August, 27 2012 – FIPA announced Customized Insert-Grippers, designed specifically for handling inserts in plastic injection-moulded parts. The compact, completely customizable design and simple gripper integration make this product affordable for the smallest of batch sizes or even single-piece runs. The user can choose between vacuum- and air-powered grippers and integrate the product with existing equipment. Customized Insert-Gripper is designed to handle inserts securely, guaranteeing optimal process security - even at high cycle times. To achieve this combination of benefits, the gripper is tailored specifically to the precise geometric shape of the material handled.
Both vacuum- and air-powered versions are available. Housing materials offered include a high-strength aluminum compound or a polyamide-based high-performance plastic. These plastics are not only safe for use with food products, but also very light, making them ideal for high dynamic loads. Another advantage: Vacuum and pressure ports can be integrated into the grippers, which helps minimize the hose connection effort and space requirements.
Application Example
With the FIPA Customized Insert-Grippers, vacuum is used to securely hold nuts or threaded connectors on the face side of the product, where the use of an internal/external gripper would not be possible. Here, the suction surface corresponds to the negative profile of the work piece. On the other side, the air-powered gripper securely grips threaded bushings from inside and inserts into an injection-molded tool.
FIPA Customized Insert-Grippers at a Glance: • Precise adjustment to component’s specifications: Secure handling at high cycle times. • Media selection: Highly flexible applications due to choice of air- or vacuum- power. • Flexible material selection: High-strength aluminum alloy or high-performance plastic designed for use with food products. • Easy integration into gripper systems: Insert-grippers are compatible with FIPA’s modular system, as well as similar third-party systems. • Economic production: Can be deployed swiftly and efficiently – even with batch sizes as small as one. • Quick exchange: With quick-action couplings, gripper heads can be replaced without dismantling the gripper system.
