Stack Mold Robots for Packaging Applications


A new robot line has been added to the Wittmann 7-Series robots specifically for the automation of stack molds in molding machines ranging from 400 to 1,000 tons clamping force with the introduction of robot model W 746. This unit is equipped as standard with 5 high performance servo drives and, each of the two vertical axes offer a payload of 25 kg.

The model W 746 robot is available in the "D" configuration with two identical vertical arms - including wrist flips - for placement of parts flat on conveyors or for presentation to secondary operations. An optional configuration of the robot model named W 746 consists of the main arm and a servo-driven subarm with gripper fingers for the removal of runners from 3-plate molds. The two vertical arms can be individually programmed to allow highest flexibility for stack mold applications as well as two plate applications if the production need arises.

The horizontal stroke of this robot model can extend up to 4,000 mm. The unit is furthermore equipped with a fixed kick-axis frame with a maximum reach of up to 1,500 mm and vertical strokes up to 2,000 mm per arm. Both vertical arms have a telescopic mechanical configuration offering the minimum dimension for use in low-ceiling height applications. Additional servo or pneumatically driven rotational axes are available for even more orientation possibilities of the finished parts. The standard wrist flips are integrated, self-locking and pneumatically driven part swivel axes with extremely compact dimensions to minimize the mold opening motion for shortest removal times.

Like other 7-Series robots from Wittmann, the new W 746 robot model offers numerous outstanding standard features because of the use of state-of-the-art compact servo modules and their integration on the robot itself, the need for a floor mounted external control cabinet is eliminated. The integrated control cabinet is mounted behind the horizontal axis for added floor space savings and allows the electrical connection of external I/O-modules via a bus cable for the direct control of all attached peripheral equipment. All 7-Series robots are equipped with a low-maintenance linear bearing system with extended lubrication intervals for minimum machine downtime.

Also, all 7-series robots are equipped as standard with the flexible, freely programmable CNC 6.2 control system that can be upgraded for a very small charge to the R7-TouchScreen control for maximum programming flexibility. The choice of control systems is already well proven for the 6- and 7-Series robots and offers unlimited user programming flexibility. Because of consistent use of the same control platform across all Wittmann robot lines no additional training is necessary and pre-existing programs can be used as templates for new sequences.

Wittmann is a global manufacturer offering plastic processors worldwide a complete range of innovative automation technology and auxiliary equipment - from autonomous work cells to centrally managed and controlled system solutions. Products include sprue pickers, robots, end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT), degators, and complete automation work cells; fully integrated materials handling systems with dryers, blenders, vacuum loading systems, rail car unloaders, silos, central filters, vacuum receivers, tilt tables and surge hoppers. Wittmann also offers beside-the-press and central granulators and water products including flow and mold temperature controllers.

With its entire line of peripheral equipment, Wittmann can cover all the needs of plastic processors. And, their worldwide presence through subsidiaries allows Wittmann to offer superb

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