FlexType™ Clip

Semi-Automated & Fully Automated Robotic Clipping Machines for Automotive Component Assembly

Robot clipping machine for automotive armrests

Suitable for

Clipping Application
Ultrasonic Welding Application

RNA FlexType™ Clip Robotic Clipping Machines provide a standardised platform offering ease of use and fast, high-quality assembly to customers in the automotive sector.

RNA’s FlexType™ Clip range delivers precise, repeatable, and verifiable clip fitting for automotive interior and exterior components. Built on a standardised platform, the system combines proven bowl feeder technology, 6-axis robotics, and intelligent verification to eliminate manual clip insertion — reducing cycle times, preventing defects, and enabling full production traceability.

Optional vision inspection and ultrasonic welding can also be integrated depending on the application.

What is the FlexType™ Clip?

The FlexType™ Clip is a stand-alone robotic clipping machine designed for high-volume automotive assembly. Available in semi-automated and fully automated configurations, the system uses a 6-axis robot with custom End of Arm Tooling (EOAT) to pick clips from an escapement, insert them precisely into the component, and verify correct seating — all within a single automated cycle.

The poka-yoke design ensures that no clip is missed, incorrectly seated, or released without verification, giving manufacturers the confidence to run high-volume production with minimal operator involvement.

 

System Configurations

  • Clipping Application A single or multi-robot cell dedicated to automated clip insertion. Each robot is served by its own clip bowl feeder, linear track, and walk-forward escapement, ensuring a continuous and reliable clip supply. Full poka-yoke mechanisms verify every clip before the cycle advances.
  • Clipping & Ultrasonic Welding Application For components requiring both clip fitting and ultrasonic welding, the FlexType™ Clip can integrate both operations within the same cell — reducing footprint, handling, and overall cycle time.

Included in FlexType™ Clip

1. Clip Feeding System
Clip Feeding System
1/7

Clip Feeding System

A vibratory bowl feeder, linear track, and escapement align and present clips at the robot pick-up point for reliable transfer into the assembly process.


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2. 6-Axis Robot with Custom EOAT
3. Integrated control system with HMI
4. Machine Guarding & Safety
5. Vision System (Optional)
6. Poka-yoke Design
7. Barcode Scanning & MES Integration (Optional)
Special requirements are available upon request
Clip Feeding System
1/7

Clip Feeding System

A vibratory bowl feeder, linear track, and escapement align and present clips at the robot pick-up point for reliable transfer into the assembly process.


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6-Axis Robot with Custom EOAT
2/7

6-Axis Robot with Custom EOAT

A 6-axis industrial robot, selected for the appropriate payload and reach, is equipped with a bespoke gripper and End of Arm Tool.
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Integrated control system with HMI
3/7

Integrated control system with HMI

User-friendly control software supports machine operation, teaching, configuration, and calibration through an intuitive HMI.
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Machine Guarding & Safety
4/7

Machine Guarding & Safety

The system includes machine guarding and safety measures such as interlocks or light guarding, with the robot, feeder, and associated equipment mounted within the machine structure.
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Vision System (Optional)
5/7

Vision System (Optional)

Cameras and lighting can be integrated to detect part position, verify clip alignment, or inspect post-insertion results for additional quality assurance.

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Poka-yoke Design
6/7

Poka-yoke Design

Sensors, vision systems, and custom fixtures work together to verify part orientation, clip presence, and insertion conditions before the cycle advances — preventing defects before they occur.

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Barcode Scanning & MES Integration (Optional)
7/7

Barcode Scanning & MES Integration (Optional)

Fixed barcode scanners read component barcodes at the end of each cycle, confirming readability and transmitting part identification data to the factory MES system for complete production traceability.
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Key Benefits

Improved Quality & Consistency

Every clip is applied with exact positioning and verified at multiple stages — eliminating missed, misaligned, or incorrectly seated clips before the component is released.

Increased production efficiency

Automated clip insertion significantly outpaces manual labour, boosting throughput and freeing operators for higher-value tasks.

Flexible platform

The standard machine platform can be re-tooled and re-programmed for different products, and can also be adapted for more specialised applications.

Compact design

The system is designed to make efficient use of factory floor space while integrating feeding, robotics, safety, and controls into one solution.

Poka-yoke design (Error-proofing)

Built-in poka-yoke features help prevent assembly errors before they occur, supporting product quality and process reliability.

Short Payback Period

The standardised FlexType™ Clip platform delivers a fast return on investment without compromising on capability or quality.

Full Traceability

MES integration provides a complete production record for every component, supporting quality audits and warranty management.

Safe by Design

Physical partitions, interlocked guarding, and light curtains ensure operator safety throughout the production cycle, meeting current safety standards.

What is a robotic clipping machine?

A robotic clipping machine is an automated system that use robotic technology to perform clipping or fastening tasks in industrial settings. These machines typically feature robotic arms equipped with specialised tools, such as grippers or clip applicators, to precisely attach clips, clamps, or fasteners to products. They are designed to streamline assembly processes, improve consistency, and reduce manual labour, making them valuable in high-volume production environments.

Applications

Robot clipping machine for automotive armrests-nests

Robot Clipping Machine for Car Armrests

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6-axis robot for pick, place, and verification

Automated Robotic Clipping Machine for Automotive Components

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Automated clipping and welding system for automotive parts.

Automated Clipping & Welding System for Automotive Parts

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Robotic Systems Integration-Six axis robot clipping and welding system

Six Axis Robot Clipping & Welding System

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FlexType™ Clip Robotic Clipping & Welding System

FlexType™ Clip

Also available in: English (United States)

FlexType™ Clip

Also available in: English (United States)

FlexType™ Clip

Also available in: English (United States)

Machine Specification
Why choose FlexType™ Clip?
Downloads

● 6-axis robot(s) — selected for payload and reach
● Bespoke EOAT / robot gripper system
● Bowl feeder, linear track, and walk-forward escapement per robot
● Integrated PLC control system with HMI
● Pneumatics — air prep set, dump valve, and directional valves
● Machine frame with base plate
● Full machine guarding and safety interlocks
● Quick-change component fixturing (option)
● Vision inspection system (option)
● Barcode scanning and MES integration (option)

● Semi-automated or fully automated machine configurations
● Suitable for automotive clipping applications
● Standardised platform with scope for customisation
● Integrated clip feeding, robotic handling, and HMI control
● Poka-yoke design to support correct assembly
● Optional vision inspection and ultrasonic welding integration

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