New Piab Suction Cups Pledge to Reduce Droppage and Scrap
March 25, 2021Comments
Piab, Hingham, MA, is targeting automotive and white-goods manufacturers, to help them improve production speed and eliminate bottlenecks, with its new Duraflex friction cups, a line of polyurethane suction cups providing an ultimate grip on oily and wet surfaces. The cups’ special grip pattern enables operators to move slippery metal goods safely and reliably without slowing production lines. All sheet metal parts are maintained in the proper position to facilitate applications such as stamping, reducing scrapped products and improving overall line sustainability.
The cups feature a rough cleat surface and sharp cleat edges and channels, optimizing friction and a ensuring a sound hold compared to traditional traction suction cups. Normal cup abrasion resulting from handling oily sheets does not degrade the shear-force performance of the new friction cups, for long-term reliability. And the cups will not break or crack after exposure to ultraviolet light, heat or ozone, which is an issue with cups comprised of rubber compounds.
To prevent damage to the surface of thin metal sheets, the cups feature a dual-hardness design and soft cup body. Lower vacuum force is needed to seal the cups to part surfaces for gentler handling. The soft lip of the cups also molds easily to curved surfaces for minimum vacuum leakage and a stronger grip.
Manufacturers can choose from several models of the Duraflex Friction Cups, including the BFF model for handling concave and convex surfaces, and the FCF model for increased stability when handling larger sheets. For products with narrow surfaces, Piab offers the friction cups in two oval shapes.
See also: Piab Inc
Technologies: Pressroom Automation
