Soft Robotics Gripper Helps Products Keep Quality and Reduce Cost

Micron Products, a totally owned subsidiary of Micron Solutions Inc., is a contract producer in Fitchburg, Mass. that specializes in precision machining, thermoplastic injection molding, mold making and more. To decrease charges and improve quality, Micron wanted to automate the pick and area process of the delicate plastic clips it produces for a car seat manufacturer.

Micron also wanted to maintain a great product without slowing down cycle times. Producing the clips used to be already partly automated, but Micron delivered an ABB IRB 360 FlexPicker, Keyence vision system, and Soft Robotics gripper to similarly roboticize the process.

Challenge

Micron Products manufacturing engineer Taylor Pg says the initial needs going into the undertaking were:

Cut out both operators on this machine

Avoid a widespread reduction in cycle time

Pg says the cost-savings would come from the profits financial savings from the operators.