FIPA presents: No such thing as no can do: Innovative area gripper ensures maximum flexibility and the most reliable gripping

The new SBX-F area gripper can be used wherever a standard area gripper reaches its physical limits.

A typical application for area grippers in general is automated handling of non-porous, individual products or product layers in different sizes without changing grippers. As the suction openings are often only partially covered in such applications, vacuum cups with ball valves and bypasses result in considerable leakage. For that reason FIPA has equipped the SBX-F with special valves that completely close off the unoccupied suction surfaces. This ensures that the vacuum level stays high even when coverage is extremely low.

Highly dynamic gripping

A reservoir inside the gripper allows the vacuum to be built up while the robot is on the move. Vacuum is applied to the suction cells or the vacuum cups as soon as they come into contact with the workpiece. This allows the workpiece to be gripped swiftly and securely.

More customization is impossible

The premium area gripper SBX-F is a totally customized product that FIPA optimally tailors to suit the respective application. One design comes with sealing foam, while another is equipped with vacuum cups. The arrangement and design of suction cells or vacuum cups can be selected as desired. Since they are ideal for many applications, Ø 43 mm vacuum cups made of NR or sealing foam made of 20 mm EPDM are available as standard. Widths of 130 mm or 165 mm and almost any length between 400 mm and 3,000 mm are also possible. For even longer designs, FIPA first checks whether they are technically and economically feasible.

No matter which solution the customer chooses, FIPA guarantees the highest level of engineering and project management competence. Alongside our wide range of high-quality components for vacuum, gripper and ergonomic handling technology, FIPA’s range of services also includes customized design solutions.

Easy and quick maintenance

Wearing parts such as sealing foam and vacuum cups, as well as all components required for operation, can be replaced in seconds. The area gripper can remain mounted on the robot, ensuring maximum system availability with minimum downtime, for example, due to maintenance or repairs.

FIPA area grippers SBX-F at a glance:

• Secure gripping: Vacuum level stays high even in case of low coverage
• High flexibility: Free grid division of suction cells/vacuum cups for optimum adaptation to the application
• Energy-efficient operation: Fully closing valves minimize compressed air consumption
• Short cycle times: Internal vacuum reservoir ensures fast vacuum build-up on the workpiece
• Optimal availability: All components required for operation can be quickly replaced