The basic component is a rotary gripper unit that is combined with, for example, a 3D handling system. The point of departure for finding the right solution involves the dimensions of the sample vial and the required torque. Whether or not different vials will need to be handled is also decisive.
The necessary strokes can be determined on the basis of the height and diameter of the vials.
If the vials vary in size, a larger gripper stroke is advantageous, as is a longer Z stroke for the handling unit, so that as many requirements as possible can be fulfilled with a single system.
This greatly reduces the complexity of the overall system.
The vial has to be held in place while the cap is being screwed on or off in order to counteract the closing or opening torque. A clamping unit or a second gripper, for example, can be used here, since the stroke can be adapted to the different vial sizes. Depending on the vials, simple positive locking with passive clamping may also be sufficient.
The great number of different sample vials alone results in a wide range of technical requirements for automated opening and closing. Festo offers a large portfolio of solutions as part of its compact handling systems, from complete rotary gripper modules to solutions consisting of individual standard components to customer-specific further and new developments.