Index
>SAS< Automation introduces New Heated Gate Cutter
 >SAS<
Automation recently introduced a new Heated Gate
Cutter for plastics degating.
Cutting gates is often
a final plastics operation. Removing runners without
leaving marks can be difficult. This new Heated Gate
Cutter from >SAS< makes especially difficult to cut
runners, much easier.
This new cutter is
ideal for cutting acrylic and other brittle plastic
materials and the ideal solution for preventing stress
marks left from the cutting process.
Each Heated Cutter set
includes a heated blade, nipper and heat controller.
The ambient temperature blade provides an ultimate
finish. Standard blades are cost effectively replaced.
According to Robert
Dalton, General Manager for >SAS< Automation, “>SAS<
is a full service provider of cutting tools and is
pleased to announce this advanced innovation for
cutting hard parts.”
>SAS< Automation announces Internal Diameter Gripper
 >SAS<
Automation announces a new
Internal Diameter Gripper (IDG) ideal for parts that
are heavy, fragile, or have an irregular shape.
The IDG grips and
releases on command and is highly recommended for
manipulating breakable parts as well as heavy parts.
Unlike standard clamps, the IDG distributes force
evenly over the entire contact area which is why they
are most often used for irregular shaped parts.
This new IDG is a cost
effective solution when compared to bladder grippers
and automated or magnetic clamps.
Significant
Features:
- Secures heavy parts
- Rubber strips ensure
a secure grip – and can be replaced at very low
cost.
- Nose adapter can
easily be customized for locating or part
stabilization.
“This new gripper is
simply a better clamping method – at a reduced cost,”
said Rob Dalton, General Manager for >SAS< Automation.
“We are proud to have delivered a cost effective and
better handling solution during this recession.”
>SAS<
Automation announces EOAT Workbench
 >SAS<
Automation
announces a new EOAT Workbench for building grippers.
These
ergonomic assembly tables come complete with storage
area for EOAT components and tools. Each station
includes a swivel chucking system to secure the EOAT
by the mounting plate and allows access to all sides
of the tool for easy tool building.
Any
tool builder will appreciate having components in one
place along with an ideal stand to build the tool.
Profiles are neatly stored in a separate storage rack.
This table takes up minimal floor space and is the
ideal place for tool re-work as well.
“This
new EOAT Workbench is another industry first from >SAS<
and is a great complement to our EOAT Storage Rack,”
said Rob Dalton, General Manager for >SAS<
Automation. “Do-it-yourself tooling has come a long
way – adding this workbench will help our customers
build better tools,” he added.
>SAS< Automation,
introduces GRZ Grippers – many sizes
 >SAS<
Automation introduces a complete family of GRZ
grippers – to handle parts that are very small to
those that are heavy and bulky.
- Mini and Micro
GRZ Grippers – smallest grippers ever!
- New Micro GRZ
10-6 grippers weighs only 8 grams and is the
smallest gripper on the market!
- New Mini GRZ
10-8C comes with a built in sensor and weighs
only 14 grams
- All >SAS< GRZ
Grippers – have been improved!
The new design body style now covers the jaw
springing; thereby keeping debris or a sprue from
interfering with the spring function.
- >SAS< GRZ 20-22 &
GRZ 20-22C – are now bigger to handle heavier parts!
- Beefier, bigger
gripper for very heavy parts.
- Jaw screws are
used (versus pins)
- Hard stops are
used for jaws, to modify closing positions.
This family of grippers
are designed to handle parts of all sizes and weights,
and are especially designed for harsh manufacturing
environments demanding superior clamping power.
Click here for
more information.
>SAS< Automation introduces GRM
Magnetic Gripper
 >SAS<
Automation introduces a heavy-duty GRM Magnetic
Gripper – ideal for use when vacuum cups and grippers
are typically used for lifting and moving steel
sheets, blanks, stamped parts and completed
assemblies.
Applications &
Benefits:
- Automated
press-to-press transfer systems
- Robotic “Pick &
Place”
- Manual and automated
machine loading/unloading
- Outlasts vacuum cups
in most applications
- Grasps odd shaped or
perforated parts
- Increases production
and reduces shot air costs
- Designed for long,
maintenance-free operation
- Operates effectively
in any orientation
- Will not drop parts
if system air-loss occurs
- De-stacks without
double-blanking when the appropriate magnet is
selected for the application
- Reduces noise
- Maximum operating
temperature 140°F (60°C)
- Sizes – GRM
38-3/8, GRM 76-3/8, GRM 127-3/8
Low Profile Magnetic
Grippers:
The >SAS< Magnetic
Gripper is designed to directly replace vacuum cups
with minor tooling and valving adjustments. Powerful
Rare Earth magnets positively hold the parts during
transfer, greatly reducing the chance of slipping and
shifting of your part due to oily coatings. An
optional “low-skid” boot is also available to increase
grip on parts during transfer. A short burst of shop
air pressure is applied in order to release parts. To
pick-up or grip parts, the air pressure must be
exhausted to the atmosphere.
>SAS< Automation introduces new Bag
Gripper
 A
specialized EOAT is often used to
palletize woven plastic or paper
bags containing many products
including grain, chemicals, dog
food, minerals and plastic resins.
Because a vacuum tool may not secure
these bags well due to air leakage,
stainless steel fingers are used for
both strength and their ability to
withstand harsh manufacturing
environments. The bags are presented
to the robot on a roller conveyor
allowing the custom spaced fingers
to lift upwards between the rollers
and secure the bag against the
optional top compressor plate. When
in position, the fingers open and
the bag is positioned on the pallet.
Most palletizing cells will require
in-feed conveyors, a pallet feed
system, safety guarding and a robot
properly sized for reach and
payload.
- Aluminum frame
construction to reduce overall weight and add life
to your robot
- Stainless steel
fingers for strength and harsh environments
- Customized finger
pitch to match your roller conveyor
- Over-center linkage
design keeps the fingers shut in case of pneumatic
or electric loss (bag will not be dropped)
- Stabilizer guides to
control the bag motion as it drops
- Optional pallet
hooks
- Optional slip sheet
vacuum cup
Click here for
more information.
>SAS< Automation Announces Lifetime
Guarantee for GRF-20 Spring Return -
Gripper Fingers
 >SAS<
Automation is pleased to announce a new Lifetime
Guarantee on all of its
GRF-20 Spring Return Single Acting Gripper Fingers
purchased after January 1, 2009.
>SAS< Automation
designs and manufactures in the USA, robotic
End-of-Arm Tooling components using the highest
quality materials. For the past twelve years, they
have proudly pioneered many “industry-firsts”
including: on-site service, e-commerce shopping, and
of course tools that uniquely are compatible with all
robots and any part. In addition to those milestones,
they have found their GRF’s …to last a million cycles!
 Engineering
components with innovative designs to last longer and
reduce your overall production costs is the
cornerstone of >SAS<. Details of this guarantee are as
follows:
- Warranty is only for
the
SAS GRF-20 Spring Return Single Acting gripper
fingers on purchases after January 1, 2009 (must
show proof of purchase).
- Must be used by the original
purchaser; warranty cannot be transferred.
- Must be returned to SAS for
verification and inspection (postage paid).
- >SAS< will replace at equal
value; no cash refunds.
- Products must be used in the
manner intended and not abused.
- >SAS<, at its sole
discretion, may choose to remove this warranty on
future products sold.
- Customer must not modify the
product in any manner.
- >SAS< will send replacement
part for valid claims. This will generally occur
within two weeks, but is based upon >SAS< inventory
and production scheduling.
- Warranty is
limited to 1,000,000 cycles.
>SAS< Automation, announces System
Partner Agreement with KUKA Robotics
 >SAS<
Automation has signed a system
partner agreement with KUKA
Robotics. This agreement declares >SAS<
Automation as a third-party
integrator of robotic end-of-arm
tooling for plastics, packaging and
general material handling
applications.
This agreement helps >SAS< to
provide greater automation services
to its customers in a wide range of
industrial applications.
KUKA Robotics is a leading global
supplier of industrial robots –
making them an ideal choice for >SAS<.
>SAS< provides the widest range of
end-of-arm tooling solutions
including modular tooling systems,
custom tools and complete workcell
integration. >SAS< is recognized for
their expertise as a manufacturer of
tooling and integrator of innovative
solutions for plastics injection
molding, insert molding, packaging
and palletizing (especially with
difficult to manipulate products)
and general material handling.
"We selected KUKA as our robot
partner because of their broad range
of robots and common controls
approach," said Rob Dalton, General
Manager for >SAS< Automation.
>SAS< Automation Introduces Hold
Down Toggle Clamps
 >SAS<
Automation introduces a heavy-duty pneumatic toggle
clamp called the HDC. This toggle clamp is
specifically designed for harsh manufacturing
environments demanding superior clamping power. The >SAS<
HDC clamp has an over-center locking design that
requires return air pressure to open -- making it
ideal for holding and managing heavy and bulky parts.
Processors will appreciate the consistent gripping
forces when performing secondary operations including
degating, fabricating, and machining. This clamp is
excellent for repetitive production operations as well
as short runs using temporary fixturing.
Sizes – HDC
25-105, HDC 40-105
Significant
Features:
These clamps have a
large cylinder area for increased clamping force of
675 in. lb. (opens to max 105°) and consistent
operation with fixed speed control in air ports and
easily interchangeable cylinders.
- Manual Release
Button – opens clamp without air pressure
- Holding Torque (1584
in. lb.) – piston diameter 40mm
- Lightweight (3 lbs.
6 oz.) – low profile/narrow design for tight
applications
- Closed linkage –
protects from contaminants thereby reducing
maintenance costs and downtime
Click here for
more information and purchase.
>SAS< Automation Introduces HX Line
of Profiles
 >SAS<
Automation introduces new Robotic End-of-Arm Tooling
line of profiles called: HX line. These profiles are a
hybrid between our circular tubing profiles and our
rectangular profiles. This new HX line is specifically
designed for increased flexibility in heavy-duty
material handling.
Sizes:
HX-40 - Outside Diameter – 40mm
HX-60 - Outside Diameter – 60mm
Ideal for:
- Boom style Robotic
End-of-Arm Tooling
- Heavy and bulky part
applications
- Press tending, metal
stamping and other heavy material handling
- Clamping on the
diameter or mounting to the channel
The new HX line is
interchangeable with all of >SAS<’s modular EOAT line
of components. The circular channel allows for direct
mounting of pneumatic fittings for greater flexibility
in pneumatic “plumbing” or “routing” to stream line
the routing of hoses to grippers or vacuum cups
allowing almost limitless applications.
>SAS<
Automation Announces New Technical
Manager
 On
September,1st 2008 >SAS< Automation Europe engaged Mr.
Uwe Frey as new technical manager. Mr. Frey has a
plastic industry background and worked for years in a
company being the head of warehousing, production and
technical management.
Now, for >SAS<
Automation he gives service in warehousing and
technical management too. He will take care for your
orders of components and deliveries in time. The
consulting of Mr. Frey will cover all technical
questions around the big SAS production-line. He will
assist you actively in planning and in realising your
individual gripper solutions.
NEW
Introducing
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.
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>SAS< Automation
Introduces New Vacuum
Handling System End-of-Arm Tooling
>SAS< Automation
introduces a new modular Vacuum Handling System line
of
Robotic End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT).
 This
new vacuum handling system is the most reliable and
easy way to handle bulky and heavy parts to ensure no
part damage. Each gripper has one valve that is
auto-regulated to open and close. Gripping power
uniquely remains constant offering exceptional
handling with improved lifting.
Like many of the
modular systems from >SAS< – this line is easy to
configure to your specific part. It easily handles
parts that are often difficult for standard grippers
including porous, soft, twisted, round, flexible and
other non-standard shapes, weights, and materials.
Power Consumption:
- Electric Turbine -
power consumption of the turbine is approximately
30% of normal in release position
- Compressed air -
Venturi power consumption only in pick-up mode
Significant
advantages:
- Adjustable systems
available
- Ability to handle a
wide variety of shapes
- Durable to handle
weights to 614 lbs/ft² (3000 Kg/m²)
- Independent and
auto-regulated valve system
- Lightweight and
compact
- Easy to install
- Multiple heads
configured in series only require one turbine
- Many options
available – to handle any part
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 NEW
Introducing the
Thrust Cutter Degater
>SAS< Automation
introduces a new degater called the >SAS< Thrust
Cutter.
This thrust cutter 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. This style of gate cutting
uniquely allows access to very hard to reach areas
using actuated thrust motion from the cylinder.
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NEW
>SAS< Automation, introduces Collision Sensors
 >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
Trent Fisher, President of 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
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>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.
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“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.
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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.
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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.
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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) |
>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.
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>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.
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>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.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
New Web Site -
EOAT.COM
To see our new website that features
Information on How To Build Your Own
EOAT, click here:
www.eoat.com
 We
have designed this new e-commerce site
with the purpose of finding and quickly
shipping EOAT (end-of-arm tooling),
gripper systems and end effector
components. If for any reason you cannot
locate the component you need,
Click
here.
| There
are several ways to search for the
part you need: |
Or,
click here to
register
with us to receive quarterly
e-newsletter on >SAS< products &
services.
SAS is
the only end-of-arm tooling company to
proudly serve all makes of robots,
handling any part, anywhere – for
plastics, packaging and general
manufacturing industries. We hope you
enjoy our new site.
Regards,
Trent Fisher
President |
|
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