IMI’s Norgren Transforming Tooling. IMI Precision Eng.
Norgren Automation Solutions, part of IMI Precision Eng., has launched a tooling system designed to help optimize material handling applications. Called Transforming Tooling, the system eliminates manual tool change in stamping and pressroom applications, offers instant tool changeover between applications, reduces floor space requirements, helps increase shop floor safety, and helps reduce recurring tooling costs, the manufacturer states.
The system is a series of arms driven by electric motion, providing a new way for users to place tooling in space repeatably and accurately. When the arms are actuated to the desired location, pneumatic clutches lock the arms in place at 150 ft.-lbs. This provides a rigid tooling system similar to conventional end-of-arm robotic tooling.
The arms are applied in a series of 2 to 16 and function in collaboration with one another. When the application requires a change in handling material, the arms automatically transform the end-effector system to suit the needs for the new application and lock in place.
