Fipa develops lightweight EOAT for FANUC America

Fipa Inc., a manufacturer of vacuum technology, gripper systems, air nippers, tube lifters, and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) in Cary, N.C., has created a custom EOAT for FANUC America Corp. for use on its robotic automation systems. The 15-lb. EOAT helps extend the range of parts that the robots can handle.

Installed in the testing and demonstration laboratory at FANUC headquarters in Rochester Hills, Mich., the custom EOAT features four SM-F series flat vacuum cups designed for handling oily metal sheets, a heavy-duty ejector, a carbon fiber frame, and partially black anodized aluminum components. It allows a robot to handle a wider range of parts, including full-size car doors.

The flat vacuum cups have large-area, multipart, antislip cleats with large, antislip supporting ribs for slip-resistant handling. They absorb the high lateral forces that result from maneuvers like tipping metal sheets and prevent the deep drawing or deformation of thin metal sheets in autobody manufacturing applications.

The heavy-duty ejector is suitable for use in applications that handle light- to medium-weight workpieces. It compensates for compressed air fluctuations between 43.5 and 87 PSI.