End-of-arm tooling involves using robot arms fitted with the robotic equivalent of a human hand. These parts are attached to the end of the robotic arm, allowing it to interact in a specific way with various items. Depending on the particular robot and whether a tool changer system is in place, these parts can be changed according to the task’s requirements. Automation Integration Solutions, LLC in Salisbury, North Carolina, provides EOAT systems for businesses in various industries.

What End-of-Arm Tooling Is Used For

EOAT systems have a wide range of purposes, including gripping, moving, picking up and grasping various objects. This is useful in manufacturing businesses for handling different-sized items. 

Several Different Effectors to Choose From

Often more specifically referred to as effectors, these robotic arm tools are available in several forms with varying functions, allowing you to choose one or more that best suits your business needs.

Common Uses for EOAT

Material Handling

  • Gripping: A wide range of grippers, including pneumatic, hydraulic, finger, and vacuum, are available. They’re ideal for picking objects up, such as boxes and heavy gear, and putting them down elsewhere.
  • Sorting: Specific effectors can also be useful for sorting products. For example, they can sort and maneuver items while they make their way down a conveyor belt.

Assembly

  • Fastening: Effectors can take on tedious small tasks that require precise movement, such as assembling items with bolts and screws. They can ensure that all small parts are attached tightly.
  • Fitting: Doing assembly tasks, such as fitting parts together properly and safely, is another job an effector can perform as part of an assembly line in the manufacturing process.

Welding and Cutting

  • Welding: Welding is a dangerous task, but robotic arm tools that can handle welding torches can accomplish it effortlessly and without risk of injury. This type of effector can handle a variety of functions, such as spot welding, and is particularly common in the automotive industry.
  • Cutting: Options such as water jets and laser cutters make strategic clean cuts in various materials. They can also help separate materials or reconfigure their shape. 

Painting and Coating

Effectors can spread paint and similar materials during precise application to reduce waste and increase production. 

Inspection and Testing

Effectors can perform fast quality control checks that are an essential part of the manufacturing process, including defect detection.

Palletizing and Depalletizing

Stacking products, such as boxes, can be a time-consuming task. Effectors can quickly move them between departments, such as from processing to shipping.

Deburring, Polishing and Finishing

No client wants to receive a product with dangerous jagged edges. Effectors can remove the sharp edges while polishing to enhance their appearance.

Injection Molding and Die-Casting

Injecting substances into molds, trimming the excess, removing the cleaned-up products and pushing them down the line for inspection are other tedious tasks effectors can do quickly.

Pick-and-Place Applications

Robots can move quickly and efficiently, even while dealing with small parts and putting small components in specific configurations.

Food and Beverage Handling

Certain food and beverage items need specific handling to avoid damage. Some effectors can delicately maneuver these items at a constant speed, without sacrificing product quality, safety, or hygiene.

Contact Us Today for a Quote on EOAT Systems for Your Business

Call Automation Integration Solutions, LLC in Salisbury, North Carolina, for details about EOAT systems. Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have about our robotic automation systems and can help you determine which industrial robots are ideal for your manufacturing business.