Robotic control optimized for injection, downstream cells

An upgraded controller for use with standard, side-entry, and SCARA robots in injection molding and production cell environments is ahead of the curve in regards to connectivity and efficiency according to its supplier Wittmann Battenfeld (Vienna, Austria). The IPC-based R8 control facilitates complex interactions between the robot and injection molding machine, while its functionalities increases the productivity of any work cell. Find out more at Stand 10/A04 at the K Show.

A completely revised version of the TruePath path planning module  has been introduced with the new R8 control that is optimized for robot movements related to injection molding machines and downstream work cell requirements. Apart from demolding movements, the regulation algorithms are designed to give rise to less vibration and fastest operation. Every robot movement is executed with a view to the ideal entrance and exit angles as well as to the respective speeds and this leads to the most efficient movements and least movement time. Beyond this, TruePath offers the possibility of an overriding speed change at any time without leaving the path.

The SmartRemoval function, meanwhile, monitors all relevant processes in a parallel and anticipatory way—no matter whether the actions are performed by the robot or by the machine. The software calculates the optimal removal process in communication with the machine control. The mold opening movement is used as the computation base for calculating the acceleration of the kick-stroke. This leads to up to 15% shortening of part removal times.

The Soft Torque function enables the removal of molded parts not only via pure position control and motion, but instead to have the part pushed "approximately" by the ejectors into the end-of-arm tooling of the robot. The kick-stroke of the robot allows it to be actively pushed back and it automatically compensates force (motor torque) in the opposite direction. This function has positive implications in terms of preservation of mechanical components and ease of set up.

Moreover, the EcoMode function reduces energy consumption and  noise level, while the PartTrack function permits the tracing of moving objects on conveyors, for example. —[email protected]