- July 26, 2011
- Fipa Inc.
July 26, 2011 - FIPA revamped its Expander expansion grippers. The grippers are up to 30% lighter than and just as universal as the four existing versions. The expansion grippers have no steel components--instead they have a lightweight aluminum design. This allows for higher dynamics, especially in complex gripper systems with many expansion grippers.
Another feature is that all grippers have clamping shafts (14 to 30 mm) for connecting to the FIPA gripper construction kit and all standard systems.Typical expansion gripper applications include the removal of plastic containers from injection molding machines as well as the handling of bottles or other open containers in the packaging industry. When the contact surface is too small for using vacuum cups or grippers could damage the workpiece, expansion grippers are a solution. A simple principle implemented optimally: the gripper plunges into a workpiece. Due to compressed air, the inner piston diameter of the elastomer part compresses, the diameter of which increases as a result. The result: the workpiece is gripped tightly and held securely. To set it down, the compressed air is switched off, the piston returns to its original position and the elastomer part takes on its original shape again. The workpiece can be removed. All expansion grippers have this operating principle in common.
Expansion grippers can handle heavy components. They have a lifting force range from less than 1 kg to 65 kg (650 N). The gripping force can be controlled by the input pressure. Up to two proximity sensors can be attached to a gripper for monitoring the gripping process. The gripper moves precisely into the workpiece to be handled using a centering cone.
Four versions are availalbe: expansion grippers with downward movement pistons and coaxial air connection are standard. Optional with lateral air connection and passage bore hole for additional pressure/vacuum test or cooling the workpiece. Both versions are available with upward movement pistons for gripping workpieces securely, which are on a surface or arranged at short distances from one another.
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