If you’re in the market for End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT)—the essential interface between a robot and the workpiece—you already know that the choices can be overwhelming. Your decision will impact everything from operational efficiency to safety. This blog aims to simplify your decision-making process by discussing key considerations that can guide you in planning your EOAT purchase.

Understanding Production Requirements

Before diving into product catalogs, it’s essential to understand your production line’s specific requirements. Two critical factors to consider are payload weight and the type of material you’ll be handling.

Payload Weight

The weight that your EOAT must support is crucial for both operational efficiency and safety. Mismatching the payload weight with your robot’s lifting capabilities can lead to malfunctions, or worse, accidents. Therefore, ensure that the EOAT you choose is within the robot’s payload specifications. It’s always better to err on the side of caution; give yourself a margin for error rather than pushing the system to its limit.

Material Type in Production

Different materials require different types of handling. If you’re dealing with fragile items like glass, you might need an EOAT with a softer grip. For industrial applications involving metal or heavy components, a more robust system would be better suited.

Be mindful of the material properties, such as slipperiness, fragility, and shape, as these will influence the type of EOAT most suitable for your operations.

Specialized Functions and Features

Your production requirements might also dictate the need for specialized features in your EOAT. Let’s explore two of these—De-Gating systems and the frequency of part change-outs.

Need for De-Gating in Plastic Injection Molding

When it comes to plastic injection molding, the need for De-Gating becomes particularly important. In this manufacturing process, plastic material is injected into a mold cavity. Once cooled, the plastic part may need to be separated, which includes elements like sprues, runners, and gates. These are essentially the channels through which the molten plastic travels into the mold cavity. While some of this can be designed to break away easily or removed manually, doing so on a large scale becomes costly and time-consuming.

De-Gating systems in EOAT are specially designed to tackle this challenge. They can precisely and automatically cut or nip away these excess materials, making the process more efficient and consistent. In some cases, the De-Gating can even be done “in-mold,” meaning the EOAT performs the trimming function while the part is still in the mold, thus reducing the cycle time.

Types of De-Gating Tools

EOATs used in plastic injection molding often have specialized tools for the De-Gating process you may need to consider for your EOAT planning. These could include:

• Pneumatic Nippers: These are suitable for softer plastics and can be mounted directly onto the EOAT.
• Cutter Blades: These are used for harder plastics and are often custom designed to match the exact geometry of the part being produced.
• Laser Cutting Systems: These are less common but offer a high level of precision. They are typically used for extremely intricate parts where mechanical cutting could damage the product.

Change-Out Frequency

If your production involves a variety of tasks requiring different tools, consider an EOAT designed for quick and easy change-outs. The frequency with which you’ll need to switch out parts can greatly influence your choice. Some modern EOATs come with quick-change systems that allow for tool changes in seconds, minimizing downtime.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

While you might be tempted to go for the most affordable option, it’s important to consider the entire cost spectrum, including initial and ongoing expenses.

Initial Cost

The upfront costs for EOATs can vary widely based on their features and capabilities. This includes not just the EOAT itself but also installation expenses. Plan your budget keeping these factors in mind.

Operating Costs

Apart from the initial purchase and installation, consider ongoing operating costs. This includes regular maintenance, energy consumption, and potentially the need for specialized staff to operate or maintain the EOAT.

Regulatory and Safety Concerns

Ignoring regulations and safety measures could result in heavy fines or even jeopardize your entire operation.

Compliance with Industry Standards

Many industries have specific standards that EOAT must meet. Be sure to understand these standards and ensure the EOAT you select is compliant. Failure to do so can lead to non-compliance penalties and could compromise worker safety.

Safety Measures

Look for EOATs that come with built-in safety features like emergency stops, grip-loss detection, or collision sensors. Regular safety audits can also provide valuable insights into any potential risks.

Vendor and Brand Evaluation

Choosing the right vendor is almost as critical as selecting the EOAT itself.

Vendor Reputation

A vendor’s reputation can tell you a lot about the quality of the products they offer. Ask for customer testimonials or case studies to get an idea of what you can expect.

Product Reviews and Recommendations

Don’t underestimate the power of reviews and recommendations. Reading customer feedback and expert reviews can give you a balanced perspective on the EOAT’s performance and reliability.

Selecting the right EOAT is a multi-faceted decision that goes beyond just looking at product specifications. From understanding your production needs to considering regulatory and safety aspects, multiple factors come into play. Always remember that a well-thought-out decision now can save you time, money, and headaches later.

>ASS< End-of-Arm Tooling for Your Automation Needs

>ASS< End-of-Arm Tooling knows plastics manufacturing – a leading provider for end of arm tooling, components, and custom-engineered automation solutions. With ready-to-ship end of arm tooling components and in-house design capabilities for custom jobs, >ASS< End of Arm Tooling makes automation easier. Our tools and systems are uniquely designed to help you achieve the most optimal process for your plastic assembly and plastic injection molding needs.

Our selection of standardized, in-stock components are 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!