Product category:
Handling and automation equipment
News Release from: Wittmann UK | Subject: SmartRemoval technology for robotic unloading
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 29 January 2008
Control function speeds injection
moulding cycle
In the robotic unloading plastics injection moulding machines a 'SmartRemoval' control function eliminates electronic signals delay, savings up to 0.5s/cycle - a 10% saving for a 5s cycle.
The Wittmann SmartRemoval technology for robotic unloading of injection moulding machines represents a new method of part removal to reduce unproductive time within the moulding cycle The 'SmartRemoval' control function monitors all the time relevant processes in parallel - no matter whether they are a result of the robot or the machine
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 3 Sep 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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In combination with the machine controller, the software optimizes the takeout path for the robot in order to perform 'SmartRemoval'.
This development has been driven by continued processor demand for the reduction of takeout time or, in terms of the entire production cell, a reduction of the 'unproductive time' between the end of the cooling process in the mould and the start of the next cycle.
* Removing electronic signal delays - the purpose of 'SmartRemoval' is to completely eliminate the delay caused by the transfer of the electric signals from the takeout process.
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Savings of up to 0.5s/cycle can be achieved with the new "SmartRemoval" function, which, said Wittmann to manufacturingtalk.com, for a total cycle time of 5s corresponds to a time savings or increase in productivity of about 10%.
The 'Le Mans start' is a well known concept from the car racing sport ('24 hours of Le Mans') and signifies in contrast to other start modes a start also defined by a signal, however, not from a standstill but during slow movement.
'SmartRemoval' is quite similar as the robot operator only needs to program the start position above the mould as well as the takeout position for the hand-off of the finished parts - the rest (the calculation of the optimal possible movement between these two positions) will be automatically performed by the robot controller.
The correct adjustment must be made to the robot for the mould safety area on the Y-arm of the robot, which may also be modified in the case of a mould change (EOAT change) where there is a difference in dimensions.
Once the robot is started in Automatic Mode several internal processes automatically take place to optimize the takeout time while constantly monitoring and adapting the operation, if necessary.
* Self monitoring - the robot monitors itself beginning with the very first cycle in Automatic Mode in order to calculate when the mould will open next.
It allows the Y-axis to begin moving from the waiting position just before the mould has fully opened.
When it receives the signal from the machine that the mould is fully open, the Y-axis is already in position to enter the molding area, saving precious time.
But, if the signal is not received at the calculated time (for whatever reason), the robot will stop at the last possible point above the mould to avoid any damage.
Very similar is the synchronization of the robot with the ejectors known as the 'Move In' process.
Based on the preceding measurements the robot can start the ejector forward signal at a set time before reaching the takeout position.
In this way, it allows the finished parts to be in position without waiting for the ejectors.
The 'Move Out' process is based on a similar principle.
The best possible time to set the 'Mould Close' signal is automatically calculated and the signal is sent to the machine before the robot has completely left the moulding area.
Wittmann UK's managing director, Barry Hill, said that following the K 2007 exhibition in Dusseldorf, Germany, last Autumn, there has been considerable demand for Wittmann's automation products; robots and software.
He said: "With increased demand in all manufacturing industry for more from less, anything that can increase productivity in suppliers will be popular".
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