NEW
>SAS< Automation, introduces RFID Robotic End-of-Arm Tooling

>SAS< Automation introduces new Robotic End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT) with RFID tags to automatically ensure the correct tooling is operating with the corresponding operation and equipment.

RFID is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using RFID tags. >SAS< has applied an RFID tag in a Robotic End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT) mounting plate to identify itself when mounted and installed on a standard Quick Change Mounting Chuck, mounted to the robot.

Important features of this system are to identify the correct robotic EOAT gripper is mounted to the robot running the applicable program and confirm the rest of the critical equipment is installed – including the correct die or mold in stamping, plastics or packaging operations.

RFID is low cost insurance against robot, tooling and part damage because it quickly ensures the correct tooling is running. RFID tags prevent costly damage due to system crashes, reduces labor costs, and are critical during line change-overs.

New >SAS< EOAT RFID has built-in I/O capability up to 8 channels of RFID and can be integrated into existing platforms, and supports PROFIBUS ®-DP, DeviceNet ™, Modbus-TCP, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP™. Furthermore the data carriers use state-of-the-art FRAM storage technology for virtually an unlimited number of write operations and had high temperature data carriers rated up to 210°C.

>SAS< Automation introduces four new Collision Sensors to prevent damage to parts, tooling and robots.

>SAS< Collision Sensors come in 4 different configurations to best meet different tooling and manufacturing environments. Collision Sensors send a signal to stop the robot when it detects an obstacle – to prevent costly damage to end effectors/end-of-arm tooling, parts and machinery.

“Sensors are low cost insurance against robot, EOAT and part damage”, said Joe Tracey, General Manager for SAS Automation. “>SAS< EOAT junction boxes make adding and changing Collision Sensors easily on the production floor. Any robot operator will appreciate both the safety and cost saving benefits associated with collision sensors,” he added.

>SAS< Collision Sensors:

• Pneumatic High-Angle Collision Sensor – excellent for high speed robots.
• Pneumatic Collision Sensor – easily adjust resistance (for stopping the robot) with this sensor.
• Pneumatic Stainless Steel Collision Sensor – durable stainless steel construction makes this sensor ideal for demanding production environments.
• Spring-Loaded Collision Sensor – provides crash protection when compressed air is not available

RETURN TO TOP

>SAS< Automation – announces General Manager

SAS Automation, LLC, announced Joseph L. Tracey, as General Manager. This announcement was made by President, Trent P. Fisher, PE.

“Tracey comes to >SAS< Automation with a background perfect for us. It includes a wealth of experience in manufacturing, tooling, machining, engineering and management. We welcome both his experience and enthusiasm for new market growth,” said Fisher.

“>SAS< has enjoyed above average market growth and is continuing its expansion into other industries. Tracey will be instrumental in managing these new market initiatives,” added Fisher.

The General Manager position oversees the US headquarter location – Corporate engineering, new product development, operations, sales (including North, Central & South America and all of Asia), accounting, business development, and marketing for all areas.

Prior to joining >SAS<, Joseph Tracey was Executive Director of Business Development for US Aeroteam, Inc., and President of Global Tool & Manufacturing. Company, Inc., Dayton, Ohio.

RETURN TO TOP

>SAS< Automation introduces new Static Cutter

SAS introduces a Static Cutter for precision cutting that can be easily mounted several ways: to an articulating robot, statically mounted, or mounted directly to your End-of-Arm Tool (EOAT). This economical and lightweight cutting tool will provide accurate, low cost cutting for a multitude of fan gate cutting applications. The SAS Static Cutter includes a standard box cutter knife, protected by a safety guard, attached to an adjustable SAS elbow arm. The knife blade can easily be replaced by a simple turn of a locking handle.

According to John Westbeld, Engineering Manager for SAS Automation, “Processors will find this cutter to be both convenient and easy to use. They will appreciate the ability to move it around their workcell as their cutting applications change.”

This cutter arm assembly is both lightweight and low cost for maximum efficiency in your cutting applications.

For more information, click here.

RETURN TO TOP

“Twist-On” Cable Saddle Frame Connectors & 
Wire ties for EOATs

>SAS< Automation announces a unique “Twist-On” Cable Saddle frame connector and wire tie system for better EOAT cable management. This system allows End-of-Arm Tool builders to easily attach air hoses and or power cables to the tool.

The unique “Twist-On” design of the Cable Saddle allows the hoses or cables to be removed and moved to other locations on the tool as needed during the build process. Twisting the cable saddle to lock into the profile provides a solid connection to the profile and the ability to move the cables or hoses without wasting the wire ties by having to cut them off. The Cable Saddles are available in 15mm and 25mm sizes to accommodate various sizes of End-Of-Arm Tooling hoses and cables. An opening built into the base of the Cable Saddle allows for the wire ties to loop through, allowing for the Cable Saddle to be permanently attached to the cables or hoses.

End-Of-Arm Tooling designers are challenged to develop tools that perform more functions. Providing ways to build tools easier and faster is a specialty of SAS Automation.

For more information, click here.

RETURN TO TOP

SAS – introduces Gripper Plier Jaw Kit

SAS Automation announces individual jaw kits for the new style of GRZ 20-16. The jaw kit consists of one jaw and one hex screw pin.

This new jaw kit for the GRZ 20-16 offers injection molders the ability to interchange existing jaws for various size jaws. The challenge to customize the application of a parts/sprue plier led to the development of the GRZ 20-16 with removable screws. This new jaw kit will provide molders with the ability to easily interchange and configure the jaw size by ordering kits of the same size to customize their gripping requirements.

Customizing gripping options offers processors greater flexibility in both designing and configuring tools, right on the production floor. SAS continues to provide solutions that enable the production floor to handle unique tooling requirements.

For more information, click here.

RETURN TO TOP

Internal Spring Loaded Gripper Arm for Vacuum Cups

SAS Automation provides more EOAT gripping options, with the introduction of a new lightweight gripper arm. This gripper arm is uniquely designed with Delrin & aluminum to keep the tool lightweight, electrically insulated and wear resistant. The part is ideal for tools requiring an electrostatic charge or using IML (In Mold Labeling).

This SAS gripper arm is internally spring-loaded for part compliance. The internal spring prevents contamination from the process or production environment. A threaded shaft with jam nuts allows for easy plate mounting of the gripper arm. The gripper is also end ported for vacuum and keeps fittings away from other components such as vacuum cups.

According to John Westbeld, Engineering Manager for SAS Automation “Adding this lightweight, yet durable gripper arm is one more way that SAS is helping processors to reduce robot wear and tear.”

Click here to more information.

RETURN TO TOP

SAS Automation – Introduces New Rail Degater

SAS introduces a compact, modular degating system for fan gates that will greatly enable companies to reduce their finishing labor costs, and more importantly, provide consistent clean cuts for fan gates. Mounted on a rigid frame, this degating unit can be designed to trim either straight or curved fan gates. Radiuses as small as one inch (25.4 mm) can be achieved for curved fan gates.

If and when necessary, the cutting blade can be heated using solid state controls thus requiring less force to make the cut. The cutter blade driving mechanism can be selected from either a pneumatic cylinder or belt driven from a motor drive. In addition to a floor mount, this degating unit can also be easily mounted to a gantry robot beam for more complex degating.

According to SAS Automation, General Manager, Richard Petz, “The SAS Rail Degater incorporates innovative modular systems that provide precision cutting for either straight or curved fan gates. Processors will appreciate reducing finishing costs, and the user friendliness of this degater. Increasing speed to market with better cutting -- is a driving force behind the many degaters designed by SAS. We are proud to present such a labor efficient degater.”

Click here for more information.

RETURN TO TOP

Actuated Rib Gripper for internal fascia Mold Removal

SAS Automation announces the design of a new GRZ style gripper. The GRZ 32EC-30 Actuated Rib Gripper was designed to remove automotive bumper fascias from the “A” side of the mold.

The gripper & cylinder assemblies are mounted on a bearing rail to help support the load of the part being pulled from the mold. The 30mm stripper stroke has adjustment capabilities by increasing or decreasing the cylinder pin to fit any size application. To relieve stress on the robot the stripper stroke is retracted to release the part off of the mold before removing the tool and part from the mold.

This GRZ has a custom mounting bracket to allow for a perpendicular or parallel mount to accommodate for a specific application.

Click here for more information.

RETURN TO TOP

Multi-function Automation Cell Video

This new video features our automation cell and custom tooling, including:

• a six-axis robot and automation tool change system
• programmable end-of-arm tooling
• spherical gripper
• and multiple degating formats. 

Automation Cell PLAY  View if you have broadband (256k)

RETURN TO TOP

>SAS< introduces New EOAT Rack

SAS Automation announces a unique and innovative storage rack for End-of-Arm Tooling. The rack design was driven by mold injectors continued requests for a device to easily store, and inventory EOAT’s. Having the racks in close proximity to the injection molding machine presses provides for quick tool changes.

The rack measures two meters high by two meters long with four heavy duty casters for mobility, but can be designed in smaller or larger versions to accommodate individual needs. GHV wall mounts in three sizes (SAS 0-3 sizes) attach easily to the J-40/40 profile. The rack is capable of storing numerous tools depending on their size. This rack is “low cost insurance against EOAT damage”, said John Prater, Technical Sales Coordinator for SAS Automation. “This is simply a more secure and safe way to store End-of-Arm Tooling as this rack provides both stability and mobility”, he added.

Click here for more information.

RETURN TO TOP

New Guillotine Gate Trimmer

SAS Automation introduces a new gate trimmer for plastics parts called: Guillotine Gate Trimmer.

This tool is designed with a razor sharp blade positioned at a 45 degree angle to precisely shear a sprue gate in hard to reach narrow places.

The equipment was designed to hold the blade on a special cylinder to precisely actuate the gate cutting process. The cylinder can be mounted in many angles to access hard to reach sprue gates. This style of gate cutting uniquely allows for a very hard to reach areas to become accessed with this actuated guillotine motion from the cylinder.

This results in an easy-to-use, compact, affordable degater, designed to greatly improve production efficiencies and product quality.

According to Richard Petz, General Manager for SAS Automation “This degater will be appreciated by anyone needing precision cutting from awkward locations. Taking up small production floor space is another feature of this degater.”

Click here for more information.

RETURN TO TOP

>SAS< Automation introduces Tubing Cutter

In their continuing efforts to make assembling EOAT components easier, SAS offers a new compact tubing cutter for vacuum and compressed air polyurethane tubing. This tubing cutter can be used for 4mm to 8mm tubing with ease using the six cutting edges for a clean cut. The SAS tubing cutter can effectively be used with a one hand operation.

To enhance the cutting of pneumatic tubing even more effectively, the tool comes with a self contained 1 meter tape measure. The tool can also be locked for safe protection from the blades. This tool is economically priced and will pay for itself after your first project.

Click here for more information.

RETURN TO TOP

>SAS< Automation introduces its latest Packaging End-of-Arm Tooling – for bag handling. 

This custom robotic bag gripper tool, designed by the engineering department at SAS, needed to lift heavy bags off of a roller conveyor – therefore the tool needed to be carefully designed to avoid interference with the rollers. The tool is made of heavy duty stainless steel fingers capable of handling bag weights of 25 lbs to 60 lbs.

The tool uniquely requires one pivot point with one cylinder to rotate the fingers to grab the bags, reaching in between the rollers to secure the bag underneath providing optimal support. This >SAS< specially design tool solves the difficulty in securing bags that significantly deform due to heavy contents, such as salt, food products, or even dry concrete mixtures.

According to Richard Petz, General Manager for SAS Automation, “This new durable bag gripper incorporated a design without typical stress points on both the tool and the bag. Fewer stress points mean fewer future failure points making this a tool designed for a long production life and longer bag life to assure proper delivery of contained product to customers. This results in a reliable material handling system that assures end user satisfaction.”

PLAY VIDEO   View if you have broadband

The robot picks up the bag, rotates the EOAT gripper to the right position to place the bag on a pallet, and repeats this function until the first row on the pallet is loaded. This action is repeated, placing bags on top of each other to the required levels. Added Petz, “This tool was easily integrated with the robot and performs flawlessly. Designing custom tools that are long lasting and able to handle heavy and bulky parts in a repeatable fashion is a SAS specialty.”

Click here for more information.

RETURN TO TOP

>SAS< Automation announces a new Push, Pull & Cut type Cutter. 

When precision plastic cutting is required, SAS has the pneumatic tools to do the job. The SAS ‘SN’ line of Push / Pull and Cut type cutters are compact, measuring from 65-90 mm in length and as light as 170 grams. The cutter body comes in four sizes each with a travel stroke that is adjustable from 0-5 mm to meet specific needs.

With the exception of the smallest size, the blades can also be rotated 90 degrees in either direction for maximum versatility. Only one air circuit is required when used in conjunction with the SAS Pneumatic Timing Unit (TU-01) for ease of installation and operation.

As with all SAS cutting tools, these pneumatic cutters can be easily incorporated into the lightweight, modular design of the SAS End-of-Arm Tooling.

Click here for more information on the SN Pull & Cut Type Cutter

Click here for more information on the SNP Push & Cut Type Cutter

RETURN TO TOP

>SAS< Automation announces an improved version of their WSL TR Long Angle Clamp. 

The WSL TR is part of their get a grip! line of modular EOAT components. This improvement allows for closer and more secure mounting of clamps.

This new WSL TR is available in 0, 14, 20 & 30mm sizes. This new design allows for top mounting of gripper arms or holders to frame profile which are adjustable parallel and perpendicular to the frame. The screw head points out from the profile so clamps can be mounted close together allowing for closer mounting location of the clamps.

According to >SAS< general manager Richard Petz, “The reversible profile locator allows for a more diverse tool location placement without compromising the thickness/strength of the head clamp. Integrators and processors will appreciate the versatility of this new WSL design.”

Click here for more information. 

RETURN TO TOP

GRZ 20-16 Improved!

>SAS< Automation enhances their get a grip! Parts/Sprue Plier product line with an improved GRZ 20-16 with removable screws.

This new GRZ 20-16 with removable screws offers production plants the ability to interchange the existing jaws for various size jaws. The challenge to customize the application of a parts/sprue plier led to the development of the GRZ 20-16 with removable screws.

This improved GRZ 20-16 provides the ability to easily interchange and configure the jaw sizes to adapt to all of your gripping requirements. Processors will appreciate the unique ability to customize their EOAT with this new tool.

"The availability of modular components for processors to build their own tooling has enjoyed real breakthroughs," general manager for SAS Automation, Richard Petz said. "This means substantial savings for those to customize their own tooling instead of having it built specially for them, at a higher cost. Only SAS Automation specializes in tooling for any robot and any part. Now, we take that a step further by providing components for processors to add custom benefits on the shop floor."

Click here for more information. 

RETURN TO TOP

NEW >SAS< Automation, introduces Lift Degater

>SAS< Automation announces a new Lift Degater as part of their continuing efforts to provide injection molders with additional downstream automation.

This new Lift Degater was designed for large plastics parts. A robot transports the part to the SAS Lift Degater and sets the part into the “part conforming nests”, located at the top of the degater. The part is then trimmed by several precisely positioning cutting tools that match to the nests. Precision and speed are coupled with several simultaneous cutting actions.

The waste trim is dropped directly into a container and the finished molded part is lowered on the lift table to be removed by a packer. The packer is protected from the lift by a safety light curtain.

SAS produces custom degaters using lift tables, rotary tables and stationary cutting presses depending on the specific application. Most systems, similar to the lift table described above, are operated pneumatically.

Secondary automation equipment is important to any robotic cell. As a specialist in robotic end-of-arm tooling, SAS has the automation expertise to take the part from the mold, and continue its movement until its final destination. SAS is experienced in both automatic insert-molding applications, runner separation and automatic post-mold degating equipment for a wide variety of part shapes and weights.

Click here for more information on SAS lift degaters. 

RETURN TO TOP

NEW  GRF Long Life

>SAS< Automation is proud to expand options for End-of-Arm Tooling construction by re-engineering its GRF size 20 product line – to make it last even longer. This popular GRF has the capability to cycle significantly more than its original high quality gripper line. The GRF is a pneumatically controlled spring return gripper which is used to secure the more difficult parts with more force by the secure attachment created by the positioning of the gripper finger.

The SAS GRF size 20 (mm diameter) gripper components are available with three different angles of rotation: 35, 90 and 95 degrees depending on the grip required. This GRF gripper line can also be enhanced by the addition of (1) a ZTS finger guide for protection of both the part and finger, (2) a VLR for a longer reach and (3) an activation sensor. It is fully compatible with the SAS modular EOAT systems and sells for the same value price as the original line.

Click here for more information. 

RETURN TO TOP

>SAS< introduces
NEW  Advanced & Curved Needle Grippers

>SAS< Automation introduced advanced and curved needle grippers to their GRN Needle Gripper line, 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, especially on thin cloth material. This offers deeper penetration into the material without exposing the needles on the other side. This allows 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.

Click here for more information. 

RETURN TO TOP

>SAS< introduces
NEW  GRN – Titanium Needle Grippers

>SAS< Automation improved the function of its versatile GRN Needle Grippers with a more durable titanium needle. These titanium needles are stronger than steel needles and thus will help reduce downtime. Processors will appreciate the longer production life resulting from the needles staying sharper longer and therefore lower replacements costs. The needles are adjustable on all sizes manufactured by >SAS<.

These SAS GRN Needle Grippers come in both 14 and 20 mm mounting shaft sizes and are compatible with the entire line of >SAS< modular EOAT components. Needle grippers can be used in a variety of applications including gripping fabric or mesh, insert molding for carpet floor mat inserts or fabric auto door panel inserts and other lightweight porous type matting materials.

The needles extend from 3-5 mm from the gripper body and are pneumatically activated. >SAS< provides an optional sensor for more control. The titanium needles are now standard in the entire line of >SAS< needle grippers.

According to Richard Petz, general manager for SAS “Adding titanium allows processors to get more out of their tools.” These grippers last longer and can do more than steel grippers. He added “Automotive processors handling difficult cloth and materials especially will appreciate the longevity and versatility of our improved GRN.”

For more information on the GRN - Titanium Needle Grippers, click here.  

RETURN TO TOP

NEW

Technology Notebook
Custom vs. modular EOAT for injection molding

By John Westbeld, engineering manager for SAS Automation. Reprinted with permission from Canon Communications LLC.

About our Basketball Gripper
  
At NPE see our TFG Tri-Finger gripping mechanism for picking larger medium to lightweight, spherical products. The three fingers are pneumatically actuated simultaneously around an object with equal pressure to provide for a sure grip. The unique finger linkage requires just one air circuit for the single action piston.

This EOAT gripper is constructed using lightweight aluminum and can be mounted on most robots. The TFG is constructed under the typical high quality standards of all the >SAS< 
get a grip! components.

Click here to more information.

RETURN TO TOP

NEW Programmable EOAT

SAS Automation, LLC announces their new programmable EOAT to assist molders and manufacturers in cost reduction and efficiency. This innovative mechanism can be easily programmed to automatically relocate four separate component holders within the cycle of the robot, all within the same EOAT.

Each of the four tool holders can be used for vacuum cups or grippers mounted on individual linear actuators which can be programmed for up to 28 separate locations (outputs from binary inputs). Thus, 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 style robot.

With this programmable EOAT, a robot can pick and place or pull from an injection mold different sized items with just one EOAT. If four separate parts are picked up at one time, the program will also allow for re-positioning of these parts before releasing them. This SAS EOAT can be easily fitted with all of the standard SAS components thus eliminating the cost of custom components.

Click here to more information.

See video:

Programmable EOAT PLAY View if you have a slower speed connection (64k) PLAY View if you have high speed broadband (256k)

RETURN TO TOP