Posted to News on 20th Feb 2007, 15:57
SAS Automation launches programmable end effectors
SAS Automation is announcing what it claims to be an industry first - a programmable robot end effector (or end-of-arm tooling, EOAT) to help moulders and manufacturers improve efficiency and cut costs. This innovative mechanism can be easily programmed to automatically relocate four separate component holders within the cycle of the robot, all within the same end-of-arm tooling (EOAT).
Each of the four tool holders can be used for vacuum cups or grippers mounted on individual linear actuators that can be programmed for up to 28 separate locations (outputs from binary inputs). Consequently, this programmable EOAT can save time and money by eliminating the hassle of dealing with multiple end-of-arm tools and tool changers. Its design allows for easy and fast interfacing with any robot style or make.
With these features incorporated into this programmable EOAT, a robot can pick and place or pull from an injection mould different sized items with just one EOAT. If four separate parts are picked up at one time, the program will also allow for repositioning of these parts before releasing them. This SAS EOAT can be easily fitted with all of the standard SAS components, thereby eliminating the cost of custom components.
According to Richard Petz, general manager for SAS: "Getting more out of your robot directly relates to having end-of-arm tooling that can handle multi-functions with parts of different shapes and weights. Our new programmable EOAT will allow processors this functionality to help their robot to be more productive."
