The extensive range of gripping systems from the Italian company OMIL has been developed to improve productivity and accuracy in a number of key sectors, including machine tools, assembly machines, transfer machines and gantry robots.

The range is now available from Tamworth-based Leader Chuck Systems Ltd (www.leaderchuck.com).

Based in Turin and with over half a century of experience producing gripping systems, OMIL has a comprehensive range of standard products that are usually available on very short lead times at competitive prices.

The range includes grippers, linear and rotary actuators, vices, chucks and bespoke solutions.

For example, the company’s end effectors for industrial robots can grip parts weighing up to 500kg and at temperatures up to 1,000ºC for die casting and forging, while applications for grippers used on automated assembly lines include automotive, pharmaceutical, electronics, food and beverage, domestic appliance and packaging.

Pneumatic grippers offered range from two-finger parallel to three- or four-finger self-centring and two-finger radial.

Moreover, the OMIL GSO range of two-finger parallel grippers is manufactured to ensure protection to class IP67 for harsh environments — and a mechanical gripping force maintenance device ensures a minimum gripping force, even if the air pressure drops.

For applications where larger and heavier workpieces require gripping, OMIL has a number of ranges that provide strokes up to 400mm and gripping forces of 10,000N at a normal workshop pressure of 6 bar.

For milling machine applications, a range of chucks for round parts and vices for prismatic parts is available, while special machinery applications can encompass punching and forming equipment, as well as measurement and inspection systems.

Leader Chuck Systems managing director, Mark Jones, said: “Any company looking at specifying a new automation system or upgrading an existing installation should look at OMIL as a viable alternative to the Japanese and German suppliers.

“They offer the same performance at a considerable cost advantage — and complete interchangeability.”