FIPA announced the release of its new SPLT series suction plates. With these new, extremely reliable and highly flexible state-of-the-art plates, FIPA makes automated sheet metal handling a lot easier. "The launch of the SPLT series further expands our technology, product solutions and commitment for sheet metal handling", says Rainer Mehrer, President of FIPA.

Here's why FIPA's new SPLT series suction cups are so valuable:
Previous sheet metal handling tools use an increasing number of laser-cutting systems and punching machines with grippers that have automated loading and unloading systems. After processing, however, any suction cup that attempts to grip at a point with a cut-out will constantly be drawing in air. This air leakage causes the vacuum circuit to break, which causes the other suction cups in the circuit to drop the product. For this reason, vacuum suction cups on standard suction plates are often positioned to ensure that no suction cup is lowered onto a cut-out. However, this solution restricts the flexibility of the sheet metal handling, as each side of the product requires a suitable suction plate.

With its new SPLT series, FIPA has you covered: A key benefit of the new suction plates is its leakage reduction feature. Flow limiters in the suction plate keep the leakage rate to a permissible level. This means that the vacuum remains intact, even if all suction cups can't grip the sheet equally.

But that is not all the new design has to offer. Another great feature is the arrangement of the vacuum cups on the plate as a network of 4x4 or 6x6 bellows, with 2.5 bellows in oil-resistant NBR. Customized designs with other arrangements can also be provided upon request.

The New SPLT Suction Plates at a Glance:

• Maximum Reliability: No breakage of the vacuum circuit in the event of lack of contact with the product
  
• Optimized for Sheet Metal Handling: Perfect for loading/unloading punching and laser-cutting machines
  
• High Holding Force: 182 N with 16 vacuum suction cups, 409 N with 36 vacuum suction cups
  
• Minimal Re-adjustment: Automatic height adjustment via spring plunger and bellows suction cups for secure gripping of sheets of different thickness
  
• Flexible Assembly: Centric or eccentric vacuum connection available
  
• Customized Designs: Custom arrangement of suction cups can be designed upon request