Fipa introduces sprue grippers that adapt to broad range of specifications

Fipa Inc. (Cary, NC), a manufacturer of advanced vacuum technology, gripper systems, air nippers, tube lifters and end-of-arm tooling, announced the release of its new 2016 Series of self-centering, gap-free sprue grippers. Featuring a wide jaw opening, high closing force, single-acting operation and easy assembly and disassembly, the new grippers are also available with optional direct sensing capabilities and smooth or saw-tooth jaws.

The 2016 Series sprue grippers provide manufacturers throughout the automotive and plastics molding industries with an assortment of options designed to satisfy a broad range of gripping system specifications. This series is also the first to feature FIPA’s prominent new red dot trademark symbol derived from the Fipa company logo.

Manufactured using zinc-plated steel gripper jaws with anodized, high-strength aluminum alloy housings and compatible with both oiled and unoiled compressed air, the grippers deliver reliable performance even in harsh manufacturing environments, said Fipa’s information. Models with direct sensing capabilities feature PNP or NPN sensors, and enable large area sensor activation, direct part detection and easy adjustment for subsequent control levels. Models without sensing capabilities are available with an additional jaw variant that features removable HNBR pads specially designed to enable quick and easy replacement and to eliminate machine downtime. Unlike coated grippers, they do not require complete replacement once the protective material reaches the end of its useful life.

The series’ HNBR pads are also low-marking, temperature-resistant from –30° to 160°C (–20° to 320°F) and are free of both silicone and paint wetting impairment substances, making them suitable for gently removing delicate plastic parts from injection molding machines.

“These additions to our extensive portfolio of dependable sprue grippers feature several customizable options that allow our customers to tailor the jaw style and sensing capabilities to meet their own unique gripping system requirements,” said Rainer Mehrer, President of Fipa. “The series’ high grip force and wide jaw opening enable the reliable handling of large sprues, and its gap-free closure enables the reliable handling of small and flat sprues.”