Safety Notice: Strong Magnetic Field and Unexpected Release Hazards for MAG414-015 Gripper

Related Products

Tools Required

• Torque wrench
• Hex key set
• Safety glasses
• Protective gloves

Article

This document provides essential safety guidelines for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the NexBot Vision MAG414-015 Magnetic Gripper. Due to its powerful permanent electromagnet (P-E-M) technology, personnel must be aware of and adhere to the following procedures to prevent serious injury or equipment damage.

Hazard Identification

The MAG414-015 gripper presents several primary hazards:

1. Strong Magnetic Field: The gripper generates a powerful, concentrated magnetic field even when not actively switching. This field can:

• Interfere with or permanently damage sensitive medical devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators (ICDs), and insulin pumps.
• Erase or corrupt data on magnetic media like credit cards, ID badges, and computer hard drives.
• Affect the operation of sensitive electronic equipment and measurement tools.

1. Unexpected Payload Release: While the P-E-M technology holds a payload without continuous power, a risk of release exists due to:

• Attempting to lift payloads exceeding the 15 kg rated capacity.
• Poor surface contact with the workpiece due to debris, coatings, or uneven surfaces.
• Incorrect control signals or programming errors causing an unintended 'release' pulse.
• Component failure within the gripper's switching circuit.

A falling payload can cause severe impact or crushing injuries.

1. Pinch and Crush Hazards: The strong magnetic force can cause the gripper to attract suddenly and forcefully to any nearby ferromagnetic object, creating a dangerous pinch point for hands and fingers during handling, installation, or maintenance.

Affected Product

• SKU: NXB-GEN-MAG414-015
• Product Name: NexBot Vision MAG414-015 Magnetic Gripper 15kg Lift

This notice applies to all units of the specified product when used as end-of-arm tooling on compatible robotic systems, including the NexBot R-20, R-50, C-10, and S-5 series.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All personnel working with or near the MAG414-015 gripper must wear appropriate PPE, including but not limited to:

• ANSI-approved safety glasses
• Steel-toed safety footwear
• Cut-resistant or leather work gloves during manual handling and installation

Safe Handling Procedures

Strict adherence to the following procedures is mandatory.

Installation

1. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Before installation, ensure the robot controller and all related power sources are de-energized and placed in a LOTO state according to your facility's safety protocols.
2. Secure Mounting: Mount the MAG414-015 gripper to the robot's J6 tool flange. Use the correct size and grade of fasteners as specified in the robot's technical manual.
3. Torque Specification: Tighten all mounting fasteners in a star pattern to a final torque value of 15 Nm. Do not over-tighten.
4. Electrical Connection: Connect the 24VDC power and IO-Link communication cable to the gripper. Ensure the M12 connector is fully seated and tightened to maintain the IP67 rating.
5. Clear Area: Before re-energizing the system, ensure no loose ferromagnetic tools, fasteners, or debris are near the gripper face.

Operation

1. Respect Load Limits: Never attempt to lift a workpiece weighing more than the rated 15 kg capacity. The actual lifting capacity may be reduced by surface coatings, air gaps, or uneven part geometry.
2. Establish Safe Zones: Program the robot's operating envelope to prevent the gripper and its payload from passing over personnel or critical equipment. Never allow personnel to work under a suspended load.
3. Verify Grip: Use the IO-Link feedback to program a grip verification step. The robot should not proceed with a movement until the controller confirms a successful grip has been established.
4. Controlled Movements: Avoid high-speed, jerky motions that could dislodge the payload, especially during acceleration and deceleration phases.
5. Medical Device Warning: Post clear warning signs in the operating area indicating the presence of a strong magnetic field. Personnel with pacemakers or other critical medical implants must not enter the robot cell during operation.

Maintenance

1. LOTO: Always de-energize and LOTO the robot system before performing any maintenance on the gripper.
2. Inspection: Regularly inspect the gripper's magnetic face for dents, scratches, or embedded metallic debris that could reduce holding force. Clean the face with a non-abrasive cloth.
3. Cable Check: Inspect the power and communication cable for signs of wear, abrasion, or damage. Replace if necessary.

Emergency Procedures

• In Case of Payload Drop: Immediately clear the area. Do not attempt to catch a falling object. Report the incident to a supervisor and do not resume operation until the cause has been identified and corrected.
• In Case of Injury: Administer first aid immediately and seek professional medical attention as required. Report all injuries according to facility protocols.

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