Technology | automation
Moulders around the globe are fi nding that automation, whether simple pick-and-place or complex cell-based manufacturing, can deliver cost savings and quality gains. Peter Mapleston reports
Automated moulding pays off
From simple sprue picking to fully integrated mould- ing, assembly and packaging, the level of automation technology used by plastics processors continues to rise. Fortunately, automation is also becoming increasingly cost-effective and, for those willing to make the up-front investment, payback times can be surprisingly short. Once you have a foot on the automation ladder, it seems the only way is up. “The level of automation is continuing to increase rapidly worldwide. In Europe, we will not be producing parts that fall out of the mould in the long term,” says Stefan Engleder, CTO at Austria-headquarted Engel. Engleder says that, in addition to sophisticated
tailored automation solutions, the need for fl exible, standardised robots for simple handling tasks is also growing. Engel, for example, unveiled its e-Pic sprue picker last year, describing it a “revolutionary re- sponse” to the demand for maximum effi ciency in pick-and-place applications with small moulded parts and sprues. The robotic device combines linear movements with a swivel arm while weight-optimised moving components keep accelerated masses low for speed and energy-effi ciency. The company claims that compared to conventional linear robots of the same size, the e-Pic consumes half the amount of energy. Also aimed at simple handling tasks, the SPX 10 sprue picker is the latest addition to the line of automa- tion systems that Germany-based KraussMaffei produces for its small CX injection moulding machines.
www.injectionworld.com
The servomotor-controlled unit is fully integrated into the company’s MC6 control system and is said to deliver short cycle times with low operating costs and mini- mum space requirements. KM says while servo drives cost more than pneumatic alternatives, service life is doubled and quality and accuracy is higher. “Additional advantages are provided by the signifi -
cantly lower operating and regular maintenance costs,” the company says. It claims that total energy cost can be reduced by 85% using the new design. Shorter changeover times also help keep operational costs down, as does the one second demoulding time, while the standard rotary axis enables the SPX 10 to be moved into a parked position for mould changes. “The SPX 10 is currently one of the most space- saving solutions on the market,” KraussMaffei claims. An integrated sprue chute allows the detached sprue to be deposited within the injection machine’s standard guard- ing, eliminating the need for side extensions that waste valuable fl oor space in the moulding shop. The telescoping vertical stroke can be inclined to suit different mould layouts and is said to reduce the overall height requirement above the moulding machine by 500mm compared to a conventional pneumatic picker.
Main image:
Automation is delivering process
consistency and reliability at
Noble Plastics in the US
Below:
KraussMaffei’s SPX10
spruepicker
July/August 2015 | INJECTION WORLD 29
PHOTO: FANUC AMERICA
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