Robots developed for plastics moulders' use

Manufacturers of plastic components are demanding cost effective, automation systems, which are also capable of being easily and quickly adapted to changes in product design and production volumes.

Manufacturers of plastic components are increasingly demanding cost effective, automation systems tailored to their own, specific, requirements which are also capable of being easily and quickly adapted to changes in product design and production volumes.

Staubli, the specialist manufacturers of multi axis precision robots, are introducing an additional model variant to their successful RX range which has been developed following detailed consultation and evaluation by both injection moulding companies and system integrators operating in the plastics sector.

The new Staubli 'RXplastics' is available in three models (RX60plastics, RX90plastics and RX130plastics) with load capacity up to 25kg and a maximum reach at the wrist of 2185mm.

The robot controller comes pre-loaded with Euromap 12 interface software, widely used across the plastics sector to co-ordinate robot movements with the operating cycle of the moulding machine.

RXplastics robots are pre-wired to Euromap 12 standards, ready for direct connection to the injection moulding machine and safety door systems.

Euromap 12 signal handling software is installed and fully integrated for immediate input/output communication with the injection moulding machine.

Robot compliance ensures that the arm follows the ejector motion of the mould.

Frequently occurring movement sequences and scenarios are already held in the robot controllers' software, predefined macros and modules are provided to allow these standard sequences to be easily modified to suit any specific parameters, as required.

A simple graphical user interface, using plastics industry terminology, makes the system easy to use by operators.

The RXplastics also provides all of the well-known and accepted benefits of the established Staubli RX range of robots which are ideal for accurate and meticulous types of tasks, including operation in clean environments (The RX plastics is approved to class 100).

They feature high speed and acceleration with the precision control to follow complex trajectories at joint speed ranges up to 1125degrees per second.

At the heart of each RX robot is the patented, unique, JCS gearbox providing zero backlash, smoothness in movement and consistent, reliable performance.

The movement in 6 axes provides an extremely large work envelope.

RX robots are currently operating in the plastics sector on:?Insert loading; High speed demoulding; De-sprueing; In mould decoration; Glue laying;?Powder coating; Painting??Inspection and Packaging.

Over 12,000 Staubli robots have been installed worldwide.

Many end users are standardising on Staubli for all their multi-axis automation requirements.

They are realising the benefits that flow from a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the wide-ranging capabilities of these highly developed machines.

New model introductions such as the RXplastics will ensure that the changing demands of the marketplace continue to be fully reflected in the range of robots available from Staubli.

Staubli Unimation is an international family owned group founded over 100 years ago in Switzerland employing 2400 world-wide.

Robotic production is centred south of Geneva in the French Alps, with facilities across Europe, North and South America and the Far East.

(This was Manufacturingtalk's Top Story on 12 February 2002).

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