vacuum technology company Piab to ensure the safe and rapid handling of sheet metal parts, etc., and to minimise expensive downtime and rejects in the automotive and white goods industries.  The module, which can be controlled from a PC or PLC, has a built-in energy-saving feature and ensures that the vacuum is maintained in the event of a power cut.

The AVM 5050 can be operated with a variety of small compressed air-driven pumps, but is also available with an integral pump. This solution has been designed to meet the tough requirements of the automotive industry for versatility, reliability and speed.

"The product was developed in collaboration with automotive manufacturers to incorporate all the features that are needed to control a vacuum system on a press line or in final assembly," says Josef Karbassi, Market Segment Manager at Piab AB in Täby. When used with Piab vacuum pumps it allows vacuum to be achieved in a very short time - which minimises cycle time and the risk of the handling robot dropping the part. The module also controls blow-off and permits continuous monitoring of vacuum level by means of an analogue output and a ready signal with a choice of several adjustable levels.

Built-in energy-saving feature
The manufacturer confirms that the control and monitoring module complies with the requirements of the EMC directive, which means that it is unaffected by electromagnetic fields generated by welding robots and the like. It is similarly unaffected by other nearby electronic systems.

"The AVM 5050 also has a built-in feature that minimises its compressed air demand and is very easy to adjust," explains Josef Karbassi. This feature, which saves money and reduces the environmental burden, quickly shuts off the compressed air supply when the required vacuum has been achieved, then switches it back on if there is leakage from the suction cups. The AVM 5050 is also easy to install and use, and all connections comply with industry standards.

The automotive industry often requires complete solutions that include compressed air pumps and control systems.

"In such cases they can supplement the control and monitoring module with our modular vacuum pumps," says Josef Karbassi. These pumps use the latest ejector technology and combine low energy consumption with rapid evacuation, even where supply line pressure is low. Reducing the supply line pressure allows manufacturers to improve operating economy, by reducing compressor utilisation for example.

Piab develops, manufactures and markets products for industrial vacuum technology applications. The company's products are used primarily in materials handling and production processes in areas such as the packaging industry, automotive industry, graphics industry and chemicals industry all over the world.


For more information, contact:
PIAB LTD, Mr. Michael Leitch, Managing Director
P.O. Box 43, GB-LOUGHBOROUGH, LEICESTERSHIRE LE12 8NY
Tel. 1509 814 280
Fax 1509 814 647
E-mail: piab.gb@btinternet.com
Website: www.piab.com

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