Factors To Consider When Choosing A Robot End Effector

Integrating an end-of-term tool in a robotic arm leads to having a more versatile robot that can execute several jobs on the production floor. The sort of EOAT integrated into the robot determines its applications. Industrial robotic end-effectors are critical components of every industrial robotic operation, and selecting the appropriate end-effector can make the difference between high productivity and relatively inefficient operations.

Things To Consider When Selecting The Most Appropriate Robot End-Effector

Usually, the approach of selecting the most appropriate robot end-effector entails conducting a thorough examination of the project or application required of the robotic arm. In most cases, companies employ the services of robotic system integrators to do the job because of their professional expertise and vast knowledge of various robotic applications.

Selecting the most appropriate end-effector is critical for achieving dependable and productive robotic performance. For an industrial robot to accomplish its jobs, the EOAT must handle the parts as swiftly and effectively as designed to do.

The incorrect EOAT can result in considerable downtime, which can negatively influence overall production. Robots that use the incorrect end-effector may break down or become too slow to keep up with current manufacturing lines, resulting in increased inefficiencies and high-cost repairs and maintenance and lower ROI for the company. 

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Robot End Effector

By putting the right EOAT, the robot can work as intended, resulting in increased production, more satisfied customers, higher sales, happy staff, and a quicker return on investment (ROI). Below are the factors to look for when choosing a robot end-effector.  

• The environment of robot end-effector operation

Before choosing your preferred EOAT, you should understand the operating environment. Deployment of most robotic-reliant part-handling systems is in two different types of industrial-manufacturing environments-assembly lines and warehouses, made up of body shops and press shops.

• Payloads/weight

It is extremely important to consider the payloads of the items that need moving when choosing a robot end-effector. When working in a setting where a robot must travel long distances, the weight of the end-effector is also crucial. For the EOAT to work effectively, it must be durable, feasible, and light enough to manage all the applications. It must withstand multiple cycles without breaking down to ensure that there are no slips, vibrations, or performance degradation. Material handling applications, for example, will assess the size and weight of an item when determining whether mechanical grippers or vacuum clamps are the most appropriate choice.

• Tooling length

The tooling length of the EOAT required to complete the necessary task will also influence the choice of your robot end-effector most appropriate for the job at hand. A robotic arm is most effective when it can cover the greatest distance. The goal here is to keep the right amount of offset load of the EOAT as low as possible. Keeping the robot end-effector tooling length as short as possible is preferable to reduce deflection, leading to improved automated rhythm and a more effective flow.

• Size and shape of the products

The size and shape of the items you require your EOAT to handle and transfer is a big element in your chosen approach. The shape, size, and fragility of components have varied constraints regarding the robotic tooling used to fabricate them.

• Cycle time

Another important factor to consider when choosing a robot end effector is its cycle time. A robot end-effector cycle time expressed in strokes per minute relates to the number of pieces stamped per minute in the Press Room. Industrial body shops use robot end effectors to complete parts by performing the movements or operations that the system can perform. A conventional transfer press, for example, operates at a rate of 15 to 22 strokes per minute. Increasing the efficiency of the system design can aid in the improvement of the strokes per minute rate.

• Ancillary components

You will also need to consider if the robot end-effector you choose needs any ancillary parts. The parts provide the EOAT with more versatility. Some of the most common axillary components are:

• Power clamps
• Grippers
• Magnets
• Vacuum cups
• Venturis

EOATs can perform a wide range of tasks in the automation industry. Still, to select the most appropriate device for your purposes, you must consider the products the robotic arm needs to handle, the speed at which it must transfer the goods from one place to the next, and even the amount of space available. It is also vital to consider the components the EOAT will handle- are they fragile, irregular shapes, or too large for the tool?

• Cost

Do not forget to consider your budget constraints when choosing your preferred robot end-effector. The cost of the EOAT will depend on several variables such as size, payload, and brand. Before you commit yourself, do some research on several options in the market and go for the one you can afford. However, you have to ensure that it is efficient.

Wrapping Up

A robot end-effector is a critical component of any industrial robot, especially modern collaborative robots. Robotics might not achieve their primary purpose of automating manual tasks to boost profitability without the required end-effectors. Therefore, it is critical to choose the most appropriate robot end-effector for a positive impact on the overall effectiveness of a robotic system. 

An effective robot end-effector will also ensure better operations at the company. If you do not know about the best EOAT to integrate with your industrial robot, collaborate with a robotic systems integrator that has extensive experience in your industry. The same integrator should also have vast knowledge and competence to select the most appropriate EOAT for your robotic applications.