MiniGrip Foam Gripper Product Line
Millibar's line of MiniGrip foam grippers are ideal for gripping sufaces that are uneven and textured. MiniGrips are used in place of suction cups when the surface isn't ideal. Unlike larger grippers with fixed hole patterns, multiple MiniGrips can be arranged for optimal placement. Increase efficiency and reduce cycle time by mounting your vacuum source, such as a P19SLMG, directly to a MiniGrip.
MiniGrips are offered in both round and rectangular configurations, ranging in size from 25mm round to 70mm round and from 20x80mm rectangular to 40x100mm rectangular. All MiniGrip grippers have vacuum ports with a G1/4 (1/4 BSPP) female thread.
Replacement Foam
The foam is made from a custom blend of EPDM and has little to no memory and will instantly spring back to its expanded condition. It will not take a compression set. It is considered slightly open-cell allowing atmospheric air to migrate into the foam along the edges as well as cross-talk between interior ports. Foam service life is a common question and the answer is completely dependent on the motion involved in the application, the material being handled, atmospheric conditions (humidity, temperature), cycle rates and production schedules. A fair estimate is the foam will last 6 months of single shift, 5 day per week operation.
The replacement foam has a pressure sensitive adhesive to attach the foam to the face of the gripper. The custom adhesive liner allows an operator to remove the worn foam easily and completely without the need for scraping or excessive cleaning. After removing the worn foam, place the new foam onto the gripper being careful to align the ports. Turn on the vacuum source and set the gripper onto a flat surface to compress the foam to set the adhesive uniformly across the entire surface.