WITTMANN develops custom robot targeting stack mould applications

WITTMANN USA, a manufacturer of injection moulding machines, robots and auxiliary equipment, has developed a custom robot solution targeting stack mould applications.

By incorporating dual high-speed top entry robots, this type of cell allows for faster cycle times, lower payload requirements, and flexible process flow.

When looking at stack mould applications, moulders normally opt for a dual vertical arm robot to provide automated part handling. However, the issues with dual vertical arm top entry robots are the speed and payload needed for such applications.

“Customers often call asking for dual vertical arm robots to run stack moulds, but in most cases the high-speed top entry robot cells have proven to be more robust and quicker for those applications,” said Jason Long, national sales manager, robots and automation for WITTMANN. “A lot of moulders who are not stack mould experts do not think of this out of the box until we share it with them, as these type of dual robot cells are unique to WITTMANN.”

Stack mould and high-speed stack mould robot applications

The standard WITTMANN high-speed robots can be mounted to run even the most complex stack mould applications. These cells normally can offer cycle times of 7-12+ seconds, without requiring special robots or causing abnormal wear and tear on dual vertical arm robots, which is the case for robots not designed for quicker cycles.

The cell also provides flexibility, as it can also be designed with different mounting stands to allow smaller footprints, integrated conveyor systems, or other downstream equipment needed for pre or post moulding automation. The robots can be programmed to work together or can run individually, when one robot can be used when standard two plate moulds are run in the same machine.

Decades of application experience, innovative developments and more than 35,000 produced units have made the WITTMANN robots what they are today – the most reliable and innovative robots for the plastics industry.  Well planned detailed solutions and state-of-the art components allow highest reliability, shortest cycles and long intervals between maintenance.