Vacuum end effectors are one of the most essential components in the automation and injection molding industries. Like our natural fingers, these tools allow for precise and efficient handling of parts and materials, making it possible to streamline production processes and increase overall productivity.
Because of their ability to safely grip, they are an indispensable tool for automation and injection molding. Whether you are an engineer, production manager, or just interested in the latest advancements in industrial technology, read on to learn more about vacuum end effectors and how they can help you for your automation needs!
What Are Vacuum End Effectors?
Vacuum End Effectors are specialized vacuum cups designed for automated applications. These cups are mounted on robots, pick-and-place machines, and other automation systems to provide a reliable and repeatable method of gripping and handling a range of different components and products.
The purpose of a vacuum cup is to provide a sealed chamber between the part and the cup. When the air between cup and part is evacuated, the under pressure between cup and part enables the End-of-Arm Tool to hold the part. Vacuum cups are available in different materials and shapes. The unique conditions of injection molding applications call for heat resistance and non-marking attributes of the vacuum cup.
Particularly useful in injection molding applications, vacuum end effectors provide a reliable, cost-effective solution for gripping and manipulating the molded products. Using these end-of-arm tooling components, you can speed up the overall molding process and reduce the risk of scratching any part produced.
Are Vacuum End Effectors the Same as Vacuum Cups?
Yes! The term end effector is a catch-all term for components in robotics that are at the “end” of a robotic arm. End effectors have a wide range of categories, from vacuum cups to grippers and beyond. The terms are used interchangeably, but the term “end effector” can help you find parts for automation as vacuum cups exist for all types of products and processes outside of robotics.
You can learn more about automation terminology in our EOAT terminology blog!
Different Types of Vacuum End Effectors
While every vacuum cup is designed to match the specific purpose, they generally come in a few common shapes:
Flat Round– These types of vacuum cups are the most like suction cups you may have seen on a variety of household objects. They can perform in most situations where the object has enough surface area to grip.
Flat Oval – Similar to round vacuum cups, oval cups can grip a variety of surfaces, but are typically used for thinner surfaces where a round cup may extend past the grippable area.
Bellows Vacuum Cup – These vacuum cups have much more height in the design, potentially looking like multiple cups stacked on top of each other. They perform much better in situations where the object to grip is curved or angled.
Benefits of Using Vacuum End Effectors
Vacuum end effectors are great end-of-arm tooling solutions for injection molding due to the fact that they allow for precise positioning and handling of the product. By adhering flatly to the surface, it’s easier to pick, place, or generally re-orient the object as it moves through the process. Along with its ultra-strength grip, this means vacuum cups can be used in a wide variety of applications.
Another reason vacuum cups are popular in automation is for their ability to safely grip more delicate objects. Vacuum grippers are typically made of rubber or silicone type materials, unlike some other types of grippers. As a result, using vacuum end effectors during injection molding can reduce the risk of minor blemishes or scratches to the product.
Why Vacuum Cups Are Popular for Injection Molding
These unique end-of-arm tooling components are popular for injection molding because they provide a reliable and cost effective way to automate the removal of plastic parts from the mold.
One unique aspect of plastic injection molding is the frequency of working with flat, non-porous surfaces. These are where vacuum cups excel, so it’s only natural for injection molding processes to make wide use of vacuum end effectors.
Likewise, the lightweight nature of plastic parts makes it easy to ensure your pneumatic system can produce enough negative pressure to reliably pick up any plastic injection molding parts from start to finish.
Can a Vacuum Cup Be Tailor Made for My Custom Automation Process?
>ASS< End of Arm Tooling specializes in having in-stock and custom end-of-arm tooling component solutions. We can help you find vacuum components to fit the exact specifications of your automation process.
This means the size and shape of the vacuum cup can be tailored to fit any application, and the number of cups used can be adjusted to meet the requirements of the process. Additionally, by working with a made-to-order component, it can be engineered to work more efficiently and effectively.
>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!