The world of robotics technology has been a pillar of modern production since its inception. For businesses looking to produce anything in large volume, the benefits of automated robotics can’t be overstated. But when looking for the right systems, it’s helpful to know how to identify the parts you need. We’ve a quick reference primer on end of arm tooling robotics terminology to help you.
Read on to learn more about common terms in end of arm tooling and how they interact with the overall systems we use every day.
Key End of Arm Tooling Robotics Terminology
Robotic Arm
Most often found in, but not limited to, the Manufacturing Industry – Robotic Arms are programmable, Mechanical arms used to automate or conduct various tasks. Operated by a “Controller” and typically Servo or pneumatically driven, Robotic arms are comprised of a number of various joints and shorter “Arms” designed to manipulate interchangeable End-of-Arm Tools (aka End Effector) attached at the end of the Arm. Robotic arms come in a large variety of shapes and sizes with the ability to accomplish many different tasks such as welding, material handling, machine tending, painting, picking and palletizing, assembly and even surgical procedures.
End of arm tooling (End Effector)
Found at the end of a Robotic Arm, an End-of-Arm Tool is the equipment that interacts with the parts and components in an automated process. Integral to the Robotic Arm’s ability, and interchangeable with others, the End-of-Arm Tool is typically designed to perform a specific task within a robotic program. End-of-Arm Tools come in a large variety of shapes, sizes and configurations with the ability to accomplish many different tasks such as welding, material handling, machine tending, painting, picking and palletizing, assembly and even surgical procedures.
Clamps
Clamps are a type of end of arm tool component which connect other components together. They can be used in a variety of modular systems. End of arm tooling clamps are designed with versatility in mind, to allow for easier customization to fit a system for your needs. In addition to being adjustable, clamps can come in multiple configurations, like parallel clamps or cross connectors.
Grippers
Grippers for end of arm tooling come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They function similarly to the fingers of a hand, clasping around objects to manipulate them. Some examples of grippers are:
- Part Grippers
- Sprue Grippers
- Micro Grippers
- Gripper Fingers
Each gripper is used in different parts of the production process, but primarily with the same goal: picking up or holding parts. Grippers can be customized to grab almost any object, including oddly-shaped molds which may be challenging for other types of tooling.
Pneumatics
In robotics, pneumatic systems are commonly used as a means to produce mechanical motion using compressed air. These can be used to replace servos and electric motors, requiring less maintenance and greater precision.
Pneumatics are often used for the entire robotic arm, including in end of arm tooling; a pneumatic system is used to acuate end effectors like grippers or nippers.
Vacuum / Vacuum Grippers
Vacuums in robotics are an effective way to grip objects with flat surfaces. Vacuum cups located on the end of robotic arms use negative pressure to grip objects, allowing them to be held, moved, or placed down.
Vacuum grippers provide a powerful but safe grip on plastic injection molding products, allowing them to be moved without risk of scratching. Commonly made from rubber, these can be used throughout production and demolding for automation systems.
Quick Change Systems
A quick change system is a unique way to connect end of arm tooling to robotic arms. These typically round systems consist of an EOAT side and robotic side, including complete pneumatic and electrical interfaces, designed to minimize the time it takes to mount and unmount end effectors to a robot.
Quick change systems give EOAT installers the ability to rapidly switch out the specific tooling for the given robot. This allows for greater efficiency when the automation process requires switching between specialized tools to complete production.
Plastic Degating
Plastic Degating refers to the removal of the excess plastic of a “Runner System”, more specifically the “Gate” on a Plastic Injection Molded Part. Integral to the creation of an injection molded part, the gate often will interfere with assembly operations, therefore, needs to be removed to create a final product. See Degating Station for more info.
Degating Station or Degating Machine
Found in Plastic Injection Molding operations, Degating Stations are custom built pieces of equipment designed to remove the excess plastic of a “Runner System”, specifically the Gate, left over from the Injection Molding process. Comprised of some sort of Base/Frame, nesting to locate the part, Nipper Bodies and Blades, and Pneumatic equipment, the Degating Station is designed to trim plastic parts and prepare them for final assembly. Typically pneumatically operated, Degating stations can be loaded by a robotic arm or a human operator in a Plastic Injection Molding Operation.
Nippers
Used primarily in degating stations, nippers are a type of end of arm tooling built to trim gates (or runners) from parts following the plastic injection molding process. The combination of a nipper body and blade resemble tinner’s snips or other metal cutting devices. They are typically activated through use of pneumatics, allowing consistent cutting throughout the production process.
>ASS< End of Arm Tooling for Your Automation Needs
>ASS< End of Arm Tooling knows plastics manufacturing – our tools and systems are uniquely designed to help you achieve the most optimal process for your plastic assembly and plastic injection molding needs. For plastics applications or injection molding applications, our product line provides the most comprehensive offering of all grippers or other end of arm tooling devices you may need.
Our selection of ready, in-stock parts is available to ship. We can also collaborate with you to design custom, made-to-fit solutions for your process, including 3D printing services. Contact us today to get started!