When We Select a Foam UniGripper
Foam UniGrippers are ideal end-of-arm tools when handling products with variable shapes/sizes, irregular surfaces, or porous packaging. This type of EOAT (End-of-Arm Tooling) is often selected for applications where product presentation and orientation vary. Foam grippers provide gentle handling and wide surface contact, making them suitable for gripping:
- Mixed product systems (e.g., bags, cases, pails)
- Lightweight or deformable materials
- Products with inconsistent heights or gaps
- Items where traditional suction cups may fail due to surface texture
Because foam UniGrippers use a large-area vacuum zone rather than pinpoint suction, they can often lift entire layers of products—even with some gaps or uneven spacing. This makes them especially useful for palletizing and depalletizing operations.
Understanding Zoning in UniGripper Systems
Because of the large area of vacuum – zoning in foam vacuum grippers allows the gripping surface to be divided into independently controlled vacuum zones. These zones can be activated or deactivated based on the size, shape, and placement of the products being handled. This intelligent control ensures that vacuum is only applied where needed, minimizing air consumption and maximizing energy efficiency. It also prevents the loss of vacuum when picking incomplete layers or irregularly spaced products—something that would be a challenge for a full-surface vacuum system.
Zoning increases the versatility of the EOAT by allowing it to handle a wide range of product types and patterns without changing tooling. For example, in a mixed product palletizing application, the gripper can adjust zones dynamically to pick one box or several at once, even if there are gaps or voids in the layer. This flexibility leads to faster cycle times, less downtime, and fewer tool changeovers. This makes the UniGripper both a cost-effective and high-performance choice for automated handling tasks.
📽 Watch Video Showing Example Systems and Benefits of Selecting the Unigripper:
This video showcases real-world examples of UniGripper systems in action across a range of applications. From full-layer palletizing to single product picks, you’ll see how the gripper adapts to different product types and layouts with ease. It’s a versatile solution ideal for a variety of industries including food and beverage, packaging, building and construction, logistics, and more.
You can watch full videos of theses systems:
Full Layer – Robot on Rail | Paint Cans & Cases | Stacking Wood Planks
Proper maintenance ensures consistent performance and reliability. Follow the steps below to keep your foam UniGripper working at peak efficiency.
General Components Information
The UniGripper consists of the following main components:
- Foam Pad (1): Mounted on an exchangeable foam carrier
- Foam Carrier (2): Easily dismountable to simplify maintenance
- Filter Cassette (3): Positioned between the foam carrier and vacuum head
- Vacuum Head (4): Pulls air through the system for gripping function
Daily Maintenance (less than 20 minutes)
- Clean the suction foam using a soft brush
- Inspect the foam for loose particles and remove them
- Repair minor damage: If the gripping surface is damaged, it is possible to repair small tears. Use ordinary rubber solution (as for biking tire repair) and coat a thin cover over the damaged surfaces. Let dry for a few minutes and then press the surfaces together. Ideally, the repaired part should dry overnight.
- It is a good idea to have a spare foam carrier available for quick swaps during this type of repair or other downtime
- Contact your supplier for large-scale damage or complex repairs
Weekly Maintenance
- Remove the foam carrier from the UniGripper
- Repeat daily maintenance steps: brush foam and inspect for damage
- Filter Check:
- Remove filter cassette and inspect for dirt and debris
- Clean with compressed air if needed
- Follow with a vacuum (with a brush attachment) to remove loose particles
- If filters are sticky or greasy, contact your supplier for specific cleaning instructions
- Valve Plate:
- Check for dust and clean valves with a vacuum and brush
- Do not use compressed air, especially on valve plates with stainless steel filters
- Inspect and tighten all air and mechanical connections
- Check vacuum tubes and joints for possible leaks
- Ensure the reverse blow unit slide moves smoothly
- Clear any dust buildup on blower motor cooling fins
Summary
Foam Vacuum Grippers are flexible, gentle, and capable of handling a wide variety of product types. This makes them a great choice for dynamic production environments. With proper cleaning and routine inspection of the suction foam, filters, valves, and vacuum components, your UniGripper will provide dependable performance and minimize system downtime.
