End-of-arm tooling powered by Stäubli Fluid Connectors
01 March 2023
Stäubli Fluid Connectors has announced a new end-of-arm-tooling range. The mechatronics specialist already offers a broad technology portfolio from a single source, coupled with advice for individual solutions in robotic material handling.
This is now further enhanced through a close partnership with FIPA GmbH. Furthermore, Stäubli's international presence ensures uniform end-of-arm tooling concepts are available globally.
Driven by the potential for data networking of future-oriented manufacturing concepts, under the heading of Industry 4.0, the automation of material handling operations is on the rise worldwide and Stäubli Fluid Connectors is now establishing a new product range to address these applications.
A close partnership with FIPA GmbH
Stäubli Fluid Connectors has entered into a close partnership with FIPA GmbH in the field of end-of-arm tooling. As a company, FIPA is active internationally, specialising in the development and manufacture of innovative quality products in the area of vacuum and handling components as well as complete systems for handling processes.
FIPA’s flexible product system, and its corporate philosophy, are a perfect match for Stäubli Fluid Connectors, and its own modular product concept. Armed with this joint expertise, the partners intend to develop solutions for future-oriented manufacturing concepts.
Martin Bergmüller, Project Manager for End-of-Arm Tooling at Stäubli Fluid Connectors, commented: “FIPA is the ideal partner: with the Stäubli Fluid Connectors – FIPA cooperation, we have established a strong partnership that is characterised by high standards of quality and solution orientation on both sides.
“The cooperation combines the skills of both companies into a strong proposal consisting of global availability, broad applications knowledge and excellent technical expertise."
Handling, vacuum and tool change – everything from a single source
"Stäubli Fluid Connectors is known for its expertise in automatic tool changers and is now expanding its range to include material handling components and systems," says Norbert Ermer, Head of Robotic Tool Changer Business at Stäubli in Bayreuth.
“Stäubli Fluid Connectors offers all functions and technologies for this from a single source. And we support our customers comprehensively right up to the fully assembled handling solution."
Both system developers and system operators will benefit from this partnership: the components supplied are ideally matched to each other. From Stäubli's point of view, this not only reduces interface problems but also eliminates time-consuming coordination with various points of contact.
Solutions for all applications and robots
The automation of material handling processes requires expertise and precise planning. As an established supplier of automatic robotic tool changer systems – and now also of material handling solutions – Stäubli Fluid Connectors has the product portfolio and the expertise to offer solutions even for particularly complex handling processes.
From the analysis of the framework conditions and application requirements to the concept and CAD planning of the system, through to the delivery of all components, Stäubli Fluid Connectors offers a complete service package. Also, upon request, the solutions can be delivered fully assembled.
Long-term productivity thanks to flexibility and quality
The more durable an end-of-arm tooling solution is, the longer it can remain productive and generate revenue. In today’s environment, a general scarcity of resources heightens this effect, therefore extended periods of use and operation are desirable from both an ecological and an economic point of view.
With the uncertainty of which robot applications will be required in the future, Stäubli Fluid Connectors offers a high level of flexibility inherent in its solutions. The systems should be adaptable to meet new requirements at any time, for example within the scope of a retooling or retrofit. In this way, durable products really can be given a long life.
Worldwide presence for worldwide tooling concepts
Stäubli Fluid Connectors is represented by subsidiaries around the globe. "This enables us to offer a worldwide network with well-established expertise," says Norbert Ermer.
“We are the ideal partner for international companies that want to implement all-encompassing end-of-arm tooling concepts or establish globally uniform standards."
Stäubli's local presence in all of these markets is an important factor in such ventures. Notwithstanding standardisation across borders and continents, country-specific directives and standards must also be taken into account.