New end-of-arm tooling
Check a proposed gripper and workpiece combination during equipment selection.
Robot tooling studies • Michigan & the Midwest
Check more than the weight of your gripper.
A robot’s nominal payload rating is only a starting point. Spinula Engineering evaluates the combined tooling and handled part, including mass, center of gravity and moments of inertia, against the selected robot’s applicable load limits.
The engineering decision
Understand the load at the robot flange.
Two tools with the same mass can have different load characteristics because their geometry and mass distribution differ. A payload study connects the complete tooling configuration to the robot model and manufacturer data relevant to your application.
Tooling changes
Review the effect of added fingers, adapters, sensors or other tooling modifications.
Multiple load configurations
Compare agreed part variants and loaded or unloaded operating configurations.
A scoped engineering package
What your team receives.
We agree on the inputs, coverage and outputs before work begins.
Load definition
A record of the tooling, workpiece, mass properties, reference coordinates and configurations included in the study.
Compatibility assessment
Comparison with the selected robot’s applicable manufacturer limits and load information, identifying missing data or constraints.
Design implications
A technical summary of findings and options to review, such as reducing mass or changing its distribution.
Prepare your project brief
What we need to get started.
Share what is available and identify any missing information. We will review the inputs and define what is needed for a quote.
Request a payload study →- Robot manufacturer, exact model and relevant load documentation
- CAD of the complete tool, adapters and handled parts
- Verified masses or material densities for included components
- Part variants, tooling configurations and operating requirements
How we work
From the question to the findings.
Establish the configuration
Agree on what the robot carries, including the tooling and part variants to evaluate.
Evaluate mass properties
Determine combined mass, center of gravity and inertia in the required reference frame.
Review compatibility
Compare the results with applicable robot data and document the implications for selection or tooling design.
Coordinate the engineering questions
Load compatibility, strength and reach.
A payload study checks the load carried by the robot. Structural FEA evaluates the tooling’s response to defined forces. Reach and layout studies address access and clearances. Combine the scopes when your project needs more than one answer.
Explore structural FEA →Explore cycle time studies →Before you request a quote
Project questions.
Is staying below the rated payload enough?
Not by itself. The position of the center of gravity and the moments of inertia also matter. The assessment must use the limits and evaluation method applicable to the selected robot.
What should be included in the tool model?
Include the carried tooling, adapters, gripper components and workpiece. Identify additional carried equipment and any items whose mass properties are not represented correctly in CAD.
Does this study prove the required cycle time?
No. Payload compatibility and cycle time answer different questions. A cycle time study needs the motion sequence, process timing and relevant equipment data, and can be scoped alongside the payload assessment.
Can you evaluate different robot brands?
Send the exact model and the available manufacturer data. We confirm the evaluation method, required information and any brand-specific tools before accepting the study scope.
Technical reference: KUKA: robot load data and evaluation.
Engineering support for the Midwest
Bring us the question behind your project.
Send your application, available technical data and target date. We will contact you to define the study scope.
Spinula Engineeringsales@spinula.com
1226 E McDevitt Ave
Jackson, MI 49203
Supporting Midwest machine builders and automation integrators.
A load assessment does not certify a robot application or establish its cycle time. Final selection and commissioning must address the manufacturer’s requirements and actual operating conditions.