Metal Handling is Only as Good as its EOAT

Press tending robots have grown in popularity for metal handling in many complex stamping operations and other production applications because of their ability to manipulate, tilt or rotate the metal blanks throughout the production process. But press tending and metal handling is only as good as the end-of arm tooling (EOAT) being used in the process. For these demanding situations, heavy-duty materials, long reaches and multi-tasking are no match for robots fixed with purpose-built End-of Arm Tooling systems from Piab USA, Inc. (Hingham MA), which enable robots to lift, position and separate heavy, contoured or oily blanks. Precise gripping components provide added designed flexibility to stack, crate pack or palletize finished parts. There are also EOAT systems for boom-type robotic tending that can adjust the gripper on-the-fly and use safety hold-down clamps for high-speed applications. Whether unloading a press, de-stacking blanks or performing a secondary operation, such as bar code labeling or date stamping, these EOAT systems can move your press stamping process toward safe, secure and repeatable blank transfers and placements.

Spools (or reels or coils) of wire, cables, and cords constitute a special category of loads that need to be lifted and handled. Spools are often heavy, plus their cylindrical shape and the need to rotate them when in use creates unique requirements. Forklifts are often used for handing, especially for larger spools. Problems involve not enough space for any type of lift and smaller spools that could be physically lifted, but cause ergonomic issues with back strain and other injuries. The Heavy-Duty Inside Diameter (HDID) Gripper from Piab can handle large cylindrical products in a safe way, picking and placing the spool vertically or horizontally without damaging the material on the spool, which is the risk when using traditional clamping EOATs. Ideal for any robot, this large ID gripping EOAT is ideal for heavy lifting due to its robust linkage and needle roller bearing design. The gripping pads can have a sandpaper-like coating applied to further increase grip strength. The lifting capacity of this gripper is up to 200 kg (440 lb) with inside diameter capacity of spools ranging from 150 mm (6.0 in) and up. Other products to be handled include barrels, large gears, pipe and machined parts.

Piab USA, Inc., 65 Sharp Street, Hingham MA 02043, 800-321-7422, Fax: 781-337-6864, www.piab.com.