Technology | automation


incorporates loading of inserts, moulding, insert-pre- sent testing, cooling, decay testing, and packaging. The cell employs two Fanuc M10iA robots. One is used with a double gripper mechanism to pick up and place eight inserts in the four-cavity tool mounted on a two position rotary index table on Labone’s vertical moulding machine. The second robot takes the finished mould- ings to an electrical test station to check inserts are present and correct. Mouldings are then moved to a specially developed cooling system based on a rotary table with cooling fans ensuring parts are cool before leak decay testing and packing.


Improved consistency Fanuc says the automated solution has helped Labone increase productivity, ensure consistently high product quality, reduce costs and minimise waste. The system runs 24 hours-a-day, five days-a-week. Alan Edmonds, head of technical sales at RNA says the system has “completely transformed production capabilities for RA Labone.” Consistency and reliability are also cited as key benefits of automation at US moulder Noble Plastics,


which installed its first Fanuc robots 15 years ago and last year became a Fanuc America Authorised Integra- tor. “Efficient manufacturing exploits technology,” says Missy Rogers, president of the Louisiana-based company. “We can’t imagine putting in a manufacturing cell without automation.” Whether or not six-axis robots are gaining ground in


the plastics processing industry, independent suppliers of Cartesian linear robots do not appear to be suffering. Sepro Robotique, one of the largest independent sellers of Cartesian robots, says it is experiencing considerable


Left: Fanuc claims automation plays a key part in achieving consistency in the injection moulding process


We have made the


grade: Spritzgiessautomaten


Euromap energy class 9+ for BOY injection moulding machines


Phone: +49(0)2683 307-0 • info@dr-boy.de • www.dr-boy.de Brilliant ef ciency


The classification of 9+ ac- cording to EUROMAP 60.1 for the BOY 100 E is a top result in this clamping force range.


Energy–efficient BOY in- jection moulding machines are the proper response to rising electricity costs.


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