A revamped robot line now offers an integrated control, smaller overall footprint, and a longer Z-stroke of up to 2000 mm. Wittmann calls the new W808 "a significant upgrade"  over the previous iteration, the W801. Martin Stammhammer, international sales manager robots and automation, said in a release that the W808 now has a completely redesigned mechanical structure, so that it is much closer to the design of the company's bestselling W818, without an increase in cost.

Wittmann W808 robot

Stammhammer noted that the W808 is now well suited to work with the W818 and W821, carrying out fast-cycling operations on smaller sized parts. The W808 has a maximum payload of 3 kg and can be used with injection molding machines of up to 150 tons clamping force.

Suited for shorter molding cycle times, the robot has highly dynamic servo drives for all three axes. The fixed kick-stroke design has a reach of 600 mm, and the W808's horizontal stroke is available in lengths of 1250, 1500, or 2000 mm. The vertical stroke comes in lengths of 600, 800 or 1000 mm, and the system can be retrofitted with additional vacuum and gripper circuits.

"More and more molders are turning to automation, even of smaller parts, in order to protect quality and to increase production efficiency," Stammhammer said. In April, Wittmann announced an upgrade of its W821 robot line, boosting its payload and stroke.