K 2013: Sepro introduced new robot designs

Dusseldorf - At K 2013, Sepro Robotique showcased new multi-inject robots in two different sizes for injection molding machines up to 500T. These robots are targeting multi-material injection molding applications where the secondary vertical injection unit would interfere with movement of a standard beam robot.

The French supplier of robots and automation systems for injection molding says that instead of being mounted on the fixed platen the way a conventional Cartesian robot would be, multi-inject robots are mounted gantry-style above the moving side of the clamping area. The Y-axis kick or demolding arm is a sliding frame with the Z-axis vertical arm positioned at the very end so it can reach the molding area without touching the vertical injection unit above the fixed platen.

"This configuration allows for unrestricted vertical access into the mold, is reportedly less costly and more flexible and easier to use than side-entry robots that, until now, have been the only other option," the company said.

The capabilities displayed in the Sepro booth at K 2013 included a demonstration of the multi-inject 20 robot on a 210-ton Sumitomo Demag molding machine equipped with a two-position rotating mold for making ice scrapers with soft-touch gripping surfaces. In operation, the robot picked a decorative label from a feeder and placed it on the molded scraper body before the gripping material is over-molded. Then it removed the finished product to a conveyor as the cycle repeats.

The two new multi-inject models are based on the structural design of Sepro S5 Line robots, which feature single-piece rigid frame construction, prismatic linear guide rails and servomotors.

Special adaptations of the multi-inject robots for delivery with new molding machines supplied by Sumitomo Demag and other OEM partners are available.

Dual-Arm Servo robots

A new range of servo-driven robots specifically designed for applications involving 3-plate molds were also introduced at K 2013 by Sepro. The 5DA line includes units sized for machines from 30 to 500T. They incorporate a 3-axis arm (with 0 - 90° pneumatic wrist) that allows for simple pick-and-place of molded parts, as well as a secondary 2-axis servo arm for sprue unloading.

"Servo drive delivers maximum speed and digital precision that is not possible with pneumatic drive," the company said. "It also enables simultaneous motion on all five axes so that mold-intervention times can be optimized.

Caroline Chamard, marketing and communication project manager for Sepro, told PlasticsToday that the company is targeting the Asia market with this niche product, as 3-plate molds are often used there. 

Dual-arm robots are based on the same mechanical platform as Sepro Success Range and S5 Line robots, which offer economical all-servo operation for simple pick-and-place and simple stacking applications.

Both the multi-inject and the double-arm lines of robots are programmed and operated with Visual 2 control, which is based on Sepro's proprietary universal control platform. The pick-and-place programming guides users with a series of questions and then demonstrates the robot sequence in a 3D video. A joystick is provided for fine-tuning movements and complete documentation and troubleshooting guidance can be viewed on the large, 10-in touchscreen display. USB connectivity to facilitate program transfer and saving is standard.

Sepro Robotique is on track to nearly double its sales of robots compared to 2010 when the last K Show was held. By the end of 2013, the company expects to sell more than 1600 units. Some of that rapid growth is attributable to the general recovery of the global plastics industry during that period.

"Even as the global economy was declining in 2007 and 2008, Sepro was beginning an ambitious new-product development program," said Jean-Michel Renaudeau, CEO of Sepro. "While other companies cut back during the economic crisis, we invested heavily in new robot technology. We've developed strong partnerships with other industry specialists and with injection-molding machine manufacturers who now can offer Sepro robots as a part of a complete plastics process solution."