Pneumatic Assembly and Automation Components

Ergonomic O-Ring Installation Devices Save Companies Money

2012-01-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

Ergonomic O-RingInstallation Devices Save Companies Money

AGI, a leading provider of sophisticated pneumatic devices,releases new tools that automate the installation of O-Rings. Used in manyproducts, including tractors, valves, and home appliances, O-Rings are integralto the manufacturing of devices in innumerable industries. Two different devicesare now offered to allow the positioning and sealing of O-rings of a variety ofsizes. The technology can be employed in partially-automate single-station handassists and fully-automated assembly lines, and can be implemented in a widerange of manufacturing industries.

Automated O-ring Seal Installation

Specialists in ergonomics have long agreed that continuedand repeated stress to joints and tendons result in a range of ailments,including tendonitis, arthritis and carpel tunnel syndrome. Workersexperiencing these injuries experience medical and financial setbacks, but theyare not alone in their suffering.

Manufacturing firms are affected by soaring medical costsand production losses as a result of the repeated-stress injuries endured bytheir employees. “One great advantage of implementing O-Ring InstallationAssembly Tools” claims AGI President Peter Farkas, “is that workers place lessstress on their hands.” He continues, “for years we have been aware of theadvantages of using automated technologies, however, the full benefits ofautomation have not yet been realized as certain manual operations have provendifficult to eliminate until now. O-ring installation has been one of these.”For him and other innovators at AGI, it is exciting to be able to offermanufacturers new technologies at affordable prices.

AGI’s O-Ring-Assembly Tools come in two sizes: the AGP-6-OR(which has six jaws) and the AGP-8-OR (which has eight). These pneumaticgrippers can accommodate placement applications from 3 to 12 inch I.D. Both are designed to facilitate part ejectionand part seating and are perfect for installations where an ejector is neededafter the part is positioned, or when a seal needs to be placed down a longshaft.

Independent piston technology and double-acting spreadingjaws allow the pneumatic devices to place very little stress on the O-Rings.The O-Rings, as a result of the octagon–shape they take on, undergo significantlyless deformation than they would if applied through alternative means of assembly.Additionally, because the stokes are adjustable to precise measurements, thereis little risk of over-expansion.

About AGI: AGI supplies a complete range of sophisticated automationproducts that include parallel grippers, rotary actuators, thrusters, linearactuator slides, mini slides, tool changers, and overload devices. All productsare available in imperial and metric versions for flexibility of design for aworld market.

For more information onthis product or AGI, call (203) 459-8345 or visit www.agi-automation.com.

Download AGI Pneumatic Cylinders from 3D ContentCentral

2011-09-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

AGI’s Grippers, Slides, Rotary acutators can be downloaded from our web site ( http://www.agi-automation.com/) in Step, Iges, Solidworks or now from 3D content central. 3D ContentCentral® is a community of both users and suppliers. Free parts and assemblies are available in all major 2D and 3D CAD formats, including SolidWorks, DraftSight, Autodesk Inventor, and AutoCAD.

American Grippers Inc parts and assemblies that have been certified off-the-shelf components, you can now download SolidWorks 2D blocks, library features and macros.

3D ContentCentral, you can perform any of the following tasks, thereby saving you precious design time that you would otherwise spend designing 2D or 3D CAD models of supplier components from 2D catalogs (PDF or DWG files):

Search for supplier components using part numbers, product names, descriptions, product parameters, and other application-specific criteria, or by simply browsing through an intuitive catalog interface. When you locate a component you want, request a quote from the supplier by simply submitting an RFQ (Request for Quotation) directly from the component page.

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Some of AGI's parts include: Pneumatic gripper mechanism has three major styles, parallel gripper, angular gripper design, and custom units such as o-ring assembly unit. Gripper is used to hold or clamp a part much like a human hand. They are typically used between a pick and place or a robot and the part being handled. Grippers have wide range of sizes jaw and gripping forces for most any industrial application. Robotic grippers range from miniature series to units that have 1500 lbs. of gripping force.

Rotary Actuator Rack and Pinion type with flange output has many advances to improve productivity. Pneumatic low profile compact rotary actuators are ideal for payloads from 1 lb (.44Kg) to 30 lbs (13.6Kg). The standard rotations available are 45, 90, or 180 degrees. Built in adjustable hard stops on output flange prevent pinion breakage. AGR units have zero back-lash due to the cross ported drive pistons never bottoming out; this also achieves true force throughout the rotation and end of stroke.
Linear Actuators Slides has three styles, base slides, magnetically coupled rodless slides, thrusters and pneumatic actuators. The units provide smooth linear motion due to the precision ball bearings riding on hardened ground shafts. The pneumatic linear actuators are internally powered by an air cylinder. Miniature Linear Actuators are also available where space is limited. Rodless Linear Actuators or Guided rodless air cylinders are different from standard air cylinders, no piston rod will extends past the cylinder body. The internal piston is connected to the carriage magnetically, pulling the outer carriage along with the piston, this is ideal for long stroke applications.
Feed Escapements actuator is ideal for singulating and release of individual parts from hoppers, conveyors, vibratory feeder bowls, tracks and magazines. These compact long stroke Linear actuators escapements are internally sequenced.
Robotic Tool Changers or End Of Arm tooling provides the flexibility to automatically change end-effectors or other peripherals. Robotic tool changer has two mating halves, one called Robot Side and the other Tool Side. They couple locked together via a pneumatic air cylinder and have user electrical contacts, pneumatic, water pass through. This makes a robot very versatile for high production environment. Robotic load limiters prevent damage to E.O.A.T and other robotic peripherals.
Automation of o-ring assembly requires many parts to work as a whole seen in this video. Typically a vibratory bowl will separate the o-rings, feed them down a track into a dead nest for the o-ring gripper to pick and place the seal on the parts.

Robotic Tool Changers Improve Production & Safety on Factory Floors

2011-09-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

Robotic Tool Changers improve production & safety.

The AGI robotic tool changer provides the flexibility to automatically change end-effectors or other peripheral tooling. The products are designed to function reliably for millions of cycles at rated load while maintaining extremely high repeatability.

Robotic Tool Changer with user ports and electric module

Typically when robotic tool changers are required is when changing multiple end effectors, as part of improving production cycle in a given cell. A robot will use a pneumatic gripper to pick up and position a part, after that it exchanges the gripper for a grinder. When the grinder is complete, the robot drops off the tool and reattaches the gripper, so it can remove the piece from its fixture and pick up another part.

Another common application is where a robot uses a single end effector for a given product run, only changing out end effectors when the product changes. In some product lines are changing every couple of hours, so tool changers can both cut costs and increase throughput.
http://www.agi-automation.com/EOAT-tool-changer.htm
Routine maintenance is another application in which tool changers help reduces the down time. The tool changer justifies its expense because end effectors can be swapped out in a matter of seconds, as opposed to hours so production can continue.

Safety is key in any factory environment. AGI's Pneumatic Tool Changer are equipped with a fail safe locking mechanism that will not drop your part even if air pressure fails. The locking mechanism relies on a pneumatically driven piston that forces three cam fingers into a steel ring in the tool-side piece, both locking it in place and clamping the two pieces together. The cam geometry ensures the robot- and tool-side do not come apart in the event of lost air pressure.

The pneumatically actuated robotic tool changer provides the flexibility to automatically change grippers or other peripheral end-effector tooling. AGI offers seven different sizes of Tool-Changers, ranging from 1" in diameter for lab use to 10" in diameter. They can handle high load capacities up to 6000in-lbs and a repeatability of +0.01. Tool Changers (Robot side and Tool side) that have been designed to connect electrical contacts and pneumatic ports.

AGI supplies a complete range of sophisticated pneumatically actuated automation products that include, pneumatic parallel grippers, rotary actuators, thrusters, linear actuator slides, mini slides, tool changers, overload devices. Available in imperial and metric versions for flexibility of design for a world market. For more information on this product, send for a FREE catalog today. For immediate assistance, call AGI, at (203) 459-8345 or visit our web site at www.agi-automation.com .

MRO interchangeable pneumatic components are critical to manufacturing

2011-06-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

MRO interchangeable pneumatic components are critical to just about every type of manufacturing facility. When large companies decide to discontinue or phase out an old product line it becomes a MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) nightmare to do machine repair and maintenance. AGI has touched upon this subject by making some of these discontinued items the larger pneumatic automation product companies stopped manufacturing. AGI pneumatic grippers, rotary actuators, and linear slides are drop in direct replacements. These products are interchangeable to include overall dimension, mounting and porting at lower cost of ownership due to major improvements. AGI can assist in crossing over products that you already have. AGI also manufactures a complete range of high quality sophisticated Pneumatic Automation Products For Industrial Automation. The company headquarters is in Trumbull, CT, USA. As a company specializing in Automation technology, we use the most modern manufacturing techniques. The modern and demanding user of end of arm tooling technology has confidence in the capabilities and products of AGI. AGI's products cover a broad range of applications, Including Parallel and Angular Grippers, Rotary Actuators, Mini-Slides, Linear Slides, Thrusters, Multi-Motion Actuators, Pick and Place, Tool Changers, Load Limiters, Feed Escapements, Robotic End Effectors, Robotic Accessories and O-Ring assembly tools. Products Are Used For A Variety Of Manufacturing Processes Including Assembly, Packaging, Loading & Unloading, Part Transfer. Available in imperial and metric versions for flexibility of design for a world market. High-tech plants all over the world relay on automation components from AGI.

For more information on these products and cross reference sheet, send for a free catalog and cad disc, which includes 2 and 3-D cad drawings. For immediate assistance, call AGI, at (203) 459-8345 or visit our web site at www.agi-automation.com

AGT heavy duty pneumatic linear thruster slide

2011-04-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

AGT Pneumatic Thruster Slide

AGT heavy duty linear thruster slide series are pneumatically powered by an external air cylinder guided by hardened shafts running on precision ball bearings. This linear thruster offers the highest load-carrying capabilities due to the dual endplate system. This serves two purposes, one the shafts are bolted together with the endplates making it a rigid box frame for less vibration, and the second the load is stopped by the end plates, not the air cylinders piston. AGT linear thruster slide is ideal for high-speed applications requiring durability, heavy loading, precise movement and accuracy in one package.

Three bore sizes: .75 inch, 1.125 inch, and 1.50 inch are offered with sensor and shock absorbers options. Stroke lengths are available from 1” to 12” incremental.

Position sensors can easily be added to the AGT to detect the end of travel positions of the travel.

The AGT Thrusters are used in many industrial applications, R&D, lab, production and from single direction to complex X-Y-Z motion. AGI pneumatic automation components are used in many Pick-N-Place applications and can handle small to large objects.

Important features and benefits

• Box frame construction with dual end plates bolted together.

• Load is stopped by end plates and not the air cylinder.

• Precision sealed ball bearings for heavy loading, precise movement.

• Floating piston shaft eliminates cylinder binding.

• Tooling plate is offset from the body allowing clearance between tooling plate and mounting surface.

• Slip fit dowel holes on body and tooling plate.

• Main body has tapped holes on side and on back for ease of mounting.

• Tooling plate has tapped/counter bored mounting holes.

• Optional Extend and retract shock absorbers and sensors.

• Replaceable air cylinder.

AGI supplies a complete range of sophisticated automation products that include, parallel grippers, rotary actuators, thrusters, linear actuator slides, mini slides, tool changers, and overload devices and o-ring installation assembly units. Imperial and metric versions are available for flexibility of design for a world market. www.agi-automation.com

http://www.agi-automation.com/linear-actuator.htm

Pneumatic Rotary Actuators with Output Flange Stop Design

2011-03-09T09:01:00.000-08:00

Pneumatic Rotary Rack and Pinion Flange Stop Design

Pneumatic Rotary Actuators offers Flange Stop Design to reduce internal drive component wear of rack and pinion.

AGI a leader in motion control technology, introduces the latest technological advancement in pneumatic rotary actuators.

The Series AGR Rotary Actuator features extremely ultra thin profile and bearing supported flange provide an extremely compact package for tight space applications. Payload can be connected directly to the flange without the need for extra bearing support.

AGI offers a full line of pneumatic rotary actuators, here are five sizes available with optional rotary manifold, mid-position stop and sensor options. All rotary actuators are rack and pinion design and incorporate output flange hard stop. The features of this design include high torque from a compact configuration.

The units are hi torque due to cross porting the two piston bores this makes the Rotary Actuator operate with zero backlash at the end of rotations for precise rotary positioning. Because of their constant torque output and resistance to drift, they are often used for precision control. The ultra-thin pneumatic rotary actuators have a dowel pin embedded in the body and two internal hard stops in the output flange that eliminate pinion breakage. This allows for higher cycle speeds and heavier payloads than comparable units on the market.

Torque output ranges from 7in-lbs to 310 in-lbs. @ 100 psi. The Series AGR Rotary Actuator is available in five bore sizes (.5, .75, 1.0, 1.25 and 1.625 inch) with two standard rotations (90 and 180 deg.). All units feature standard angle adjustment of +/-5 degree in each direction with the adjustable hard stops. Standard port flow controls provide accurate control of rotation speed. Optional switch kits allow the use of inductive proximity switches for easy interfacing to electrical controls.

AGI supplies a complete range of sophisticated automation products that include, parallel grippers, rotary actuators, thrusters, linear actuator slides, mini slides, tool changers, automated o-ring seal assembly units, Available in imperial and metric versions for flexibility of design for a world market. Autocad and Solidworks models available for download from our web site.

http://www.agi-automation.com/rotary-actuators.htm

Pneumatically Actuated Miniature Rugged Parallel Grippers

2011-02-04T08:21:00.000-08:00

Pneumatically Actuated Miniature Rugged Parallel Grippers

Small yet rugged pneumatic double acting parallel gripper delivers rugged performance in a small package . These two grippers boast S-7 tool steel jaws that ride on Armoloy TDC shafts. The AGP-187, 250 are the industry standard, supply a high grip force to weight ratio and made for high production rate reliable service life. AGI’s patented guided wedge design offers better jaw centering and repeatability. This is ideal for short stroke and high strength applications.

The AGP parallel grippers offer a unique gripping solution for applications that require exact part pick up or placement and high loading capability. The compact size of this pneumatic gripper linear actuator is ideal for use in tight spaces with short strokes.

AGP series mini gripper actuators from AGI provide grip force of 15 to 25 lbs. with two stroke sizes up to a quarter inch, yet the total height of the assembly is only 1.47 inches it is one of the smallest commercially available pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic gripper linear actuator is part of a product line that offers flexible configurations. The grippers have two bore sizes .75 and also a 1 inch available, optional switch kits allow the use of inductive proximity switches for easy interfacing to electrical controls.

AGI supplies a complete range of sophisticated automation products that include, parallel grippers, rotary actuators, thrusters, linear actuator slides, mini slides, tool changers, and overload devices. All the units are available in imperial and metric versions for flexibility of design for a world market.

For more information on this product, send for a FREE catalog today. For immediate assistance, call AGI, at (203) 459-8345 or visit our web site at www.agi-automation.com

How Does Pneumatic Air Cylinder Actuators Work?

2011-02-02T12:29:00.000-08:00

How Does Pneumatic Cylinder Actuators work? i.e.: Grippers, Linear Actuators and Rotary Actuators, they convert energy (compressed air or pressurized oil) into linear or rotary motion. Types of pneumatic actuators include:

•Pneumatic Gripper

•Rotary Actuators

•Linear Actuators

•Robotic Tool Changers

•Robotic Load Limiter

•Multi Motion Actuators

•O-ring Automated Assembly

•Feed Escapements

A pneumatic actuator consists of a piston, a cylinder, and ports. The piston is surrounded by seal, which keeps the air separate from the upper and lower part of the cylinder, allowing air pressure to force the piston in either direction generating motion. Pneumatic double acting cylinders require a four way two position valve to operate them. Combining these actuators can yield an efficient robotic pick and place system for lean manufacturing.

Pneumatic gripper mechanism has three major styles, parallel gripper, angular gripper design, and custom units such as o-ring assembly unit. Gripper is used to hold or clamp a part much like a human hand. They are typically used between a pick and place or a robot and the part being handled. Grippers have wide range of sizes jaw and gripping forces for most any industrial application. Robotic grippers range from miniature series to units that have 1500 lbs. of gripping force.

Rotary Actuator Rack and Pinion type with flange output has many advances to improve productivity. Pneumatic low profile compact rotary actuators are ideal for payloads from 1 lb (.44Kg) to 30 lbs (13.6Kg). The standard rotations available are 45, 90, or 180 degrees. Built in adjustable hard stops on output flange prevent pinion breakage. AGR units have zero back-lash due to the cross ported drive pistons never bottoming out; this also achieves true force throughout the rotation and end of stroke.

Linear Actuators Slides has three styles, base slides, magnetically coupled rodless slides, thrusters and pneumatic actuators. The units provide smooth linear motion due to the precision ball bearings riding on hardened ground shafts. The pneumatic linear actuators are internally powered by an air cylinder. Miniature Linear Actuators are also available where space is limited. Rodless Linear Actuators or Guided rodless air cylinders are different from standard air cylinders, no piston rod will extends past the cylinder body. The internal piston is connected to the carriage magnetically, pulling the outer carriage along with the piston, this is ideal for long stroke applications.

Feed Escapements actuator is ideal for singulating and release of individual parts from hoppers, conveyors, vibratory feeder bowls, tracks and magazines. These compact long stroke Linear actuators escapements are internally sequenced.

Robotic Tool Changers or End Of Arm tooling provides the flexibility to automatically change end-effectors or other peripherals. Robotic tool changer has two mating halves, one called Robot Side and the other Tool Side. They couple locked together via a pneumatic air cylinder and have user electrical contacts, pneumatic, water pass through. This makes a robot very versatile for high production environment. Robotic load limiters prevent damage to E.O.A.T and other robotic peripherals.

Automation of o-ring assembly requires many parts to work as a whole seen in this video. Typically a vibratory bowl will separate the o-rings, feed them down a track into a dead nest for the o-ring gripper to pick and place the seal on the parts.

http://www.agi-automation.com/

Precision Pneumatic Powered Linear Actuator Slides

2011-01-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

Precision Pneumatic Powered Linear Actuator Slides

http://www.agi-automation.com/linear-actuator.htm

Pneumatic Powered Slide that provides smooth linear motion due to the precision ball bearings riding on hardened ground shafts. The aluminum body and end blocks contain tapped holes and dowel pin holes for precision mounting. AGS base slides have a built in air cylinder that reduces the overall length or footprint of the unit. Bore sizes are .75 inch, 1 inch and 1.25 inch with stokes from 1 inch to 6 inch. This linear actuator is heavy duty industrial grade, the end blocks are bolted to the shafts. The air feed shaft is gun drilled hardened shafting material to prevent air leaks and extending service life. Bearings are precision linear sealed type for heavy loading and polycarbonate composite bearings are also available. Pneumatic linear motion components are double acting air cylinders that require a four way two position valve. Flow controls (metering out) should be installed to regulate the speed of the device for smooth operation. Stroke adjustments are standard on both sides of the end blocks for fine end position adjustments. Optional shock absorbers and end position sensing can be added to slides, and are available in an inductive sensor that comes in both PNP or NPN sourcing.

AGI has a full line of pneumatic linear actuators that are internally powered. The three styles are base slides, magnetically coupled rodless slides, thrusters and pneumatic actuators These pneumatic guided air cylinders are used in typical X-Y-Z motion Pick-N-Place applications and can handle small to medium size objects. Factory productivity improvements and cost reduction of repetitive task can be automated using base slides, thrusters and long stroke linear actuators in combination. www.agi-automation.com

• Compact lightweight unit with built-in air cylinder.

• Linear ball bearings ride on precision hardened ground steel shafts.

• Units are permanently lubricated for non-lube air operation, allowing for OSHA compliance.

• Piston seals are U-cup type for long service life.

• Aluminum body and end blocks contain tapped holes and dowel pin holes for precision mounting or fixturing.

• Custom mounting holes and air ports can be added. Please consult factory.

• Main body or end blocks can be anchored due to the 1/16" height clearance.

• Standard built-in stroke adjustment for precise, repetitive operation.

• Proximity switches are available to monitor end of stroke position of the body.

• Optional shock absorbers can be ordered for smooth operation.

• Series AGS-4 is fully field repairable for cost savings and minimum down time. Repair kits are available for repairs or maintenance.

Long Stroke Pneumatic Powered Slides

2010-09-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

Magnetically coupled linear actuator slides have no mechanical connection between the carriage body and piston resulting in a fully enclosed piston that prevents contaminants from escaping. AGSL linear actuator incorporates an anodized aluminum carriage that is guided on precision linear bearings that ride on hardened precision ground shafts to move smoothly while supporting the tool plate and attached loads. Precision sealed ball bearings provide rugged precise linear motion, guidance, and smooth movement of the carriage. Pneumatic long stroke linear motion components are double acting air cylinders and require a four way two position valve. The lack of piston rod in the cylinder reduces the length of the actuator considerably and they are therefore ideal for confined spaces or long strokes.
Cylinders are available in 2 bores sizes - .625 and 1 inch (16mm, and 25mm) with stroke lengths up to 132 inches (2000 mm). Proximity sensors are available to signal the end of stroke positions.

http://www.agi-automation.com/linear-actuator.htm
AGI supplies a complete range of sophisticated automation products that include, parallel grippers, rotary actuators, thrusters, linear actuator slides, mini slides, tool changers, overload devices and o-ring installation assembly components.

• Magnetically coupled cylinder is designed to be leak free due to no mechanical connection between the piston and the body.

• Prelubricated for miles of maintenance-free travel, with easily accessible carriage lubrication port.

• 304 stainless steel tubing and U-cup seals for lower dynamic friction.

• Compact lightweight unit with built-in air cylinder.

• Linear ball bearings ride on precision ground and hardened shafting.

• Aluminum body and end blocks contain tapped holes for precision mounting or fixturing.

• Main body or end blocks can be anchored due to the 1/16" height difference.

For more information on this product, send for a FREE catalog today. For immediate assistance, call AGI, at (203) 459-8345 or visit our web site at www.agi-automation.com

Businesses can deduct $800,000 in capital expenses.

2010-08-12T05:28:00.000-07:00

Businesses can deduct $800,000 in capital expenses.

Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act of 2010 signed into law March 18 extends some of the 2009 tax incentives which encourage capital purchases, such as Assembly Automation Equipment and machinery.

The new law restores the limit on expenses that businesses can deduct from annual income for capital expenses to $250,000 with a total cap of $800,000. You may have heard this referred to as Section 179 of the tax plan. The expense limit was due to be reduced to $134,000 with a $530,000 cap this year, but the new law restores the deductions to 2008 and 2009 levels. Taxpayers must have taxable income to take advantage of the deduction. Deductions cannot be used to reduce taxable income below zero. Deductions are allowable even if the purchases are wholly or partially financed. This incentive particularly benefits small and mid-sized companies who have an opportunity to make investments that otherwise would be delayed or impossible to make this year.

The extended capital purchases tax incentive is part of an overall act which includes tax incentives for companies that hire new employees. The bonus depreciation on capital purchases portion of Section 179 has not been extended for 2010. Legislation is currently under consideration which may extend bonus depreciation for equipment placed in service before 2011. Capital investments by definition are undertaken with an eye on long-term expansion or upgrades to existing production capacity. If you are considering expanding a plant or making investments in equipment, the expense deduction provides help in paying for it by lowering your tax burden and improving cash flow. Companies that take advantage of the tax incentive early in the year may also get some benefits with their estimated tax payments as they make their financial plans for the year. It pays to take advantage early. With the increased deductible to $250,000 many packaging equipment solutions are fully deductible. Companies planning to take advantage of the new tax incentive should consult their tax planner to fully understand the benefits. For most companies considering a new equipment purchase should strike now, before the end of 2010. The opportunity to receive the value of new Assembly and Automation equipment, plus the added value and quicker ROI offered with the tax incentives. http://www.agi-automation.com/

Miniature Pneumatic Linear Slide fit in tight spaces

2010-07-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

Miniature Pneumatic Linear Slide fit in tight spaces.

The AGMS compact linear slide air cylinder offer a high performance solution for linear motion applications that require short strokes coupled with compact boundary dimensions and high loading capability. The compact size of this pneumatic miniature linear actuator is ideal for use in tight spaces needing large payloads.

New AGMS series mini slide actuators from AGI provide a load-carrying capacity of 3 to 28 lbs., yet the total height of the assembly is only 0.813 inches, making this one of the smallest commercially available pneumatic linear actuator.http://www.agi-automation.com/miniature-linear-actuator.htm

This precision mini-slide has a T-slot bearing design that is supported the full length of the body to carry heavy loads. AGMS straight-line design offers High moment load and high accuracy in a compact lightweight package. It features a lightweight aluminum base that is hard anodized and a carriage made from Ampco 18 aluminum-bronze. Standard mounting holes on the slide carriage and endplate make it easy to attach the mechanism being moved and the unit's base offers four holes for mounting. Stroke adjustments and locks are standard on end of extend and retract of stroke.

The Mini-Linear Actuator is part of a new product line that offers flexible configurations. The Pneumatically actuated mini slides have two bore sizes .5 and also a .75 inch available in .5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 inch strokes. Optional switch kits allow the use of inductive proximity switches for easy interfacing to electrical controls.

AGI supplies a complete range of sophisticated automation products that include, parallel grippers, rotary actuators, thrusters, linear actuator slides, mini slides, tool changers, overload devices. Available in imperial and metric versions for flexibility of design for a world market.

For more information on this product, send for a FREE catalog today. For immediate assistance, call AGI, at (203) 459-8345 or visit our web site at www.agi-automation.com

Three jaw pneumatic angular gripper with lock

2010-06-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

The AGA Series Angular Gripper Actuator features four new models that have three jaws. The gripper jaws 180 degree opening is suited for applications which must be performed within a limited work area. The AGA-23, 33, 43 and 53 series have stroke-limiting screws to adjust the stroke between 0 and 180 degree. The four sizes have a range gripping forces from 20 to 200 lbs.
When the jaws are completely opened, the work piece can be placed in a fixture without having to retract the gripper. This saves an extra step as well as the expense of another axis of movement. The toggle mechanism greatly increases in power as the jaws near the fully closed position and become self-locking when past parallel. The internal linkages are guided by two groves that run the length of the body. This will keeps the tooling jaws from loosing the center repeatability. Close attention must be made to the tooling jaws when designing them. Because the jaws swing an arc, the mechanism produces higher velocity at the end of your tooling during the stroke. Therefore, tooling jaws should be short, lightweight as possible, and flow controls are recommended. In cases where longer jaws are needed, bumpers or miniature hydraulic shocks should be used to decelerate the jaw at the end of the stroke. All of these units are double acting, have multiple airports, mounting locations and available with sensor options for easy interfacing to electrical controls.
AGI supplies a complete range of sophisticated automation products that include: pneumatic parallel grippers, rotary actuators, thrusters, linear actuator slides, mini slides, tool changers, overload devices. The units are available in imperial and metric versions for flexibility and design for a world market.
For more information on this product, send for a FREE catalog today. For immediate assistance, call AGI, at (203) 459-8345 or visit our web site at http://www.agi-automation.com/

PNEUMATIC ZERO POSITION FIXED JAW GRIPPER

2010-05-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

The AGPS fixed jaw parallel grippers offer a unique gripping solution for applications that require a zero point for exact part pick up or placement and high loading capability. The compact size of this pneumatic gripper linear actuator is ideal for use in tight spaces needing large payloads with a quick clamping cylinder.
The one-piece body and stationary jaw design integrated with the precision T-slot bearing design that is supported the full length of the body is designed to carry heavy loads. AGPS straight-line design offers high moment load and high accuracy in a compact lightweight package that features a lightweight aluminum base that is hard anodized and a carriage bearing made from Ampco 18 aluminum-bronze. Standard mounting and dowel holes on the slide jaw carriage endplate make it easy to attach the tooling jaws and the unit's base offers four holes for mounting. Hardened stroke adjustments and locks are standard on end of extend and retract of stroke offer excellent zero point repeatability.
AGPS series mini-linear actuators from AGI provide grip force of 15 to 25 lbs. with four stroke sizes up to two inches, yet the total height of the assembly is only 0.813 inches it is one of the smallest commercially available pneumatic actuator.
The pneumatic gripper linear actuator is part of a new product line that offers flexible configurations. The grippers have two bore sizes .5 and also a .75 inch available in .5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 inch strokes. Optional switch kits allow the use of inductive proximity switches for easy interfacing to electrical controls.
AGI supplies a complete range of sophisticated automation products that include, parallel grippers, rotary actuators, thrusters, linear actuator slides, mini slides, tool changers, and overload devices. All the units are available in imperial and metric versions for flexibility of design for a world market.
For more information on this product, send for a FREE catalog today. For immediate assistance, call AGI, at (203) 459-8345 or visit our web site at www.agi-automation.com

Pneumatic Feed Escapement and Singulator

2010-05-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

Pneumatic Feed Escapement – Dual timed type -Seperator

Pneumatic feed escapement actuator is ideal for singulating and release of individual parts from hoppers, conveyors, vibratory feeder bowls, tracks and magazines. These compact long stroke Linear actuators escapements are internally sequenced. The cross porting makes sure both rods are extended before either rod can retract ensuring positive part feeding. The AGI escapements have an easy part clearing feature due to internal back pressure cross port design, this allows both rods to be retracted with air pressure off to clear a jam.

..............Push Force......... Stroke .............Weight
..............N.......lbs .........mm.... in.........kg..... lbs
AGE-1 ...80N .....18 ........25.4 ....1.0.......0.22....0.50
AGE-2 ..155N .....35....... 31.7 ....1.25.....0.34.... 0.75
AGE-3.. 270N......60........ 38.1.....1.50.....0.45..... 1.0

Pneumatic Feed Escapement – Single Non rotating type - Seperator

Single finger feed escapement with t-slot gib design is ideal for use in tight spaces needing large payloads. This single guided actuator has a T-slot bearing design that is supported the length of the body to handle large moments. Multiple mounting surfaces allow payloads to be attached to the top rail or the endplate. AGMS slides are offered in four stroke sizes from .25 inch (6.4mm) to 2 inch (101 mm) and have .5 and .75 inch bore sizes.
.................Push Force..... ......Stroke.............Weight
...................N.... lbs........... mm...... in....... kg........ lbs
AGMS-1-1 ..66N....15 ..........12.7 ....0.50 ......0.07 .......0.16
AGMS-1-2 ..66N....15.......... 25.4.....1.00.......0.09........0.19
AGMS-1-3 ..66N....15.......... 17.0.....1.50.......0.11........0.25
AGMS-1-4 ..66N....15...........50.8.....2.00.......0.14........0.32
AGMS-2-1 .155N...35...........12.7......0.50.......0.12.......0.26
AGMS-2-2 .155N...35...........25.4......1.00.......0.16.......0.35
AGMS-2-3 .155N...35...........17.0......1.50.......0.19.......0.43
AGMS-2-4 .155N...35............50.8.....2.00.......0.24.......0.53

Features & Benefits:
• Compact, Long Stroke Escapements made for separating and isolating individual parts from tracks, vibratory feeders or conveyors.
• Internal sequencing and cross porting make sure both rods are extended before either rod can retract, ensuring positive part feeding.
• Easy part jam clearing due to internal back pressure cross port design, this allows both rods to be retracted with the air off.
• Piston seals are U-CUP type for long service life.
• Hall effect sensors are available to monitor stroke position at any point in the stroke.
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2010 Pneumatic Automation Products and Actuator

2010-04-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

2010 Pneumatic Automation Products and Actuator

AGI line of pneumatic linear handling modules are designed for high-throughput automation applications for the world market. AGI is introducing several new products that include a smaller thruster, a smaller and a larger feed escapement, single finger feed escapements, four units of a three jaw gripper, one smaller two jaw angular gripper, and over eighty AGM's gripper / rotary combinations. Coming in March of this year, eight units of the two jaw single finger gripper will be added. A big part gripper material handling unit with 3 1/2 inch bore offered in only two strokes 200mm and 350mm will have a box frame design for maximum rigidity.

The AGT-2 will be a smaller version of the AGT-3. This smaller thruster will have a 9/16 bore with a four inch max stroke. This is for applications that require a longer stroke than the AGMS units with a small envelope.
AGE-1 and AGE-3 new feed escapements will have same design as the AGE-2 where the two fingers can be retracted without air on the unit to clear a part jam. The smaller unit has a one inch stroke and the largest one has a one and a half stroke.
The AGA three fingers open a full 90 degrees each. When the jaws are completely opened, the work piece can be placed in a fixture without having to retract the gripper. This saves an extra step as well as the expense of another axis of movement. The toggle mechanism greatly increases in power as the jaws near the fully closed position and become self-locking when past parallel. The internal linkages are guided by two groves that run the length of the body. This will keeps the tooling jaws from losing the center repeatability. Close attention must be made to the tooling jaws when designing them. Because the jaws swing an arc, the mechanism produces higher velocity at the end of your tooling during the stroke. Therefore, tooling jaws should be short, lightweight as possible, and flow controls are recommended. In cases where longer jaws are needed, bumpers or miniature hydraulic shocks should be used to decelerate the jaw at the end of the stroke. All of these units are double acting, have multiple airports, mounting locations and available with sensor options for easy interfacing to electrical controls.
The AGM gripper modules are made for applications that requiring a versatile automation module for assembly lines and systems for automation, the Multi-Motion Actuators provide linear and rotary motion from one unit. AGM units have over eighty new combinations of gripper and rotaries. The grip-and-turn motions are independent from one another, making it easy to sequence the two motions. The Multi Motion Module yields a versatile automation module for part pick and place applications and orientation operations. Internal porting prevents airlines from twisting, snagging, and breaking outside the unit.
The AGMP single finger parallel gripper units have two bore sizes, ½ inch and ¾ inch with four adjustable strokes. The stroke range is from ½ to 2 inch in ½ inch increments. These grippers are based on the miniature slide design and will provide lots of jaw support.
AGI's custom O-Ring grippers, O-Ring assembly machines, pneumatic linear actuators can provide machine and automation builders with a particularly flexible and cost-effective dual-functionality actuator for pick-and-place type applications. All units will be available in imperial and metric versions for flexibility of design for a world market. www.agi-automation.com

O-Ring and Seal Assembly Automated Installation

2010-04-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

O-Ring and Seal Installation from small to large applications. Spread and place seals with these dual motion automatic o-ring placement assembly machines. Two sizes available, one for handling up to 3 inch I.D. AGP-6-OR (six jaw) and a larger unit to handle up to 12 inch I.D. AGP-8-OR (eight jaw) multi motion through-hole parallel grippers. Both are designed to facilitate part ejection and part seating. The grippers are ideal when an ejector is needed after part placement.The o-ring installation gripper has independent spreading, ejector movements. This pneumatic gripper has two independent pistons, the spreading jaws are double acting and the other ejector jaws are single acting. When air pressure is applied to the first piston, eight parallel jaws expanding .55 inch each spread the o-ring providing an octagon shape. The octagonally stretched O-ring requires less overall expansion and considerably less deformation during assembly insertion process. The opening stroke can be precisely adjusted using the set -screw so there isn't over expansion. After the o-ring is expanded and over the part, air pressure is applied to the second piston. This causes the ejector jaws to push forward .5 inch and push off the O-Ring seal from the spreading jaws, and onto the part being assembled or installed. The O-Ring grippers can be tooled to accommodate all types of rings, the smallest would be the smallest you can make your tooling jaws to fit the inside diameter and the largest is approximately twelve inch diameter depending on the cross section. End of stroke sensing is available for both the spreading and ejecting jaws. The size of the AGP-8-OR unit is 5 inches diameter by 5 inches tall. Spreading jaws have 200 lbs. force per jaw @80 psi and ejector jaws have 320 lbs. @ 80 psi. The smaller unit (AGP-6-OR) is 2.5 inches diameter by 2.7 inches tall. Spreading Jaws have 62 lbs force @80 psi and Stripping Jaws have 80 lbs @ 80 psi. Both available from stock. Two and 3D cad available on our web site. www.agi-automation.com
Download Some important features : • This unit has a through hole design, so a product can be past through the gripper and the o-ring can be placed anywhere on a long part. • The expander jaws travel in the t - slot bearing guides to provide exceptional resistance to all moment loads. • A large piston provides strong expansion force to expand large cross section O-ring and hard durometer materials. • Rapid cycle times. Semi & fully automatic seal placement. • Incorporate in full assembly systems or stand alone work- stations. • Capable of inserting from .5" – 12" I.D. Size O-rings. * Vertical or horizontal placement. No lubrication of O-ring necessary.

Pneumatic Heavy Duty Gripper

2010-04-02T06:27:00.001-07:00

AGI - American Grippers Inc. - Long Stroke Rigid Pneumatic Grippers
AGI a leader in motion control technology introduces the latest technological advancement in pneumatic parallel long stroke gripper.
AGW Long Stroke parallel pneumatic grippers provide rigid secure gripping of large and wide parts. Now available from three-quarter inch, one, two, four and six-inch stokes. This versatile wide body gripper has wide range sizes and gripping forces for most any industrial application. Grippers range from 50 lbs. to units that have 150lbs. of gripping force. This unit is ideal for machining or dirty environments because of its sealed design that repels chips and contaminates from its internal mechanism. Each jaw is supported by two full shafts through the length of the body allowing for heavy loads, long tooling jaws and have large tool surfaces for ease of tooling attachment. This unit is available in synchronous or non-synchronous for independent jaw motion for non-centering applications. The grippers are rack and pinion design to synchronize each jaw. The long stroke capability of this gripper combined with its heavy-duty jaw guides provides a very robust gripping package.
The Gripper is available in four bore sizes and six strokes 0.75", 1.00", 2.00", 2.50" 4.00"and 6.00" jaw travels available, which provide superb adaptability to meet a variety of applications. All bodies feature dowel pin holes for accurate gripper mounting alignment. Optional inductive proximity switches are available for indication of jaw position and simple interfacing with electronic system controls. A choice of metric or imperial mounting holes, dowel pin holes, and air-ports are provided.
AGI supplies a complete range of sophisticated automation products that include, Pneumatic parallel and angular grippers, rotary actuators, thrusters, linear actuator slides, mini slides, tool changers, overload devices. Available in imperial and metric versions for flexibility of design for a world market. These products are used in various industries such as, Aerospace, Automotive, Appliance, Electronic, Medical, and Packaging. These units are also offer MRO drop-in replacement opportunity.For more information on this product, send for a FREE catalog today. For immediate assistance, call AGI, at (203) 459-8345 or visit our web site at www.agi-automation.com

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Automated Seal and O-ring Assembly

2010-03-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

Heavy-duty Automated Seal / O-ring Assembly
Automated seal /o-ring assembly for large and heavy-duty Automated Seal and O-ring assembly o-ring placement applications. Spread and place seals or parts with this new through hole dual motion automatic o-ring placement assembly machine. These multi motion through-hole parallel grippers are designed to facilitate part ejection and part seating. The new grippers are ideal when an ejector is needed after part placement or when seal is to be placed down a long shaft.

Sixteen jaw o-ring installation gripper has independent spreading, ejector movements and has a 1.5 inch diameter through hole. This pneumatic gripper has two independent pistons, the spreading jaws are double acting and the other ejector jaws are single acting. When air pressure is applied to the first piston, eight parallel jaws expanding .55 inch each spread the o-ring providing an octagon shape. The octagonally stretched O-ring requires less overall expansion and considerably less deformation during assembly insertion process. The opening stroke can be precisely adjusted using the set -screw so there isn't over expansion. After the o-ring is expanded and over the part, air pressure is applied to the second piston. This causes the ejector jaws to push forward .5 inch and push off the O-Ring seal from the spreading jaws, and onto the part being assembled or installed.

The O-Ring gripper (AGP-8-OR) can be tooled to accommodate all types of rings, the smallest would be the smallest you can make your tooling jaws to fit the inside diameter and the largest is approximately twelve inch diameter depending on the cross section.

End of stroke sensing is available for both the spreading and ejecting jaws. The size of the units is 5 inches diameter by 5 inches tall. Spreading jaws have 200 lbs. force per jaw @80 psi and ejector jaws have 320 lbs. @ 80 psi.

A smaller unit AGP-6-OR is also available in stock. Two and 3D cad available on our web site. www.agi-automation.com

Some of the most important features of the AGP-8-OR

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