PlasticsToday attempted to track down the K Show's fastest robot last week in Dusseldorf, and we think we found it. A souped-up version of Yushin Precision Equipment's HSA series servo traverse take-out robot with a cycle as fast as 0.23 seconds. The HGSA-150 robot was demonstrated removing approximately 1-g parts from a 16-cavity tool.

When the robot debuted at K 2010, it was cycling at 0.32 seconds. Further refinements to the control software, however, have enabled to the robot to work even faster. A velocity control algorithm minimizes vibration under fast cycling, allowing precise take-out.

Yushin realized that this top-of-the-range robot was not for all processors, hence its decision to debut a lower-cost version that is "still really fast," says Takeshi Iimura, Yushin's manager for Europe and Oceania sales. The HST-150 robot on show at K was capable of a take-out cycle of 0.38 seconds for the same application, with the robot costing 25-30% less.

Injection machine record

PlasticsToday previously reported on what might have been the fastest injection machine on show at K, cycling at as fast as 1.93 seconds. The Stork machine was reportedly limited by the take-out/in-mold labeling insert cycle time of 0.46 seconds and was reportedly technically capable of a cycle time of 1.8 seconds. Challenging Stork in the cycle stakes was Arburg, with an impressive cycle time of 1.91 seconds for an electric Allrounder 470 A with a clamping force of 1,000 kN. The exhibit operated with a 64-cavity mold from Männer and produced complex droplet irrigation system parts made from polyethylene weighing 0.15 g.