Components for Sheet Metal Handling

Identify the sheet material, thickness, dimensions and mass, then mark the regions where contact is permitted. Include holes, bends, ribs, coatings and any unsupported areas near the proposed pickup points. Record whether the sheet is handled individually or presented in a stack, and how it is supported at pickup and placement.

Surface conditions need their own description. Note oil residue, dust, protective film, curvature and variation between parts. A cup that can contact one flat area may not fit another area of the same sheet. Share the condition at pickup rather than describing the workpiece only as steel or aluminum.

• Identify usable contact areas and restrictions on marks or deformation.
• Describe surface and oil conditions across the expected workpiece range.
• Provide sheet geometry and the pickup and placement support arrangement.

MAF is a flat NBR suction cup series with metal-sheet handling references, multiple cup sizes and several connection forms. Start with the usable contact area, then compare the selected size and connection with the MAF model guide and dimensional drawings. Its component data should be reviewed alongside the actual orientation and motion of the sheet.

SBP provides a polyurethane bellows cup reference whose listed applications include sheet metal and smooth steel plate. Use it as a separate geometry option to investigate, not as an automatic substitute for MAF. Review the cup profile, space available around the contact point and the required connection for each candidate.

State whether the sheet stays horizontal, is tilted or is transferred in another orientation. Include the pickup path, acceleration requirements, placement conditions and the location of the proposed cups. The number and arrangement of contact points need review with the workpiece and movement, rather than selection from sheet mass alone.

Use the mounting drawings to check cup connections, frame space and hose routing. PEP profile references support discussion of the EOAT frame layout. VT generator references support discussion of vacuum and supply requirements. Confirm the connections and operating conditions for the proposed arrangement before treating the components as a complete assembly.

• Provide the planned cup positions and tool mounting envelope.
• State available air supply, vacuum source and relevant pipe or hose details.
• Describe holding, transfer, release and any detection or loss-of-vacuum requirements.