Plastics Machining and Fabricating: Feature

Xenia, OH (July 1, 2005), --- SAS Automation, a world leader in Robotic End-of-Arm Tooling has introduced a new line of robotic gripper fingers with lighter weight carbon fiber bodies – ideal for high speed production runs requiring extra lightweight tooling with high strength. Reducing the weight of the shaft with carbon fiber reduces robot wear and tear while at the same time, providing a tool that can accommodate extremely high weights – a requirement of processors with extra big and bulky parts. Available upon request for use in conjunction with SAS VLR Extension Arm for adequate clamping force while mounting in high load conditions.

Since the introduction of lighter weight carbon fiber robotic gripper arms for special high speed applications, SAS has incorporated this technology into its standard pneumatic finger gripper components. The strength of this component is actually increased with weight reduction. The complete line of SAS’s standard gripper fingers, such as the GRF and GRW series, with a 20 mm clamping diameter, is available upon request with a carbon fiber body. The gripper finger head and connector bottom is still of aluminum material for durability.
Advantages include:

Weight of carbon fiber when compared to aluminum is up to one third less. In this case, the weight savings are 7% on the GRF 20-95 Gripper Finger, which can add up to a significant weight savings on gripper assemblies requiring multiple fingers.
Flex of carbon fiber or strength being measured in modulus of elasticity, is up to 3 times that of aluminum. Actual stiffness is expected to be at least twice that of current aluminum shafts.

“The application of this technology of utilizing carbon fiber gripper finger bodies is another example of how SAS Automation continues to introduce innovative lightweight end-of-arm tooling components that help increase speed, efficiencies, and reduce robot wear. As robots are increasingly asked to do more, reducing the weight of the EOAT helps to meet this new mandate”, said Richard Petz, SAS General Manager.

About SAS Automation - ISO 9001:2000 registered
SAS is a leading supplier of modular EOAT components & robotic gripper systems – capable of servicing any part and any robot. SAS manufactures in the USA “get a grip!”, and distributes “nip it!” Nile sprue nipper line, and “GRIP IT!“ Asian chucking/gripper line.

They are specialists in robotic end-of-arm tooling and gripper systems, sprue nippers, CNC degating and Insert Molding tooling for manufacturing and plastics industries. SAS German office services the European market. Sales/support to USA, Canada, Mexico and Europe.