Plastics
Robotic tending of an injection-moulding machine
A FANUC robot performs part removal and insert placement. The cell also links electrical testing, laser marking and tray loading, with EUROMAP and MES communication.
Task and implementation
The tending of an existing injection-moulding machine had to be automated, including high-precision insert placement. Inspection, marking and material handling of the parts leaving the machine had to be integrated into the same process.
The FANUC robot removes the finished part, places the insert and handles the sprue under sensor monitoring. The system also performs electrical testing, laser marking and automatic tray loading and unloading. The Siemens PLC comes with a standard and a mobile HMI. The cell communicates with the injection-moulding machine via the EUROMAP protocol and with the manufacturing IT system via an MES connection.
The removed part moves on tested and marked
The robot does more than remove the moulded part: it places inserts, handles the sprue and passes the part on to the subsequent operations. Electrical testing, laser marking and tray loading are linked to machine tending within the same cell. The EUROMAP connection to the injection-moulding machine and the MES connection to the manufacturing IT ensure coordinated operation.
Technology
- FANUC robot
- Siemens PLC and HMI
- Standard and mobile operator interface
- Automatic tray handler
- EUROMAP protocol
- MES communication
How a machine like this is built
From concept through FAT to final handover, every step happens in-house.
The full processRelated references
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Metal parts manufacturingAdaptive robotic grinding cellGrinding of multiple product types to size with a KUKA robot, automatic tool change and force compensation. The design also allows measurement before and after machining. The robot can be programmed via offline CAM software.View referenceDo you have a similar task?
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