Robots: product lines reviewed.

ROBOTS

AKR ROBOTICS, INC.

The AKR 3000 robotic manipulator is a jointed-arm robot designed for spray finishing and FRP spray-up applications. Modular design offers a number of arm lengths, rotation options, stand height, and number of movement axes (up to seven). Direct lead-through teaching or CNC-type programming are available. Special features can include automatic parts identification to select spray pattern; closed-loop monitoring and adjustment of fluid flow, temperature and catalyst/ resin ratio; low-level alarms for all ingredients; glass strand breakage alarm; ultrasonic part-position sensing with automatic offset adjustment; complete load/unload indexing systems.

APL ROBOTICS CORP.

Offers a complete line of precision, multi-axis robotic equipment. In addition to computer-controlled pick-and-place and dispensing equipment, company can provide a variety of water-jet cutting systems for precision trimming of cloth, wood, plastic and foam. Equipment design features a "fixed tool point" head that rotates and tilts around a fixed point with no need to compensate x, y and z axes. Company says this simplifies programming and shortens execution times for complex motions.

Company's new manufacturing facility offers computerized manufacturing and testing, and features the latest in design and production technology, including isolated monolithic concrete pads and environmentally controlled laser alignment and test areas. Environmentally controlled areas are also set aside for product application development and demonstration.

ASI ROBOTIC SYSTEMS SUB. OF ACCURATIO SYSTEMS

With up to six axes of motion that provide turnkey solutions, company offers gantry-style CNC controller systems used for high-pressure waterjet cutting, laser cutting, adhesive dispensing pick-and-place and welding.

ATM AUTOMATION

Builds a standard line of robots to fit injection molding presses in the size range from 20- to 2000-ton clamp capacity. Robots can also be customized to fit particular applications. The complete line includes sprue pickers; vertical-entry, 3-axis pick-and-place robots; and side-entry, pick-and-place robots. Company supplies all-pneumatic robot models (x, y and z axis), or all-electric-drive robots, or a combination of pneumatics on the arm and head (x and z axis) with electric drive on the beam (y axis). Company will also design and build complete turnkey systems with downstream automation coupled to its parts-removal, vertical- and side-entry robots.

ACCOPE INDUSTRIES, INC.

Provides robots specifically designed for vertical presses. A carriage telescopes into the open daylight, carrying new material charges in with it. Loading of phenolic, melamine, or polyester BMC materials is accomplished with load cups or loading boards. Granular or preform load systems are available. Charge placement in the mold can be precise when using preforms or BMC charges. Company's BMC extruder can be used to presize polyester BMC for loading. Preheating systems are available for phenolics and melamines, as well as other thermoset plastics. An air blast or optional brushes are used for mold cleaning. Part removal is accomplished after ejection from the top or bottom by suction cups, grippers, comb, or drop board. Parts are normally sensed to insure a clean mold before loading takes place. Molded parts can then be sequenced for further processing. Robot is interchangeable between presses and is mounted on wheels for easy removal for mold changes and manitenance.

APPLICATION AUTOMATION

AEC, INC.

Offers a complete selection of robots from the XL series sprue pickers to the heavy-duty, top-mounted and side-entry Titan traversing series. Selections are available from pneumatic or motor-driven axes, wide range of controllers, expert tooling design and construction, factory installation, maintenance training, part support and a total system capability. Over 50 different models for injection molding machines from 15 to 4000 tons are available.

AUTOMATED ASSEMBLIES CORP.

Manufactures and distributes flexible, robot-based automation systems for injection molding. Company is the exclusive North American distributor of Sailor part removal and runner removal robots, and Seiko robots, and is an IBM manufacturing system integrator.

BATTENFELD AMERICA

Manufactures its Unirob family of part extractors, which are designed to be independently operable, multiple-axis general-purpose part-handling devices suitable for use on various types of injection molding machines in a variety of plant automation applications.

Product line includes standard units with part-handling capabilities of approximately 22, 45, and 100 lb. Custom-engineered units are available for more than 200-lb handling capability. Standard for smaller units are programmable, electrically driven primary axes, together with pneumatic auxiliary axes. Servo-driven primary and auxiliary axes are optionally available to meet more demanding part-handling requirements. Primary axis drives utilize linear bearings with planetary gearing arrangements in conjunction with gear belts or gear racks for maximum reliability and low maintenance. Depending on the application, traverse stroke length and part weight, units are available with either a single-mounting pedestal or two mounting pedestals to provide a gantry-like part-handling device for maximum part placement flexibility.

BERMER TOOL AND DIE, INC.

Offers automation equipment for injection molding. Standard as well as custom-mold wipers, sprue pickers and part-removal equipment are designed and built in-house.

BINKS MANUFACTURING CO.

As an OEM supplier of industrial finishing systems, company offers its ABB TR5000 electric painting robot.

The TR5000 high-performance robot features the latest in a-c servo-drive technology and computerized controls, which reportedly place it at the forefront of the next generation of advanced painting robots. It utilizes the ABB Robotics S3 control system (renamed C5 for painting) and when coupled with the patented 3-axis Flexi-Wrist, allows programming ease and dexterity required for difficult application. The very long reach, 2590 mm (102 in.), and the 300 [degrees] base rotation were engineered to provide a large work envelope.

Special features for painting/coating applications, such as conveyor tracking, dynamic I/O, and analog process control of paint flow, atomization, and fan width, are included in the TR5000 system to meet specifications required for plastics, appliance, automotive, aerospace, and defense applications.

BOE-THERM

See Priority Machinery.

BUCHER, INC.

Robots are especially adapted for thermoset injection molded part removal and for loading inserts into horizontal thermoset injection molding machines. Units are for use on machines ranging from 100 to 1000 tons and for single-through multiple-cavity molds.

Thermoset part-removal robots include air-blast circuits and controls for separate flash removal from the fixed and moveable half of the mold, while parts are being removed. They can be combined with degating devices beside the press.

Insert-loading systems are custom-designed for high-production volume, fully automatic molding. Systems, include vibratory feeding, insert loading to multiple-cavity transfer tools and insertion into the open mold. A typical product application is the loading of copper shells for motor commutators into 16-cavity cavity tools for total cycle times of 50 seconds.

CRS PLUS INC.

Offers its A460 robot, an articulated robot system with a 6.6 lb payload, 31-in. reach, and speeds of 180 in./sec. Unit includes 6 [degrees] of freedom and a PID controller. Linear speed is 40 in./sec and the robot reportedly delivers accurate repeatability ([+ or -] 0.002 in.) on a 1.2-sec pick-and-place cycle.

CINCINNATI MILACRON U.S. PLASTICS MACHINERY DIV.

CMR series general-purpose, jointed-arm robot is a high-speed unit with nonlubricating cylinders. The robots have dual-vertical guide rods and flexible end-of-arm tooling kits, which are sized for the application. Remote operator pendant, air-valve indicator lights for sequence monitoring, and microprocessor control are all standard.

Other features include linear bearings, adjustable strip stroke, and shock-absorber positive stops that meet SPI safety standards. Units are sized for mounting on 50- through 3000-ton injection molding machines.

The CMP series sprue/runner pickers have a fast take-out time of 0.7 to 2.0 sec, gripper runner sensing, and remote solid-state controls. Units also feature rotation adjustable to 90 [degrees], 100% parts separation, two motion sequences, and mold protection circuitry.

CONAIR MARTIN

PART OF THE CONAIR GROUP 

Offers injection molders a wide range of robots specifically designed for new or existing injection molding machines.

*Parts-removal robots: Conair Harmo EX series is available in six models for injection machines from 10- to 500-ton range, with take-out times available from 0.6 to 1.4 sec. The EX series offers many features and benefits as a standard package, including adjustable height, main arm safety lock, self-lubricating, oil-free cylinders and microprocessor controls with digital set times.

*Beam-style robots: HIM series, an up, out and traverse-style robot is suited for 150-to 300-ton molding machines and provides improved quality, faster cycle times and consistency. Company states that since the HIM can accommodate up to five discharge locations in any of three planes, it further improves the molding process by facilitating post-molding automation such as printing/packaging operation, indexing or assembly. The wide-footprint mounting maximizes the traverse beam support, while minimizing vibration.

Company also offers four other domestically produced series, completing its robotics product line.

ELECTRA FORM, INC.

Manufactures post-mold cooling systems for the rapid removal and handling of PET preforms. PMC Systems reduce cycle time and increase productivity and are available in side-out or top-out models. With end-of-arm tooling capabilities for 16-, 24-, 32-, and 48-cavity preform molds. The system is adaptable to many different injection molding machines. Company also manufactures pick-and-place systems, soft drop part-handling systems, part-removal conveyors, and other specialty equipment for injection molders.

Company offers its EFI-V Series pick-and-place systems for horizontal injection molding machines, and the EFI-H series pick-and-place systems for horizontal injection molding machines. Automated turnkey molding systems complete company's full line of automated molding systems.

ENGEL MACHINERY INC.

Offers four different ranges of insert placement, part take-out, and placement robots for all sizes of injection molding machines up to 3500 tons. Robots are designed to handle heavy parts with high speed, accuracy, and large strokes. A number of high-performance features are standard, including maintenance-free a-c servo drives, and long-life induction-hardened polished guides. Robot precision is independent of gripper and part weight, ambient temperature, and other factors. Each robot comes with an HGB manual-control unit for easy setup and "teaching" the robot the desired positions.

Application engineering is available for special head movements, customized gripper units, suction heads, sprue separating stations, feed equipment, and other related equipment.

HAMA USA INC.

Offers Hama Corp.'s (Japan) HM-8000 and HM-2000 robots for injection molding.

*HM-8000 Axis Control Gate Cut robot is available with four axes for multi-programming that reportedly increases the accuracy and quality of each cut. Detailed programming is possible through a microprocessed teaching box that allows up to 20 programmed cutting procedures (each containing up to 90 individual process steps) to be stored. Programs are easily erased, altered or updated. Standard accessories include: chuck head, pneumatic nipper unit with one standard blade, runner-position fixing jig, chute, photo sensor, air regulator, stand with casters and stabilizers, emergency stop, and acrylic safety guards.

Options available include an 8-bin rotary divider, 4-chute traversing divider, twin nippers with double chutes, special nippers for engineering plastics, heated nipper with hydraulic system, and a picker interlocking system.

*HM-2000 Caser robot offers complete automation from box feed through multilayer packing to a discharge conveyor. It is synchronized through an interlocking system to work with a traversing picker-and-pin or submarine gate molder. Standard accessories include: microprocessed teaching box for up to two programs (each containing up to 30 steps), control panel, feeding conveyor, discharging roller conveyor, layer cardboard stocker and feeder, lifting table, vacuum or grip head, casters and stabilizers, emergency stop, alarm system with signal lights and buzzer, and air regulator. An overnight "no-man" control system with box-feeding and box-stacking devices is optional.

A.C. HAMILTON, INC.

Specializes in part/runner-removal robotic pickers designed to separate sprues and runners from molded parts and carry them outside the mold area for deposit into granulators. Robots are usually teamed with belt-conveying systems and other parts-handling specialties.

The pick-and-place series HX and HXW are press-mounted units with fast operating times from 0.7 to 1.4 sec. Models are available to carry loads from 2.2 to 4.4 lb. HXW models include a 90 [degrees] wrist rotation. A PC-EIID programmable controller is included with each robot. The microprocessor provides simple settings and reliable, repeatable operation.

HUSKY INJECTION MOLDING

SYSTEMS

Manufactures a complete range of robots and product-handling equipment for injection molding. Robots are available in three styles: side-entry, top-entry and turret with five axes of motion - x, y, z, a and c. Drive options include fixed, manual, air, hydraulic, electric and servo. Robots are designed for a range of payloads up to 180 kg and are available for machines ranging from 80 to 4000 tons.

Units can accept either existing end-of-arm tooling or customized tooling specific to the molding application. Also manufactured are units with water-cooled take-out plates that provide faster molding cycles by allowing parts to cool outside the mold.

Product-handling equipment for conveying, stacking and assembly of parts is available, as well as mold-mounted guide rails, guide chutes and swing chutes for high-speed parts-removal applications. Systems for tray loading technical parts, including cassettes, compact disc cases and petri dishes, and custom-designed units for cutlery, floppy disk shells, video cassettes, etc., are also available.

Equipment is integrated with machine's microprocessor when installed on a Husky machine. For other machines a free-standing controller is available. Microprocessor screens are customized for the specific parts-handling application.

New from company: A series of top-entry injection molding robots with a turret-style base, which offers processors the flexibility of removing parts to either side of the press. Designed for longer presses and parts, robots come in payload capacities of 55,165, and 330 lb and are available with various stroke lengths, and with pneumatic a-c electric, stepper-motor, or servomotor drives. Series is said to be well-suited to removing deep-draw parts from large presses because the robot's stroke is also used to strip parts from the mold; it also reportedly works well with quick-mold-change systems.

IMS CO.

Offers four models of pneumatic mold sweeps for high-speed, low-cost, automatic part/runner or sprue knock-out. Three heavy-duty units offer stroke lengths of 17, 27, or 33 1/4 in. and can also be used for automatic mold-release application. The fourth model, a "mini" mold sweep, is designed expressly for use on presses in the 1/2-1 to 14-oz range.

LAROS EQUIPMENT CO., INC.

Two sprue/part extractors for small machines (up to 35-oz shot capacity) are said to provide extraction times of 1.5-2.0 sec. Logic controller includes digital timers said to be accurate to 0.1 sec, as well as self-diagnostics. Optional vacuum system has an air-limiter switch that detects vacuum gripping action and stops the sequence if a part is not properly retained. Full 90 [degrees] wrist swivel is available. Units are manufactured by Tenso, also offering traverse-oscillating robots.

MARK II AUTOMATION, INC.

Company manufactures automated part and runner-removal equipment for plastic injection molding machines, including its Eagle EC series sprue pickers; ES series heavy-duty, swing-type removers for part or runner removal; and EL series traverse-type units. All models are fully pneumatic, mounted on the top of the stationary platen for fast and consistent parts or runner removal. Standard sizes range from 18 to 32 in. on the EC series for presses up to about 400 tons, and 18 to 40 in. of vertical stroke on the ES series for machines up to 750 tons. The EL series units include standard models up to 48-in. vertical stroke and 72-in. traverse stroke for automation of presses up to 1000 tons. Larger units for higher tonnage machines can also be provided. All units include microprocessor controls for control of the remover and interface to the molding machine. The controller allows quick setups and flexibility for short-run molders. Eagle Series units are completely designed and manufactured in the U.S., utilizing standard American-made components throughout.

S. T. MONFORTE ROBOTICS, INC.

Complete robotic systems include:

*Model R12, a five-axis articulated robot arm system with a 2.2 lb payload and a 26-in. arm extension. Applications include packaging, small parts handling, pharmaceuticals, assembly, masking, gluing, testing, inspection, quality control and guaging.

*Model R15, a three-to-five axis cartesian track robot system with a 4.4 to 24 lb payload and a 2-40 ft close-loop extension. Applications include conveyor manufacturing, assembly, clean room, packaging, pharmaceuticals, wet bench, gluing, painting, water jet, laser, palletizing, materials handling, and machine loading.

*Model R17, a five-axis articulated arm system with an 8.8 lb payload, 31 1/2 in. close-loop reach. Applications include packaging, loading, assembly, pharmaceuticals, gluing, testing, spraying, quality control, hazardous environments, rehabilitation, and educational training.

*Labman, a four-axis, self-contained scara tabletop robot with a payload of 200 grams. Applications include sample preparation, liquid dispensing, powder dispensing, ultrasonic bath mixing, test tube stirring, spinning/washing, sample splitting, automatic syringe dilution, vibrating, weighing, and cap/decapping.

All systems come complete with a K11R controller, hand-held teach pendents, manuals, hoses, cables, Roboforth II software, and RS232 interface. Voice control and many other options are available.

MOTOMAN

This joint venture of Yaskawa Electric of Japan and Hobart Brothers of Troy, Mich., supplies Robotworld, an ultra-high-speed, intelligent robotic assembly system designed to bridge the gap between rigid, hard-tooled assembly machines and expensive robotic assembly cells. Consisting of individual placement, manipulation and vision modules, each capable of independent action, Robot-world reportedly offers 0.002-in. accuracy and 0.005-in. repeatability. System can be programmed in various languages. Its modular structure reportedly facilitates future upgrading or reconfiguring.

Company's S304S robot, designed specifically for palletizing, is said to be capable of reaching speeds as high as 900 workpieces/hr. Unit has a 66.3-lb payload capacity, [+ or -]1.0-mm repeatability, a reach of 74.8 in., and an unburdened speed of 155 in./sec. A return to the home position is not required because of the inclusion of an absolute encoder for detecting position.

NU-TEC CORP.

Offers a full line of injection molding part-removal robots for machines of 25 to 5000 tons. Specific models include the Sprint Sprue-Picker pneumatic robot series, The H&F programmable electric traverse-beam rectilinear robot series, and the Sepro full CNC rectilinear and Double Beam robot series.

For free-standing flexible automation systems, company offers the Lanco Assembly Transport System as the heart of its custom automation systems for complete assembly of both plastic and metal components.

As an established systems integrator, Nu-Tec is heavily staffed in mechanical design and electrical/controls engineering disciplines, which enables the company to offer complete automation solutions either immediately around injection molding machines or in separate assembly areas.

PAXON AUTOMATION, INC.

Traverse-type robot arms for injection machines from 50 to 3000 tons have microprocessor controls that provide selections of multiple sequences and traverse midpoint positioning, as well as programmed deceleration. Quick-disconnect air fittings aid quick changes of end-of-arm tooling.

PEERLESS AUTOMATION CO.

Offers its UHS Robot, a vertical-arm parts-removal robot that uses a telescopic arm to increase speed while decreasing required space. The robot is mounted on a boom that can be moved from the mold area during changeovers, and offers three-speed movement to allow for slowdowns in and out of the mold area and gentle release of product. Reportedly, the robot can move twice as fast as many other robots, while requiring half the space. It is said to be particularly well suited to plants with low ceilings. Controlled pneumatically, the UHS Robot is said to have a low vibration along its three axes of movement.

PENTEL OF AMERICA, LTD.

Offers three types of insert molding robotic systems: the HR50M and HR50E, horizontal joint robots for vertical molding machines; and the CR90, XYZ coordinate-type for horizontal molding machines.

The HR50M supports heavy workpiece and robot fingers. Z axis is equipped with company's NC stopper method and controls multiple work surfaces to different heights. The HR50E is especially designed for higher speed. A slim body further shortens the tact time.

The CR90, XYZ coordinate robot, a recent development, features a long insert stroke into the mold unit that enables handling of a wide range of small-to medium-mold units.

High repeatability enables insertion of precision parts. Various options and application tools to meet customer's needs are available.

POLYMER MACHINERY CORP.

Offers its full line of Handler robotic devices for injection molding machines, from high-speed, up-and-out sprue-removal units to full-functioned rotating or traversing pick-and-place part and sprue handling systems.

Company offers full engineering support, end-of-arm tooling design and installation. Units can be supplied as complete systems with indexing conveyors, sorters, granulators, etc.

PRESSFLOW ROBOTS, INC.

Manufactures a complete line of sprue pickers and traverse-style pick-and-place robots. Units are designed for injection molding and are used to remove parts and runners from machines. End-of-arm tooling for robots, as well as related downstream equipment, are designed and built at company's Elk Grove, Ill., plant.

Company's Proline series robots are used on molding machines in the size range of 50 to 3000 tons. Proline series sprue pickers can be used on 50- to 500-ton machines. The robots, manufactured in the U.S., are available with three different configurations of control systems to best fit customer's needs. Software is custom-tailored to each installation.

Custom-built end-of-arm tooling for any robot application can be designed and manufactured, including special requirements such as 180 [degrees] wrist turns, degates, and thermoset molding applications.

PRIORITY MACHINERY

Single and multifunctional robots for injection molding machines, including sprue pickers, x-y and x-y-z type robots, are available from Boe-Therm of Denmark. Emphasis is on robotic interfaces with molding machine tonnages below 400 tons.

RAM CENTER, INC.

Manufactures its Simplicity RC 1 robot. The three-axis unit has a Japanese THK precision linear bearing on the traversing axis, said to provide smooth motion. Electric servo drive for closed-loop position control is standard on the traverse axis and optional on the other two (pneumatic is standard). Standard unit has 54-in. traverse, 24-in. vertical range, and 9-in. horizontal stripper movement. Traverse can be extended to 120-in. and vertical motion to 48-in. Speeds are said to be 20-30 in./sec. Maximum payload, including tooling, is 40 lb. The unit can serve both sides of a press, offers 0.01-in. repeatability, is fully programmable through a menu-driven touchscreen control, which can be remote mounted via umbilical connections, and can also be "taught" a program by being jogged slowly through the sequence and then instructed to "remember" it.

REIS MACHINES, INC.

Manufactures a wide range of general-purpose, joint-arm industrial robots ranging in lift capacities from ounces to 170 lb. Offers both floor-mounted units and overhead mounts which can be attached directly to the stationary platen of injection molding machines.

Specializes in complete turnkey automation systems and takes full responsibility from pre-engineering to startup.

SMI AUTOMATION INC.

Manufactures custom automation equipment and is also a systems application center for Hitachi jointed-arm robots and manufacturer of robot end-of-arm tooling.

Hitachi robots feature three sizes of floor-mounted process robots with up to 22-lb payload capacity and three sizes of assembly robots with 2- to 22-lb payload capacity.

Custom automated equipment features indexing dial table construction for either manual or automatic loading. A wide variety of parts can be processed or assembled by the custom designed equipment. Company offers complete concept, design and manufacturing capabilities.

New products include SMI Merlin pick-and-place units with controller, and SMI Merlin servo torque and angle auto screw drive systems.

STERLING-DETROIT CO.

Offers its Topper Robotarms, which are adaptable with other production equipment or secondary tooling, and are available in three styles for use with horizontal injection molding presses from 75 to 450 tons.

*Model FWR is an economical unit of fixed-wrist design. It mounts on the stationary platen of the molding press and requires minimal over-machine working space to extract shots up to 30 lb from single- or multiple-cavity molds.

*Model WRT is a high-speed, swivel-type unit that also mounts directly on the machine's stationary platen. This unit features 45-60 [degrees] of swivel motion that permits the unit to extract a part, lower or re-extend itself, release the grip, and discharge the part onto a workstation, conveyor or chute. The model can be equipped with an optional rotating wrist that allows a part to be captured and rotated in the discharge position.

*Model SM is similar to Model WRT but is of linear (square matrix) configuration, which allows the unit to shuttle laterally with a square or linear motion. It also mounts on the press platen.

All Topper units are equipped with standard hydraulic or air-operated grippers, with vacuum systems or "spring fingers" optional. The units utilize standard electrical relay controls and JIC machine-tool components.

Company also custom designs robotic SMC charge loaders, insert loaders, and parts unloaders for vertical compression molding presses.

STERLTECH DIV.

STERLING, INC.

Distributes for Star Seiki and Tokuju Kosakusho. Supplies a complete line of automatic part- and sprue-removal robots for injection molding machines. Additional assembly, decorating and packaging functions are also available to customize a complete automation system.

Eight basic models of the T-Series traverse-beam robots are offered for removal of molded components from the mold area. Systems are designed to improve productivity through precise part placement, sprue removal, gate cutting and other secondary operations. Product reject rates are reduced through mold-removal sequences. Optional telescoping and dual vertical-arm models are available for specialized applications. Servo-controlled models are available for applications requiring increased flexibility or complexity of operations. A wide variety of primary and secondary operation end-of-arm tooling is custom engineered for specific applications.

The RSL Series sprue picker is designed for removal of the sprue and runner systems from the mold area. Units offer high-speed operation with cushioned vertical and horizontal strokes, and steel construction provides for reliable service lifetimes. Units provide a runner confirmation switch located in the gripper jaw and offer optional wrist rotation for specialized runner placement.

SYSTEM GOSEWEHR USA

A German firm offering a complete line of robots and automation systems for injection molding. Available are: stand-alone robots, insert-loading units, parts removers, and turnkey systems for a range of products and downstream operations. Units range from simple all-pneumatic types to electric-drive units with CNC controls.

TOKICO AMERICA, INC.

Company's Armstar robots are designed for spray painting, finishing, blowoff/cleaning and seam sealing applications. Robots are operational worldwide in such diverse industries as automotive, electronics, appliances and plastics.

Company supplies both hydraulic and electric-powered manipulators with microprocessor control, ancillary painting and sealing equipment, customer demonstrations, application engineering, installation, training, startup, and spareparts inventory.

VENTAX ROBOT INC.

Injection molding parts removers come in three size ranges for presses from 300 to 6000 tons, capable of handling parts weighing 1.1 to 110 lb. Robots are powered by electricity and air, and have a free-standing control station that can store up to 10 programs, with extra storage on cassette or EEPROM cartridge.

WELLTEC U.S.A., INC.

Manufactures its Cosmo line of sprue-picker and traversing robots in a wide range of models. The sprue and parts A/ F series accommodates injection molding machines from 50 to 350 tons. The A/F Series features hard chrome-plated guide rods with oil-less brushes to insure low maintenance operation, electro/pneumatic rotary drive for precise control, and hand-held programming unit for quick and easy setup.

The Cosmo traversing series accommodates injection molding machines with load weights from 0.5 to 15 lb. In addition to multiple grippers (for parts and sprues) these units offer parts safety sensors, infra-red safety sensors for mold protection, portable control units, and a complete array of icon-based and easy to program functions.

WITTMANN ROBOT & AUTOMATION

SYSTEMS, INC.

Provides a variety of solutions for automating injection molding operations. Primary product is a broad range of high-quality robot systems ranging in size from 30 to 5000 tons. In addition, company provides secondary equipment for turnkey startups or for automated integration of existing operations. Design assistance, end-of-arm tooling, field training and service are available and suited for both large multimachine facilities and small custom-molding operations. The majority of company's robots are fitted to previously installed injection molding machines and offer both vertical- and side-entry robots for every tonnage machine, choice of electric and pneumatic drives, easy-to-use controls with built-in diagnostics, and optional "teach in" CNC control. All robots have rigid construction, assuring reliable and consistent performance.

New from company: Model W500 machine-mounted robot for large presses that can handle parts up to 220 lb. Unit has a horizontal stroke up to 315 in., vertical stroke to 118 in., and horizontal stripping stroke to 79 in. It can remove parts to either side of the press and has a standard gripper rotation of 90 [degrees]. Handheld pendant microprocessor controller offers teach-in-programming and removal EEPROM modules for program storage.

YK INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Offers sprue pickers or part-removal robots built in the U.S. for presses from 10 to 1000 tons and equipped with self-diagnostic features. Arm-lock system is provided for safety and prevention of damage to the arm and the mold. Any sequence change of arm motions can be programmed using EPROM card.

For the sprue picker, the mold opentime is 0.5 sec for 100-ton presses. Company offers 12 switch-selectable arm motions as standard.

For part-removal robots, a d-c motor is used for traverse motion and degating. Spot-facing will be available.

YAMAHA MOTOR CORP., U.S.A.

Offers its new FXY series of arm-type cartesian robots designed for lightweight applications requiring speed and flexibility. The FXY series is especially suited for sealing or bonding process operations and lightweight pick-and-place functions. The line consists of standard X and Y axes with the option of adding a pneumatic Z axis. Maximum load capacity is 7 lb. X and Y axis maximum speeds are 47 in./sec and stroke lengths range from 6 to 26 in.

Other products include company's Scara and single-axis robots, as well as input devices. Typical applications are in the manufacture of computers, appliances, small engines, and electronic systems.

YUSHIN AMERICA, INC.

Manufactures robots for plastics injection molding. The lines offered are:

*HOPII/Sprue Picker series, featuring a hand-held controller with diagnostics, 44 preprogrammed sequences, digital timers, and 99 mold setup storage, available for molding machines from 5 to 500 tons.

*YKand AE and VS Traversing series is available for molding machines from 50 to 2000 tons. Axis drives are all pneumatic, all a-c servo, or a combination of the two. Controls feature reprogrammability, timers, and diagnostics. Low-headroom models are also available.

*SX/side-entry series supports applications with high-speed molding such as data packaging parts. These robots are excellent for "clean rooms" and low overhead clearance. Units are servomotor driven and are available for 50- to 400-ton injection molding machines.

Company provides sales, service, parts, and engineering to support its products.