A polymer-blank approach without the gripper body

The toolmaker has supplied body, fingers and adapter. Our fitter is checking the open-door stop against the model, because the installed machine does not open as far as the catalogue view.

Then don't let purchasing compare base prices from that catalogue position. I've had a cheap option evaporate as soon as someone measured the actual machine.

Base pricing is provisional. The measured door position overlaps the proposed tool approach, so the integrator is comparing orientation changes before recommending a location.

If an orientation change moves the tool connections toward the door, include their full outline too. On ours the fingers fitted and the fitting behind them did not, which was rather late entertainment for the toolroom.

Could moving the base be another option, if the orientation change alone doesn't work? I'd keep both routes open until the toolmaker explains what can change.

It could. No alternative base proposed yet; we are first checking the two allowed tool orientations with the complete connection outline included.

If they do propose a base move, involve the maintainer before choosing it. Our survey found a side cover that had to slide before lifting away, so its service space was larger than the open-cover picture suggested.

Who is paying for the next comparison? Useful to agree now, otherwise two suppliers may both wait for the other to draw it.

We have agreed a paid layout-review stage with the integrator, using the toolmaker's defined assembly. The deliverable includes approach, withdrawal and the identified machine access requirements.

That sounds like a sensible scope. Does it include the held blank in both orientations, not just the empty tool?

Yes, the blank and its intended contact positions are included. One orientation looks promising in the initial comparison, but the withdrawal and service-access checks are not complete.

Keep that candidate's drawing reference on the result when it comes back. Otherwise the toolmaker may receive a conclusion about a version they have already changed.

And keep promising out of the purchase approval box. It's useful progress, not a final location yet.

Understood. Our review sheet names the candidate and lists the outstanding checks. The stand supplier is waiting for that review, not treating the initial picture as permission to manufacture.

Will the setter see the final candidate as well as the maintainer? Fixture changes may need a different route from the service work already identified.