SAS Automation Asia Ltd, one of the leaders in robotic end-of-arm tooling has expanded their line of vacuum suction cups.
Vacuum suction cups often are better solution for part handling in robotic or automation applications. Typical applications include removing injection-molded plastics from molds, or palletizing. Typical materials that are handled include plastic, sheet metal, glass, wood, cardboard, paper and electronic components. Vacuum cups come in various shapes and sizes. Most are oval or round and some include bellows to allow for part compliance. Oval cups are useful when the part is long and narrow, while flat ones are used for flat parts with smooth to slightly textured surfaces.
Most vacuum cups include a series of cleats or channels in the bottom to allow the vacuum to be generated to the full diameter of the cup. The cleats and channels can also be used to displace lubricants on sheet metal. Vacuum cups are made of different materials, including nitrile, silicone, polyurethane and Viton. Some cups are made of 2 different durometers of the same material to increase sealing properties while keeping good wear characteristics.
Once the vacuum cups are chosen for a specific application, the task of mounting the cups can be made easier with an adjustable, modular system of clamps, connectors and gripper arms. SAS’s vacuum cup line can service any North American, Asian, or European made robot. According to the company, its products are capable of handling a wide range of both injection molded and other manufactured parts, regardless of shape, size or weight.
