Six new cups keep a tight hold on extra thin and shaped sheet metal at higher stroke rates

Hingham, MA - Expanding its family of DURAFLEX® friction cups, Piab is making sure that they meet emerging market requirements, and are able to offer the best and safest possible solution for any type of sheet metal handling. Safer handling of often oily sheets offers the opportunity to increase the number of strokes per minute in stamping, cutting, bending, and punching machines, making for more cost-effective and productive press shops.

The new range comprises three BFFT (Bellows Flat Friction Thin) cups, a design specifically developed to provide ultimate grip on extremely thin sheets without the risk of denting the delicate surface. Sheets of thicknesses down to 0.6-0.8mm can be safely handled by the new friction cups.

Complementing the BFFT cups are three DCF (Deep Concave Friction) cups, designed to meet the requirements of the next production step within, for instance, the automotive industry, when the flat metal sheets are turned into curved body parts. The three new DCF cups provide maximum hold on parts with a concave or convex surface.

"These new cups are broadening the performance range of our friction cup family, which already offers so many important advantages compared with other solutions. For instance, our friction cups are extremely durable and will keep their excellent grip performance throughout their entire life, whereas competing cups often deteriorate quickly," says Joseph Karbassi, Vice President of Piabs Automation Division.

Combining the properties of polyurethane with those of rubber, Piabs friction cups display exceptional elastic memory and press oil resistance, enabling them to keep their shape and remain in good working order. Competing cups are prone to losing their memory i.e. their shape with increasing age and usage.

In addition, Piab offers a multitude of accessories including many different fittings meeting various standards, advanced plastic fittings of reduced weight, mounting brackets and quick release T-adapters.