Reduce Product Droppage and Lower Scrap Rates

To help automotive and white goods manufacturers improve production speed and eliminate bottlenecks, Piab USA, Inc. (Hingham, MA) offers their DURAFLEX® Friction Cups that provide the ultimate grip on oily and wet surfaces. The special grip pattern on these suction cups enables operators to safely and reliably move slippery metal goods without slowing production lines, reduce product droppage and lower scrap rates. It features a rough cleat surface and sharp cleat edges and channels that creates greater friction and a stronger hold compared to traditional traction suction cups. Normal cup abrasion that results from handling oily sheets does not degrade the shear force performance of these friction cups over time. The added durability of the cups extends use life for long-term reliability. They maintain their hold on heavy and slippery sheets during accelerations and de-accelerations, especially in the instance of emergency stoppages.

All parts are maintained in the proper position to facilitate applications such as stamping, reducing scrapped products and improving overall line sustainability. Made of DURAFLEX polyurethane, these Friction Cups will not break or crack after exposure to ultraviolet light, heat or ozone – an issue with cups comprised of rubber compounds. To prevent damage to the surface of thin metal sheets that is common in automotive and large appliance applications, these cups feature a dual-hardness design and soft cup body. Lower vacuum force is needed to seal the cups to part surfaces for gentler handling. The soft lip of the friction cups also molds easily to curved surfaces for less vacuum leakage and stronger grip. The cups also maintain their elastic memory and original shape for an expanded life cycle. Installing fewer cup replacements reduces costs and waste, helping shops meet their sustainability goals. The durability and effectiveness of these friction cups also enable shops to use fewer cups if production speeds allow.

The line of DURAFLEX Friction Cups includes the BFF model that is ideal for handling concave and convex surfaces, while the FCF model offers increased stability for handling larger metal sheets. For products with narrow surfaces, Piab also offers friction cups in two oval shapes that operate between temperatures of 50 deg F to 122 deg F.

Piab USA, Inc., 65 Sharp Street, Hingham MA 02043, 800-321-7422, Fax: 781-337-6864, www.piab.com.