technology | Automation
and control the performance of their production line from a mobile device. We are currently working with our partner Tend and their AI-based cloud robotics platform, [called]
in.control. Early customer test applications are showing great results,” he says. Tend is a US-based company focused on Industry 4.0 and IoT Smart Manufacturing technologies that combine robotics and cloud computing.
Data management Simplification and data management are also key goals in automation and system integration, according to Martin Stamm- hammer, International Sales Manager Robots and Automation Systems at Wittmann Group. He says this means
providing easy-to-handle software and solutions to Above:
Wittmann has developed this compact B-C servo rotation unit for use on its W821 and W831 robots
store programs and system parameters for robot control. With a self-managed system, the operator has more
time to focus on the moulding process itself. Wittman has developed new software for its R9 robot control, which simulates the complete robot cycle. “This will reduce the time needed time to implement the program on the machine. Non-productive time will be decreased and will further increase the use of the PC editor. For the first time the user will be able to see a 3D animated cycle before it is loaded into the robot control,” Stammhammer says. “In addition, our iVac and EcoVacuum programs help
Right: Engel’s Decoject in-mould graining
technology relies on
automation for repeatability and efficiency
to keep the set-up time short – iVac stores the vacuum settings, while EcoVacuum automatically shuts off the vacuum generator to minimise the consumption of pressurised air. Recently we have also worked on the integration of vision systems for robot positioning. This involves placing parts in trays that arrive at the deposit position without the correct orientation. Therefore, the robot must detect the tray and the specified placement area through a vision system in the vertical axis,” he says. Wittmann has also introduced the Primus 16 robot – which it says is the first in a new series. Initially these will target less challenging pick-and-place applications. The company says miniaturisation and the need for part separation without complex automation are the main factors behind the development of the Primus series. The Primus 16 has a payload of up to 5 kg and includes the Wittmann absolute encoder regulator, which provides constant feedback on positioning to sim- plify and speed up operations. The mechanical layout and the geometry of the axes of the new device are geared for high volume applications, although the Primus 16 is particularly designed for single removal. The new robot has a modular design and construc- tion, which the company says means more efficient
36 INJECTION WORLD | May/June 2017
serial production and a lower cost. It can be specified with a horizontal axis stroke of 1,500 or 2,000mm, vertical axis of either 800, 1,000 or 1,200mm, and a demoulding axis of either 420 or 620mm. The Primus 16 is programmed using Wittmann’s R8 TeachBox, which includes QuickNew for simplified and graphically supported programming. SmartRemoval and EcoMode control functions also come as standard. Wittmann has also updated the rotational axes
options for its W821 and W831 robots for mid-range machines (150 to 400 tonnes). Users can now select servo C and B-C axes on these models, allowing the demoulding robot to be used during the cooling period to perform additional downstream tasks. Stammham- mer says the new rotational modules are the most compact currently on the market, allowing the company to offer an increased payload (12kg for the C option and 10kg for the B-C option). Austrian injection moulding machiney maker Engel
is a leading player in the robot sector and integrates its equipment into highly automated production cells, many of which can be described as pioneering applications. A recent example is the DecoJect in-mould graining technology, which was launched at the K show last year. In this variation on in-mould decoration, the production cycle begins with feeding a smooth, unstructured foil (0.2-0.5mm thick) through the open mould. This is achieved using a foil winding device from Germany- based ICO System International Coating, which is mounted on the moving mould mounting platen and uses servomotors on the rollers to ensure constant foil tension and precise take-off speed control. The foil is held in place in a clamping frame and
heated by infrared heaters for the thermoforming step in the process. The heating elements are located in the grippers of an Engel Viper 60 linear robot and, in order to avoid exposing the thin foil to excessive thermal load,
www.injectionworld.com
PHOTO: WITTMANN
PHOTO: APPLIED MARKET INFORMATION
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