Waldorf customizes take-out options for medical applications 254Waldorf customizes take-out options for medical applications 254

Automation provider Waldorf Technik (Engen, Germany), doesn't see itself as merely a vendor of equipment: it emphasizes the safety aspect of its solutions, particularly in areas such as medical. Waldorf has a triple presence at the K Show: its own information booth (Stand 7A/B02) and equipment on show at the Netstal (15/D24) and Sumitomo Demag (15/D22) stands.

The application being demonstrated at the Netstal stand uses a 96-cavity tool for molding a "technical medical product" at high output. "The components are subject to highly stable production requirements. This is why no cavity must be shut off or plugged when a problem arises during the injection molding process," says Waldorf CEO Wolfgang Czizegg. All 96 grippers for demolding the parts are thus controlled separately to allow flexible reactions in case of problems," he adds. "If a single cavity is shut-off based on quality control and surveillance feedback, the entire production cell continues its operation to ensure that tool flow balance is maintained. The robot simply separates out those components which are out-of-spec."

Moreover, during normal operation, the 96 in-spec components are not placed in a single common chute, but in groups in 16 containers. If a defect is identified at a later stage, the affected batch can easily be identified and separated.

On the Sumitomo Demag stand, visitors will find a modular plant producing pipette tips in a 32-cavity mold. The automation unit can readily be adapted to 64-cavity production. Demolding and cavity-oriented deposition of the parts is demonstrated.

A camera unit safeguards complete control in this rather open system-100% product quality including pipette geometry is a high priority. No matter which additional functions are required-such as filter attachments, various further quality surveillance checks or the formation of packaging units-they can be added or supplemented according to individual customer specifications." —Stephen Moore