Low-leak suction plates

IN SHEET metal handling, an increasing number of laser-cutting systems and punching machines with grippers are using automated loading and unloading systems. Automated sheet metal handling has become even more doable with the highly flexible with the SPLT series with new suction plates from FIPA.

“FIPA is once again expanding its solutions for sheet metal handling,” said Rainer Mehrer, CEO at FIPA GmbH.

When the sheets have no perforations, the loading process is generally straightforward. After processing, however, any vacuum cup that attempts to grip at a point with a cut-out will constantly be drawing in air. The high amount of leakage causes the vacuum circuit to break – with serious consequences: The other suction cups in the circuit drop the product. 
In conventional solutions, vacuum suction cups on standard suction plates are often positioned to ensure that no suction cup is lowered onto a cut-out following cutting. These solutions, however, considerably restrict the flexibility of the sheet metal handling, as each product geometry requires a suitable suction plate.

FIPA suction plates with leakage reduction help overcome this challenge. Flow limiters in the suction plate keep the leakage rate to a permissible level. This means that the vacuum remains intact if not all suction cups can grip the sheet equally. The machine can therefore continue to operate reliably, with the following benefits:

High process reliability: No breakage of the vacuum circuit in the event of lack of contact with the product

Optimised for sheet metal handling: Perfect for loading/unloading punching and laser-cutting machines

High holding force: 182 N with 16 vacuum suction cups, 409 N with 36 vacuum suction cups

Less readjustment: Automatic height adjustment via spring leveler and bellows suction cups for secure gripping of sheets of different thicknesses. This combination ensures the right height adjustment and that no time needs be wasted on readjusting the machine when working with sheets of different thicknesses.

Flexible assembly: Centric or eccentric vacuum connection available at the point of use; the eccentric and the centric vacuum connection ensure a high level of flexibility at the assembly site. Depending on the mounting position, the piping can be connected at the assembly site either directly to the plate or centrally through the spring leveler.

Customised designs: Arrangement of suction cups as per customer request – In the standard design, the vacuum suction cups are designed and arranged on the suction plate as a network of 4x4 or 6x6 bellows suction cups with 2.5 bellows in oil-resistant NBR.