Piab PMAT Modular Automation Tooling Review: Specs, Price and Applications
Piab PMAT (Piab Modular Automation Tooling) is a flexible vacuum tooling system used mainly by leading North American automotive manufacturers and now available globally. It lets users build adjustable vacuum grippers and fixtures with minimal design time.
Components are machined from aircraft-grade anodized aluminium and assemble on site without welding or special tools. Swivel arms adjust with a single bolt, COAX ejectors provide vacuum and release, optional check valves hold parts on supply loss, and the Vacustat unit saves up to 98% of air.
Quick Verdict
An automotive-proven tooling kit that combines rigidity with fast adjustment and energy-efficient decentralized vacuum.
Piab PMAT Modular Automation Tooling at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Product type | Modular vacuum tooling system |
Material | Aircraft-grade anodized aluminium, machined |
Assembly | On site, no welding or special tools |
Frames | Connectors for welded frames or extruded profiles |
Swivel arms | Single-bolt adjustment |
Ejectors | COAX with release |
Safety | Optional vacuum check valve |
Air saving | Vacustat, up to 98% |
Price | Request a quote |
Design and Operating Principle
Body-in-white tooling must hold complex panels precisely yet be adjustable when designs change. Machined aluminium components give rigidity and low weight, and single-bolt swivel arms make adjustment fast.
Decentralized COAX ejectors at the cups improve uptime and ease troubleshooting, since one faulty ejector affects only one cup.
Check valves keep parts held during supply loss, and Vacustat units switch off air once vacuum is reached.
Integration and Selection
Build tools on welded frames or profiles using PMAT connectors, set arms to the part geometry and fit COAX ejectors per cup.
Add check valves where part security on air loss is required.
Industry Applications
Industry | Typical use |
Automotive BIW | Robot end effectors for body panels |
General assembly | Fixture tools |
Ergonomics | Manual lifting tools |
Appliances | Panel handling |
Functional Uses
Robot end effectors
Fixture tooling
Decentralized vacuum
Air saving
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Machined aluminium rigidity
No welding needed
Up to 98% air saving
Global support
Limitations
Engineering effort per tool
Premium cost vs simple frames
Numeric loads not on A3
Who Should Consider the Piab PMAT Modular Automation Tooling?
PMAT suits automotive body shops and assembly tooling builders.
Price and Availability
Price: Request a quote. Piab prices PMAT tooling by configuration, options and quantity. Budget for the complete solution, including mounting, vacuum or air supply, valves, sensors and commissioning, rather than the component alone.
Further Reading
Piab PMAT Modular Automation Tooling FAQ
What is PMAT?
Piab's Modular Automation Tooling for vacuum grippers and fixtures.
What material is it?
Aircraft-grade anodized machined aluminium.
Does it require welding?
No, it assembles on site without welding.
How much air can Vacustat save?
Up to 98%.
Where is it used?
Automotive body-in-white and general assembly.
How much does it cost?
Request a quote from Piab.
