Automated Handling of Non-Rigid Parts

Handling of non-rigid parts is a challenging and promising field of industrial automation. Specific processes based on different material properties of textiles, leather, paper, foils emerge into innovative tools. Flexural rigidity, surface condition, permeability, and geometric variance determine process requirements. The behavior of materials is experimentally analyzed and modeled in order to increase process reliability. Cases of ply separation, clearing of cutting tables, positioning, and transporting of non-rigid parts are introduced. Areas of applications in clothing, electronics and vehicle manufacturing are presented.