Robots make news at K 2007.

Low-cost dual-arm servo models, zippy side-entry units for IML, and heavy-duty versions for large parts are some of the new robot models that will be on view at the K 2007 show in Dusseldorf later this month.

* Ilsemann will unveil a new high-speed IML system for cups and a high-speed side-entry robot that will retrieve and stack tumblers from an eight-cavity mold in less than 3 sec.

* Sepro Robotique and its new North American marketing arm, Sepro America LLC, will unveil a new dual-arm version of its Axess series of low-cost servo robots as well as its Model 4060 beam robot, which becomes the largest in its Generation IV family. The new Model 4060 is aimed at large automotive parts on presses up to 3500 tons. It comes in a heavy-load design to handle weights up to 176 lb, as well as a long-demolding version with a strip stroke up to 1800 mm. The robot is programmed and controlled with Sepro's latest Visual Control digital touchscreen.

Sepro's new dual-arm, all-servo Axess Twin is suited to three-plate molds and simple pick-and-place applications where three-axis servo robots may have been uneconomical in the past. The new model features two vertical arms on a single horizontal beam, where the primary robot grabs the part and the secondary robot picks the sprue. The dual arm can be applied to the three models in the series for presses up to 600 tons. Standard features include capacity for simultaneous motions on all three axes and multiple vacuum and pressure circuits to allow degating or selective part placement. Sepro's exclusive Y-Free function provides for programmed release of the strip-axis motor, allowing free movement of the robot arm and load-free ejector tracking.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

* Wittmann will introduce a new version of its W7x5 side-entry robot with an extended horizontal rotational axis of 1200 mm for handling lightweight parts on machines up to 250 tons. The longer stroke allows for greater distances between the rear safety gate and platen while still maintaining minimum space requirements on the rear side of the molding machine. It has a servo-driven kick stroke of 500 mm and servo vertical stroke up to 600 mm. A compact wrist flip provides flat placement of parts on a conveyor or tray. The unit uses the R7.2 TeachBox touchscreen controller. The robot features SCARA-type kinematics for fast in/out movements and combines the advantage of rotational horizontal axes with a parallel end-of-arm-tooling motion to simplify operation and programming in the molding area.

NEED TO KNOW MORE?

For more information on these companies and their products, visit www.ptonline.com/suppliers.

Ilsemann Corp., Sharon Hills, Pa. [phone] * www.ilsemann.com

Sepro America LLC, Pittsburgh [phone] * www.seproamerica.com

Wittmann Inc., Torrington, Conn., [phone] * www.wittmann-ct.com

LEARN MORE Online

Visit

www.ptonline.com/articles/200710cu3.html for a link to previews of more injection molding news at K 2007.