8. Peripherals

8.1 Gripper

The function of "removing the part from the mold" can be performed by a robot or a modified sprue gripper. Parts can be picked up by suction cups (ejectors push the parts onto the suction cups, which are simultaneously pressurized). A pressure sensor verifying that the vacuum level has been reached secures part gripping. In the case of multi-cavity molds, depositing parts in separate containers for each cavity optimizes sorting operations in the event of cavity-related quality problems.

The gripper cycle must be shorter than the press cycle, so as not to increase the latter by waiting time.

The use of a gripper slightly increases cycle time, but generally speaking, it offers gains in quality and operating safety.