piSAFE® - now even safer

Since its introduction in 2021, piSAFE® has clearly been the vacuum ejector of choice where an exceptionally high level of gripping safety is necessary for a stable manufacturing process. The key feature being the vacuum safety valve which maintains the vacuum level in the COAX® based pump at all times.

"The pump qualities aside, the vacuum safety valve is the real heart inside this compact body", says Anders Falk, Automotive Product Manager at Piab Vacuum Automation Division. "The mission is clear; maintain a firm grip on the lifted object, whether the compressed air supply is on or off, and regardless of the switching being deliberate or a system failure. piSAFE® is adamant!" 

This quality has made piSAFE® especially appreciated in demanding automotive applications such as glass and body assembly, where a dropped part would have severe consequences.  
As the offered safety level was already satisfactory, other prerequisites were added to the list when piSAFE® went for its recent 2.0 tour through Piab's R&D department. 

"The new piSAFE® program is more versatile than its predecessors in many ways”, Anders Falk continues. "The VSV variant, for instance, uses only one feed for both vacuum feed and release function, which makes it compatible with many centralized vacuum systems, our piCOMPACT® platform being one. piSAFE® is also more sustainable in the sense that it now can carry a silencer that supports a noise-free work environment.” 

The piSAFE® concept is now divided into four fully configurable products, to enable the customer to freely choose a suitable level of functionality:  

• piSAFE® - fully equipped pump unit with safety functions.
• piSAFE® Vacuum Safety Valve (VSV) - same safety functionality, to be used with external vacuum pump.
• piSAFE® Vacuum Safety Valve MINI (VSV MINI) - safety functions in a minimized format
• piSAFE® Mounting bracket – Versatile bracket to be used with piSAFE® products, other systems like our piSTAMP®, or just to be used as suction cup holder for external vaccum sources. 

Consequently, the configurator has been updated accordingly with one product card for each of the four products. Apart from the product split, the new version of piSAFE® has undergone the following improvements: 

• VSV - Common feed using atmospheric quick release (AQR NC) which means one hose for both feed and release, instead of one for each. Supports increased compatibility, easier installation and less maintenance.
• Silencer now optional for a healthier work environment. Protects the hearing of staff involved in the every-day process.
• New attachments available - 32 mm ball joint, 16 mm lock pin and a special level compensator. The latter possible to configure as fit-to-purpose. 

“I am happy to introduce all these updates to our automotive customers. With these improvements it's fair to say that piSAFE® is among the safest and most versatile pump products on the market in this segment”, concludes Anders Falk.