Ejector and robot move in unison

Added as a feature to several of its top-entry robots, Wittmann's Ejector PartTrack technology allows the ejector motion of the mold to push the robot and the part away, without the robot fighting the machine and losing the part. After gripping the component, the robot's drive disengages and it can be pushed freely. Its encoder signals remain live, telling the controller exactly where it is located in relation to the machine and its current speed, so once the part is free and clear, the drive is reactivated and the robot takes the component away.

With the system, processors can choose from having the ejectors push the robot until the machine reaches ejector forward where the robot can duplicate ejector speed and pull the part away, or it can move away from the cavity at a pre-set speed. Other options include, disengaging the robot drive until a preset position is reached, where it, again, can match ejector speed or move at a prefixed velocity. Wittmann Inc., Torrington, CT, USA; +1 860-496-9603; www.wittmann-ct.com