Robotization of the injection molding

Assistants are essential in a multitude of operations

Robots perform simple or complex operations that cannot be made manually. The robots can accelerate production, ensure the consistency of the operations and minimize or eliminate manual labour

As an example of the usefulness of these teams, can extract a piece of the mold cavity, place it on a conveyor belt or push her, even position it for a later operation. They can also pour materials of a drum to a hopper, and perform many other simple tasks, even replacing the man in dangerous environments.

Characteristics of the robots

Robots are characterized by a series of parameters that indicate their ability to perform various tasks and which are as follows:

• Axes of movement; It is the number of axes of movement which determines the total number of movements that can make the robot: degrees of freedom are also called.
• Robots control servo and no-servo; (a) the first are point-to-point scheduled point robots to go from one point to another regardless of the path taken. The robots of continuous path flow the way defined by the programme: (b) the no-servo are robots usually limited sequence that only move between endpoints pre-defined in each axis. They are fast and offer a high degree of repeatability at the time that are less costly than the controlled by servo.
• Memory capacity; It is expressed in the number of steps, different movements or functions that can make the robot in the same program.
• Power supply; the power is supplied electrically, pneumatically, hydraulically or combinations thereof.
• Precision of positioning; It is the precision with which the handler reaches its ultimate goal. This is a critical function for precise downloading small parts.
• Programming; There are three basic methods for programming; the electronic memory, the microprocessor or manual command: (a) is maneuver from one to another position arm from a control console or using an arm of special education and registering the program in the electronic memory; (b) by means of microprocessor controlled robots sophisticated using a programming language of high level that controls identified movements; (c) the manual programming gets pre-estableciendo cams on a rotating drum or by placing limit switches in each axis.
• Load capacity; It is the total weight, including the claw, which can carry the robot's point to point at the speed of operation.

There are also intelligent robots who have sensory perception and are able to perform complex tasks which vary for each cycle. They are able to take decisions and make changes in each cycle.

Some examples of available robots

The company shuhling technik (Germany) presented in Equiplast a robot of a rare type that has been developed jointly with krauss maffei for rapid processes, especially of small pieces but it can reach up to 6 kg. It is a horizontal arm in very low mass carbon fiber but high rigidity with which showed the anti-corrosion of containers in a cast of two cavities in the fair which cycle time was reduced to 3.6 seconds, with a capacity of up to 8 m/s speeds. The company also manufactures standard robots sold in Spain through Coscollola commercial.

Wittman is an Austrian company with delegation in Spain which produces a wide range of robots for various applications. Although he initially supplied robots to break feeders, it has been extending its range of products and today manufactures various types suitable for demolding (even moving the piece), stacked and placed in position the extracted. Their robots can also make the positioning of labels (in mould labelling) and placing inserts. Its latest advances are telescopic systems that allow to increase the speed up to 6 m/s with an accuracy of 0.1 mm and to improve accuracy has developed arms of carbon fiber to reduce inertia of end of career.

Sepro has been installed in Spain the largest of the parks of robots and the emphasis on service to the client, which is dedicated to 6 technical in the after sales department. Equip asynchronous motors or rapid servomotors that enable speeds of up to 5 m/s and are developing a new type that will improve even benefits. The three axes of the robot are simultaneous, allowing greater flexibility and short cycle times. In addition to the usual work, specialize in the placement of inserts and work of in-mould-labelling on machines of injection from 30 to 5,500 T.