>SAS< Automation, introduces Advanced & Curved Needle Grippers

SAS's new GRN Needle Gripper line is specifically for insert mold applications, including cloth or vinyl. These new GRN additions feature a more compact design that is lighter weight and one version has curved needles that rotate to securely grip material, offering a more reliable insert solution.

Needle grippers are commonly used for inserting cloth materials into injection molding applications that require superior material adhesion to plastics parts like automotive interior parts. These robotic needle grippers commonly secure the material at a fixture station and then automatically insert the material into the mold. They are mounted on an EOAT gripper that also removes the molded part from the molding machine.

The GRN with the one-of-a-kind rotation (rather than linear) of curved needles secures the insert better and offers deeper penetration into the material without exposing the needles on the other side, allowing the gripper to approach the mold closer for placement of the material.

Significant features of the new GRN additions: 

• Integrated cylinders allow for a more compact design 
• Two pressure air ports (versus four) 
• Offset locator - ensures better insert placement & repeatability 
• Two versions - have standard size gripper arms which fits SAS's clamping system 
• One version is spring loaded; allowing for compliance to the mold when inserting.