ROBOTS AND AUTOMATION | TECHNOLOGY


allowing it to fully reach Euro pallets – a task previously requiring a Viper 40. Also extending its scope in linear robots is independent producer Sepro. Later this year, it will introduce a redesign of its Success Range of general-purpose Cartesian beam robots, which have been on the market since 2011. It says there will be “significant” mechanical and styling en- hancements. “The Success Range delivers reliable 3-axis servo performance in an affordable package,” says Sepro. Four models, sized for small and mid-sized moulding machines up to around 7,000kN, will continue to be available. A 5-axis variant – the Success Line X – will combine the redesigned Success 3-axis platform with a 2-axis servo wrist co-developed with Yaskawa Motoman. “The new generation Success robots will have


sleek, streamlined styling and features like an extended strip stroke which, in certain applications, can allow a robot of a given size to serve a higher- tonnage moulding machine than previously possible,” says the company. Cam follower bearings for linear motions will be used on all new Success robots. These were originally developed and patented by Sepro some years ago to handle the heavy payloads and long strokes on its large robots. Sepro says the technol- ogy provides more even weight distribution and smoother operation than linear bearings and also is more tolerant of dust and other contaminants. Sepro says the Success Line X “brings new levels


of flexibility to general-purpose robotic automa- tion.” It expands Sepro’s 5-axis offering, which already includes the 5X Line of small and mid-size


Left: This Success 22X prototype, shown by Sepro at K2019, is the first unit in a redesigned range of general-purpose robots for small and mid-sized moulding machines up to around 7,000 kN


robots, and the 7X Line large robots. These “premium” robots have a 2-axis servo wrist developed in partnership with Stäubli Robotics. The latest addition


to Star Automation’s line-up is the new ZPX-1000 model, which


premiered at K2019. This is the fastest Star robot, even faster than ZXW-VI


series, which was introduced at Plast 2018 in Milan. It has a vertical axis made entirely in a carbon fibre composite. Also new from the company is the STEC-620A


controller, which sits at the top of the range. “Thanks to its completely reviewed operative system, STEC-620A guarantees flawless integration on the command panel of the injection machine,” the company says. According to Sebastiano Deppieri in Star


Automation Europe’s marketing department, Star’s strategy for 2020 will also include pallet changers, coming in two models, I-IVS and M-IVS. Arburg showed off a new Multilift V30 cartesian


robot at K2019, in a turnkey system based on a dual-component electric 2,500-kN Allrounder 630 making handles for its own injection machines in a foamed PCR polypropylene over-moulded with a TPE, both from Borealis. The machine was equipped with a size-800 horizontal injection unit and a size-290 vertical injection unit. In order for the vertical injection unit to be installed in the classical position on the fixed platen, the robotic system was mounted over the moveable platen. With a load-bearing capacity of 30 kg, the vertical


Right: I-IVS pallet changer from Star Automation


robot is designed for automation of large Allround- er injection moulding machines. Arburg says that for an efficient compressed air supply, the Multilift V 30 has a standard “smart” vacuum unit with air saving function. Lubrication is dependent on performance: maintenance intervals are calculated based on the set speeds, distances and times. Also at K2019, Wittmann was demonstrating a new follow-up to the Primus series it introduced only two years ago. Primus robots are typically used for pick-and-place applications. The new series, called Sonic, is suitable for various applications. They are based on Wittmann’s UHS (Ultra High Speed) units,


www.injectionworld.com April 2020 | INJECTION WORLD 45


IMAGE: STAR AUTOMATION


IMAGE: SEPRO


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