New Sprue Grippers from FIPA Can Now Handle Plastic Materials

Press Release Summary:

FIPA has upgraded it's line of sprue grippers. The Series 90 grippers are able to grip small sprues with their high closing force, wide jaw opening, and compact design. Gripper models also feature sensors with direct, indirect, and and teachable component monitoring, as well as sensors with NPN or PNP outputs. Grippers are ideal for de-molding hot plastic parts.


Original Press Release:

FIPA Upgrades Its End-of-Arm-Tooling Sprue Gripper Product Line

CARY, N.C. (October 10, 2018) — FIPA Inc., a leading manufacturer of advanced vacuum technology, gripper systems, air nippers, tube lifters, and End-of-Arm-Tooling (EOAT), has upgraded its proven product line of sprue grippers for handling plastic material. The updated Series 90, 100, and 130 grippers now bear the red FIPA dot, which makes the gripper components immediately identifiable in installations.

The grippers in each of the series offer unique features and benefits. For example, the Series 90 grippers reliably grip small sprues due to their high closing force, wide jaw opening, and compact design while the Series 100 grippers are designed to securely grip medium to large sprues, with gap-free closing for gripping thin, flat sprues. The Series 130 grippers feature strong gripping force and a wide jaw opening, making them ideal for large sprues. FIPA grippers have a long life cycle due to their high-strength aluminum alloy housing and jaws, with a durable, corrosion-resistant anodized coating.

Direct and indirect “part present” monitoring with sensors
FIPA also offers grippers with and without “part present” monitoring. Grippers with direct monitoring feature large-area, mechanical sensor operation to detect positive gripping, regardless of the sprue dimensions or the part’s position in the gripper. Grippers with indirect part monitoring send a signal if no component has been gripped. Some models are equipped with programmable sensors with two teachable outputs. Alternatively, many sprue grippers are available with magnetic sensors. All sensors are available with either PNP or NPN switching output.

HNBR Series – gently grip hot plastic parts
These grippers feature hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) soft pads that are wear-resistant and temperature-resistant up to 160°C (320°F) and are free of paint-wetting impairment substances (PWIS). These soft pads leave no scratches or damage even on sensitive plastic parts. Therefore, the HNBR Series grippers are ideal for the removal of sensitive plastic parts from injection molds. Worn pads can be replaced quickly, and the time-consuming installation and removal of the complete gripper, as well as the subsequent test and programming work on the gripper system is eliminated. For the gentle handling of chrome-plated or painted plastic parts FIPA offers the GR04.100HNBR gripper, featuring fully-coated HNBR jaws to handle sensitive surfaces without marking during occasional contact or impacts of workpieces with the gripper jaws.

FIPA Series 90, 100, and 130 grippers at a glance:
• Wide selection: Ideal for a wide variety of applications in the plastics industry
• Long life cycle: Gripper jaws and housing made of high-strength aluminum alloy with protective anodized coating
• Easy to identify: Grippers are marked with the red FIPA dot

Gripper models with sensors:
• High process reliability: Sensors with direct, indirect, and teachable component monitoring available
• Easy connection to control unit: Sensors with NPN or PNP output available

HNBR gripper models:
• Ideal for de-molding hot plastic parts: Temperature resistant up to 160°C (320°F) and free of paint-wetting impairment substances (PWIS)
• Gentle gripping: Exceptionally soft HNBR pads prevent marking or damage
• Time- and cost-saving replacement: Easy clip mounting of the pads without removing the grippers

For more information about FIPA’s complete line of sprue grippers, please visit:https://www.fipa.com/en_GB/products/208048-sprue-grippers. For all other inquiries, please visit http://www.fipa.com, call 919-651-9888, or write to 1855 Evans Road, Cary, NC 27513.

About FIPA, Inc.
Founded in 2006 as a fully owned subsidiary of FIPA GmbH, FIPA Inc. is an international innovator and manufacturer of advanced vacuum technology, gripper systems, air nippers, tube lifters, and End-of-Arm-Tooling (EOAT) for automated assembly equipment and material handling systems. Spanning components to complete systems, FIPA’s products arebroadly employed in applications ranging from packaging, automotive assembly, and manufacturing automation equipment to material handling systems designed to move plastics, metals, glass, wood products, and, for printing equipment, paper and films. FIPA also delivers flexible, dynamic solutions on short lead times, and provides superior service and technical support.

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Ismaning, Germany, FIPA GmbH has steadily expanded its global presence in recent years, adding representations in the United States, Thailand, Hungary, and China. For more information about FIPA’s products, services, and news, please visit http://www.fipa.com.

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