“Improvements are on the horizon for our GZA class grippers. These technical enhancements focus on achieving perfection through the integration of new miniaturized sensors, reducing the size of the grip fingers and incorporating non-detachable rotation pins.
Giuseppe Cardovino, Sales Manager at FPS Automation, explains the nature of these product enhancements:
“We are offering a solution to some of the longstanding challenges faced by users of plastic molding grippers, such as the limited space available for object gripping using sensor-equipped fingered clamps, and the risk of mechanical components, like the fingers themselves, becoming detached and falling into the press. While the need for maximum miniaturization persists in the former case, the latter issue, in addition to quality considerations, poses a real and significant risk of damaging the press and the mold.”
“Miniaturization – says Mr. Cardovino – is limited by the mechanics and geometry of the parts. By adopting the new KT sensor, we are able to significantly reduce the dimensions of the probing finger without compromising reliability and precision. As for the fingers, there are various methods to secure the rotation pins, and we have chosen what we consider to be the safest approach. Essentially, the pin, which has a hammerhead shape, is now secured with a snap ring. This modification ensures the pin remains ‘non-removable’ while allowing it to move freely in its housing, without increasing rotational friction. Additionally, the gripper can be easily maintained without the risk of damage by safely disassembling and reassembling it, as the internal components can be opened and closed without significant difficulty. Manual dexterity is required due to the small size of these elements, but the end result is a practical solution highly appreciated by those in the mechanical industry”.
This improvement is not only functional but also aesthetic: “In our solution, unlike others on the market, there are no rough spots or burrs,” explains Cardovino. “Our objective is to enhance design considerations throughout the entire product, following our culture of continuous improvement, evolution, and pursuit of excellence.”
