Robots.

ABB INC. ROBOTICS DIV.

Robot cells and systems for forming, finishing, assembly, and coating processes, specializing in robotic systems for injection molding machines; deburring and cutting of parts; adhesive dispensing and component assembly; and spray coating, as well as parts handling, routing and palletizing.

AEC, INC.

Over 50 different robot models from pneumatic to servo motor driven axes with a range of controllers from PLC to CNC servo control for applications on molding machines from 20 to 4000 tons.

Newly offering full line of Harmo servo and pneumatic robots (including side-entry models) and sprue pickers from Japan. HRX series of all-servo top-entry models is available with top-of-the-line PC-based iController: It boasts four times the processing speed of the nearest competitor, a large I/O capacity, full user-programmability, simple-to-use touchscreen with plain-English messages, ability to enter user comments, and DeviceNet communications with a wide range of peripherals.

Pneumatic traverse robots provide cost-effective, reliable and flexible part and sprue removal for two- and three-plate molds on 50- to 500-ton machines. Allow for multistop part drop positioning. Microprocessor-based control programmed via easy-to-use handheld pendant with LCD display.

Modularly designed AEV series robots creates a broad array of configurations. Combined with company's universal end-of-arm tooling component systems, AEV features include 3D servo drive on main axis; simultaneous motion of servo and pneumatic functions; standard end-of-arm tool quick-change system; heavy-duty linear bearings on all axes; and high-strength, modular steel beam construction.

AE-SA single axis, servo-driven traversing robot features a-c brushless servo motor drive on the traverse axis, which is accurate to within [+ or -] 0.1 mm. State-of-the art controller comes with 10 standard and l0 teachable programs with each teachable program able to write up to 100 steps with four motion sequences per step. Self-diagnostic system surveys input/output status at all times and can accumulate up to 20 error messages.

Parts drop-off accomplished with nine programmable cycle positions and two areas for 18 points, or can be extended to 99 points with a rapid equal-pitch setting, and up to 198 points with an extra cross-axis setting. A counter can be set to drop parts for inspection at regular intervals or to stop after a designated quantity is reached. Robot features eight spare output and five spare input terminals for connection to conveyors, spray mist, shear cutters and sensors. System can be configured with I/O to detect reject signals and drop reject parts at designated point.

AE-YS and AE-ST pickers feature high-payload capacities and state-of-the-art control system. Patented compact sprue gripper has a control system that features ten standard sequences and ten user-programmable sequences, two spare outputs and one spare input, alarm volume and duration control, and standard SPI interface. Standard controller provides teach-programmable sequences for maximum flexibility.

Also offers ABB articulating-arm five- and six-axis robots for sophisticated multifunctional applications involving complex insert loading, parts removal, and/or secondary operations.

AIRLOCK MANUFACTURING CO.

Gantry-type robots used for loading charges into vertical compression presses and unloading molded parts; feeding thermoplastic sheet blanks into a preheated oven; and transferring parts from station to station in post-molding operations.

ALVEY, INC.

Articulated arm and gantry robots for machine loading/unloading and carton palletizing with servo electric drive, and end-of-arm tooling. Handles weights from a few pounds to several hundred pounds.

APPLIED ROBOTICS, INC.

Product line includes tool changers; collision sensors with dynamically variable trip points; single-axis compliancy devices for assembly verification; a full line of connectors, grippers, vacuum products, and accessories; and a single-axis force sensor with on-board electronics that ties directly to work cell's I/O.

ARBURG, INC.

Four lines of injection molding robots with pneumatic or servo operation, rail or beam configurations, for top- or side-entry, sprue or part removal, inserting, stacking and part pick-up from pattern operations.

Integralpicker H series for parts removal/ separation is integrated into machine guarding and comes in three versions with one to three axes. Used exclusively on Arburg Allrounder S presses.

Integralpicker V part/sprue unit is pneumatically operated, three-axis that handles part weights up to 300 g. Simultaneous operation of all three axes possible.

Multilift H is a top-mounted side-entry unit offered in three packages that cover simple to complex part-removal operations. Offered without B-axis for short cycle times or with B-axis to add a 0-90[degrees] rotating movement, or with the B-axis integrated under the machine guard for compactness.

Multilift V is a top-mounted, top-entry all-servo-driven unit for precise operation in a broad range of applications. Accurate to [+ or -] 0.1 mm. Programmable with Selogica machine control system. Can be positioned longitudinally or transversally to machine axis.

Multilift HV is a top-mounted side-entry, all-servo-driven unit for precise operation in a broad range of applications. Accurate to [+ or -] 0.1 mm and programmable with Selogica machine control system.

ASG AUTOMATION SERVICES GROUP INC.

Offers industrial material-handling robots for injection molders that range from sprue pickers to all-servo traversing robots. Custom designs robots or end-of-arm tooling as needed.

Custom designs, assembles and installs automation production, distribution, and warehouse control systems. Material-handling systems are for lightweight packages to steel plates weighing over 100 lb. Areas of expertise include metal parts welding inspection and verification, in-motion and static legal-for-trade weighing system, and highspeed carton tracking and sorting.

AUTOMATED ASSEMBLIES CORP.

Designs and manufactures robotics and factory automation systems for injection molding. Range of products from simple sprue pickers to technologically demanding robotics and automation solutions. Low-cost Express servo robots as well as high-performance robots available.

Range of robotics devices designed for use in horizontal as well as vertical injection molding applications with clamp forces from 20 to 5000 tons.

Controllers utilize a common software architecture that enables the user to communicate with the robot using simple English language commands.

BATTENFELD OF AMERICA

Unirob linear part extractors are independently operable, multiple-axis, general-purpose handling devices for use on all injection molding machines in a variety of applications.

Standard product lines feature a fully programmable, compact, high-torque three-axis a-c servo-driven design along with pneumatic or servo-driven rotary auxiliary axes depending on the complexity of handling needs. Primary axes utilize either steel core belt or rack and pinion drive systems with dual-precision linear bearings for reliable, low-maintenance operation. Optimized design ensures optimum dynamics and maximum acceleration resulting in minimum cycle times. Units available in standard handling capacities of 11 to 154 lb and in custom designs with application-specific axis lengths and up to 275-1b handling capacities. Standard programming pendant included.

BERMER PRECISION PRODUCTS BERMER TOOL & DIE, INC.

Automation equipment for injection molding includes standard and custom mold wipers, sprue pickers and part-removal units. Lift tongs for moving or separation of molds provide a safe accurate simulation of mold opening and help prevent costly mold damage.

CARLISLE MACHINE WORKS, INC.

Pick-and-place, gantry, Scara and six-axis articulated robots for containers. PackIt gantry robot packs bottles in cartons to 30 x 30 x 30 in. with a cycle time of 6-8 sec. Bottles can be placed vertically, base down or up, horizontally, or in combination. Rows can be nested. Sheet cutter allows for sheets between rows. Slipsheet inserter provides slipsheets between levels. System adaptable to other products.

CHW AUTOMATION

High-capacity unscrambling and re-orientation-type stacking machines for containers and lids collect failing parts and automatically reorganize them into handleable stacks ready for manual or semi-automatic packaging.

High-speed carbon fiber Slingshot robots for either side-entry or top-entry applications can usually retrieve parts from a mold as fast or faster than they can fall free by gravity. Built for both single-face and stack molds as well as form and trim-in-place thermoformers, robots form the basic platform for downstream automation systems for assembling, stacking, welding, decorating, layer packing, carton filling, dispensing, palletizing, wrapping, and storing.

CONAIR

Wide range of robots and automation systems from sprue pickers to six-axis articulated robots with freely programmable controls.

New Axess 10, 20 and 30 beam robots bring the speed and precision of three-axis brushless servo operation to pick-and-place operations on molding machines up to 750 tons. Priced below other servo robots of comparable sizes, Axess robots offer standard features like simultaneous motion on all three axes; multiple vacuum and pressure circuits to allow degating, selective part placement and other functions; and quick disconnects for fast changeovers. Exclusive Y-free function provides for the programmed release of the strip-axis motor, allowing free movement of the robot arm and load-free ejector tracking. Horizontal strokes to 236 in.; kick stroke lengths to 33.5 in.; and vertical strokes to 55 in. Largest units have payload capacities to 26.4 lb. Ultra-simple Axess-Touch electronic control system uses 32-bit microprocessors md an icon-driven touchscreen user interface for easy programming.

For more complex applications on machines of all sizes, Generation IV robots offer high levels of performance, taking advantage of important mechanical enhancements such as multiple wrist-rotation options (for increased flexibility in both part removal and downstream or outside the press) and increased speeds and acceleration rates that are 1015% faster than previous units with comparable payloads. Other features include longer stroke lengths on most axes; direct telescopic and low-height vertical arm designs, along with pneumatic sub-arms for stack molds or three-plate molds; and electro-pneumatic components mounted on the vertical arm for ease of adjustment and maintenance. Also exclusive Y-free option and standard automatic lubrication ensure better performance and longer life. Standard Visual touchscreen, graphic control has more functionality and memory than other systems currently available. Virtually no special training is needed to handle day-to-day setup functions.

For use with Generation IV robots, the ultra-simple Progress electronic control system uses 32-bit microprocessors and an icon-driven user control panel. An Embedded Program Source (EPS) system allows robot cycles to be created from previously written programs stored in memory.

Sprue pickers include economical MX and MXR series in six models to suit operation on molding machines from 20 to 550 tons. MXR series has remotely adjustable vertical and kick stroke setting and freely programmable controls that allow users to easily program virtually any sequence of picker movements and store up to 100 such sequences for later recall. For simplicity, MXR controls provide a selection of preprogrammed templates, which users can customize to meet specific requirements. These easy-to-use robots offer takeout times as quick as 0.6 sec with overall cycle times as short as 3 sec.

Bridging the gap between pickers and beam robots, and designed for simple pick-and-place applications where more than a picker is needed, the BE series beam robots have a-c electric motor drive on the traverse x-axis with optional servo drive and pneumatic power on vertical and strip strokes. Designed for molding machines up to 1000 tons, BE units offer more functionality than pickers at a fraction of the cost of a high-end servo-driven robots. They have a 6-in. strip stroke, 71-in. vertical stroke and an 80-in. horizontal traverse stroke. Several conveyor indexing and palletizing programs available.

Fanuc articulated servo robots offer an economical solution in such downstream applications as assembly, adhesive application, inspection, palletizing and box loading, and applications that require speed, accuracy and flexibility. Robots feature up to six axes of articulation with controls that are easy to "teach" and operate. Controls can control up to 12 individual servo axes and are readily adaptable to any downstream application.

Company can develop standard and custom robotic automation cells built around one or more of these technologies, including additional equipment for secondary operations. Such systems can handle placement of in-mold-labeling inserts as well as positioning of threaded metal inserts. In post-molding applications robots interface with degating and part-finishing devices, conveyors, component feeders, inspection systems and more.

ECONOMIZER USA

Supplies EP-YS and EP-ST series of cost-effective pneumatic sprue pickers. Both have pivoting base that allows them to swing out of the mold area. EP-ST series has vertical strokes up to 950 mm, payload capacity of 6 lb, and swing angle from 45[degrees] to 90[degrees]. B-axis has 90[degrees] wrist rotation as standard. Main-arm safety lock prevents the arm from descending in case of air-pressure loss. Pressure-differential switch on the gripper for sprue/runner detection eliminates mechanical switches. Optional two-stage telescopic vertical arm allows for use where overhead space is minimized.

EP-YS series has a strip stroke with tool-free adjustability, single-stage vertical arm, swing angle from 60[degrees] to 90[degrees], and pendant controller with 10 standard sequences and 10 user-programmable sequences. Optional 90[degrees] wrist rotation.

ELECTRONIC MEDIA INTERNATIONAL

Supplies Hekuma parts-removal robots. Hekuma specializes in high-speed side-entry robots for applications like CD jewel boxes and trays, 3.5-in. floppy-disk shells, Iomega Zip shells, audio cassette library cases, closures, petri dishes, smart cards, and video cassette components. Complete customized automation systems are available for such applications, including downstream operations.

ENGEL

Part- and sprue-removal equipment for injection molding machines from 28 to 6000 tons.

ERC robots are high-precision, highspeed servo robots with a rugged mechanical structure, maintenance-free a-c servo drives, simultaneous movement of all linear and rotary axes, and a freely programmable teach program for position, speed, time and I/O control. Portable teach pendant with LCD display allows for easy robot setup from within a 24-ft radius of operator interface station.

ERC software minimizes robot travel time by calculating the shortest point-to-point travel distance. User-defined robot work area prevents the robot from colliding with the machine. Troubleshooting is facilitated by displaying machine and robot errors on the same screen. Data storage and retrieval of machine and robot parameters is done on the same floppy disc.

Options include nonstandard strokes on all linear axes, telescoping axes for plants with low ceilings, rotary modules for part orientation, end-of-arm tooling for part insertion and removal, and integration of up- or downstream peripheral equipment into robot control.

ERP sprue picker for machines from 28 to 700 tons features three pneumatic axes and removes lightweight parts or sprues for placement inside or outside machine guarding.

Controls for ERC robots may be integrated into the Engel control, accomplished via direct interface or SPI interface. ERSE robots or ERP sprue pickers are integrated via SPI interface and their own dedicated PLC controller.

ERTLi robots, dedicated to Engel tiebarless machines from 28 to 660 tons are designed to place parts and/or sprues on a conveyor integrated in machine frame. The side-entry-type units feature one servo axis and two pneumatically driven axes and have adjustable strokes to accommodate varying mold heights and part thicknesses.

EPSON ROBOTS 

Offers full line Of high-speed assembly and machine-tending SCARA, six-axis and cartesian robots. Integrated vision for robot guidance and inspection available. Units are programmed in an easy-to-use graphical user interface that operates within industry standards on a Microsoft Windows platform.

Company works with a national network of automation companies that have the hands-on experience and engineering expertise to implement automation in the plastics market. Typical applications include parts assembly, loading inserts into vertical injection molding machines, removing finished parts from molds, loading parts into ultrasonic welders, and transferring parts.

FANUC ROBOTICS AMERICA, INC.

Automated process solutions for applications including material handling, assembly, material removal, welding, cutting, painting, dispensing, palletizing, and packing. Systems consist of reliable robots, easy-to-use software, high-quality hardware, and other process-related equipment.

GEIGER HANDLING USA, INC.

Beam-mounted three-axis robot models are pneumatic or servo-driven for degating, insert molding, inspection, part/sprue picking, and in-mold labeling.

Pneumatic PP 0.3 sprue picker for presses of 150-200 tons is PLC-controlled, handles weights up to 0.66 lb, and operates at about 4-sec cycle time.

PP 1.0 air-driven model for part removal handles weights to 2.2 lb and is used on presses up to 300 tons.

SP 1.5 model for presses up to 300 tons takes part and gripper weights totaling 3.3 lb and uses brushless d-c servo motors for each axis and a freely programmable controller.

LR 16 servo-driven model for complex handling and automation applications on machines up to 500 tons. Handles weight to 13.2 lb and operates on a cycle time of about 5 sec.

ML 60 unit is a high-speed servo handler for complex automation of machines up to 700 tons and handles up to 33 lb. CNC controller makes operation accurate to 0.1 mm.

HITECH MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS, INC.

Robots specifically designed for vertical compression molding presses. A carriage telescopes into the open daylight, carrying new material charges in with it. Loading of phenolic, melamine, or polyester BMC materials accomplished with load cups or loading boards. Granular or preform load systems available. Charge placement in the mold can be precise when using preforms or BMC charges. Company's BMC extruder can be used to pre-size polyester BMC for loading. Preheating systems available for phenolics and melamines, and other thermosets. An air blast or optional brushes are used for mold cleaning.

Part removal accomplished after ejection from the top or bottom by suction cups, grippers, comb, or drop board. Parts normally sensed to ensure 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 maintenance.

HUSKY INJECTION MOLDING SYSTEMS LTD.

A range of servo robots specific to injection molding suitable for various applications including free-standing side-entry robots for PET preforms and top-entry robots for general-purpose molding.

Free-standing side-entry robots are capable of payloads to 660 lb for the highest cavitation PET systems. Patented water-cooled take-out plates provide faster molding cycles by allowing parts to cool outside the mold.

General-purpose robots are capable of payloads to 264 lb, with up to six axes of motion. Programming accomplished by a menu-driven control system that uses standard molding terminology (mold open, mold close, etc.) and is integrated with company's injection molding machines.

IMS CO.

Two low-cost pneumatic mold sweeps for automatic, high-speed knockout of part and runner or sprue. Heavy-duty units with stroke lengths of 17 or 35 in. can also be used for automatic mold-release applications.

ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION

A variety of robots supplied by Italian manufacturers.

KASS AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

Automated container removal for stretch-blow molding machines using the 2022 robot removal arm. For further automation the 2022AP packs erected cartons. Palletizing can be added to complete the line. Controlled by a PC-based system utilizing closed-loop digital servo drives, which provide flexibility and precision. Operator interface continually provides production information. All inputs and outputs are accessible and displayed, as well as error conditions and current mode. System can pack any configuration of containers. Optional visual inspection systems available.

KAWAGUCHI AMERICA, LTD.

High quality, price-competitive Alfa robots from Taiwan. Full parts and service offered.

KRAUSS-MAFFEI CORP.

Through its recent acquisition of Neureder AG, Krauss-Maffei now offers four types of servo robots. NR linear traversing robots are sized for top-entry parts removal on machines from 110 to 4000 tons. They are integrated with the K-M MC4 machine control and boast repeatability of 0.1 ram. CB series linear top-entry robots are not integrated with the machine control and thus are available for K-M or other brands of machines from 65 to 5400 tons. They have Bosch/Rexroth controls, Windows NT-based software, and repeatability of 0.01 to 0.04 mm.

Also available are CBH1 high-speed linear robots with a jointed arm. They are specialized for side entry and give extraction times of as little as 0.45 sec from tools with just 70 mm of opening stroke. They have non-integrated Bosch/Rexroth controls.

In addition, UP series six-axis, articulated-arm robots carry loads up to 363 lb and are typically used where secondary operations are required. Based on robots built by Motoman in Japan and Kukla in Germany, UP models are modified by Krauss-Maffei with special servo motors and Siemens control software.

KURA ROBOTICS CORP.

Supplies jointed-arm robots with four to six axes and payload capacities up to 220 lb. Applications include parts removal, painting, palletizing, and laser or water-jet cutting. Some models designed for mounting on a rail for horizontal traverse.

MARK 2 AUTOMATION GROUP ELWOOD CORP.

Automated part- and runner-removal equipment for injection molding machines includes EMS sprue pickers; ES2 heavy-duty, swing-type part or runner removers; ELC2 traversing pickers; EL2 pneumatic or variable frequency electric-driven traverse robots; and EL3s servo-driven traverse robots. All models mount on top of the stationary platen for fast and consistent part or runner removal. Standard sizes range from 18- to 32-in. vertical stroke on the EMS series pickers for presses up to about 300 tons, and 18- to 40-in. vertical stroke on ES2 series pickers for machines to 700 tons. EL2 and EL3s units include standard models with up to 96-in. vertical stroke and for automation of presses to 4000 tons. Larger traverse robot available for higher tonnage machines.

EMS, ES2, ELC2 and EL2 units include microprocessor control of the remover and interface to the molding machine. EL3s units include a PC-based controller with color Touchscreen. Controller allows quick setups and flexibility for short-run molding. All models designed and manufactured in the U.S. utilizing standard American-made components.

MOTOMAN INC.

Provides complete robotic solutions for various applications including arc welding, assembly, coating, dispensing, material cutting, material handling, material spot welding. Stand-alone robots, standard World solutions, and custom-designed systems backed by world-class customer support.

Complete line of flexible six-axis robots suitable for handling and trimming injection molded parts, routing and drilling automotive bumpers, whirlpool tubs, water sports equipment, protective sports gear, and truck cabs and bedliners. Robots also used for water-jet cutting applications such as automotive interior components, and press-tending applications such as loading thermoformed plastic sheets into punch presses.

NEGRI BOSSI INC.

Flash S series is servo-driven, beam-mounted for palletizing and insert molding. Four sizes for presses up to 320 tons have one-piece vertical arm. Three units with telescopic vertical arms handle machines up to 1400 tons. Lifting capacity from 22 to 33 lb. Each axis has individual servomotor and operates at speeds up to 3 m/sec. Portable programming and control terminal connected through CAN-bus system.

PAXON AUTOMATION, INC.

Complete line of robots including sprue picker, all pneumatic drive, a-c frequency control/pneumatic drive, and all servo drive. The flexible robots are for molding machines up to 3000 tons.

Traversing-type robots provide telescopic arms, which enhance in-and-out speed, double the mechanical life, and lower the over-head height requirement. Touchscreen operator interface. SPI robot/IMM interface is standard.

Services include installation, engineering, training, and inventory of spare parts.

PLASTIC PROCESS EQUIPMENT, INC.

Sprue-picking robots for high-speed automatic part and runner removal with a dry cycle part removal of 0.7 sec for injection molding. Dual control valves provide high-speed take-out and slower controlled motion outside the mold, which extend the life or the picker and allows more accurate part and runner placement. Direction of the picker drop-off is easily changed from operator to non-operator sides, which increases flexibility to maximize use of limited floor space. Automatic safety lock pin prevents the picker arm from dropping if air supply pressure is lost.

High-quality, heavy-duty aluminum body is lightweight and rigid. Imprinted channel aluminum extrusion frame ensures smooth and accurate operation. Picker body, cylinders and bearings need no lubrication. Shock absorbers at stroke end of every picker movement ensure high speed and stable operation. Integral verification system in the gripper confirms the presence of a runner with each cycle of the molding machine. Quick-release handle is located on the base body, allowing the picker to pivot 90[degrees] out of the way for mold changes. Picker pivots back to a positive position and quickly locks in place ready for operation.

Easy-to-use controls have digital set timers for precise timing of picker motion and retain up to 99 mold setups in memory. Palm Pendant LED controller allows for safer adjustments and control away from picker motion and permits final adjustments and set points during automatic operation.

Installation is fast and uncomplicated and can be done with very few tools. Detailed installation manual covers unpacking, installation, wiring, testing, cushions, program directions, motion patterns, trouble shooting and parts list.

PLASTIMATIX LLC 

Offers Kawasaki KWS line of six-axis, a-c servo-driven jointed-arm robots. Wrist axis can rotate 720[degrees] or more. Handle payloads from 4 to 100 lb. Wiring for motors, encoders, and tooling is integrated in the robot structure. Robot mounts on floor, wall, machine, or ceiling.

PROCO MACHINERY INC.

Robopik single robotic gripper-arm take-out system removes containers from shuttle-style blow molding machines and orients them upright on a conveyor with the tails removed. Control system minimizes changeover. Simply enter container size to recall a previously run job and interchange one piece of tooling.

Robopik also available as part of Cyber System, a complete take-out system with integrated controls used in conjunction with deflashing, leak testing, or other operations. Cyber system utilizes Provac vacuum conveyor system and Kwikchange technology for tooling changes, which allows changeover from one job to another with minimal setup and no mechanical adjustments.

RAM CENTER, INC.

Specializes in custom design and turnkey integration of robotic packaging and manufacturing systems. Broad range of robots and accessories including Adept Technologies and Fanuc Robotics for the toughest robotic applications. Complete integration services include system design, manufacturing, programming, customer run-off, installation, and service.

Applications include PET preform feeding systems, PET preform line balancing, PET bottle bulk palletizing, product case loading, case palletizing, sealant dispensing, injection molded lens removal and coating systems, and other complex injection molded parts-removal and post-processing systems. Vision systems may be integrated into the robotic systems to provide part inspection or robot guidance. Other auxiliary equipment such as conveyors and part feeders can be integrated to completely automate production.

RANGER AUTOMATION SYSTEMS, INC.

Top- and side-entry parts-removal robots and sprue/parts pickers for injection molding machines from 50 to 5000 tons. Specializes in robots for large machines.

REIS ROBOTICS USA, INC.

Turnkey robotic solutions for injection molding operations. Systems are based on three robot styles with weight capacities from 6 to 300 kg. Solutions are designed for molding processes from insertion and extraction to secondary operations.

REMAK OF NORTH AMERICA INC.

Five models of pneumatic and servo-driven robotic units for sprue picking, part handling, and palletizing. Integrated or stand-alone operation. Can have up to 6 axes. RX series is all-servo units for machines from 55 to 330 tons. RF line is beam-mounted telescoping design with servo drive in standard and high-speed models. RE line is a beam/gantry combination. RC series is a double-robot design. RXZ models are for special handling chores.

ROBOTIC PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Manufactures and engineers turnkey robotic systems solutions utilizing Fanuc robots. Process expertise includes waterjet cutting, router trimming, knife trimming, materials handling, laser cutting, scoring and scanning; and assembly, adhesive dispensing, joining and welding.

Capabilities include project management, engineering and simulation services, trimming process selection services, fabricating and machining, system integration and certification, software, training and service and support.

SAILOR AUTOMATION, INC.

manufacturer and distributor of robotics and custom automation systems for injection molding. Serves medical, media, automotive, food, healthcare and other industries. Offers both pneumatic and full servo high-speed extraction robots and custom automation systems. Fully programmable full servo high-speed traverse-type extraction robots and custom automation systems for clamp capacity from 20 to 3000 tons.

SANDS TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL INC.

Model R15 modular cartesian (rectilinear) robot system with three to five axes and strokes from 4 in. to 15 ft. custom tailored. Payloads to 50 lb and speeds to 80 in./ sec. Suitable for positioning, gluing (including hot-melt), product transfer, palletizing, clean-room, etc.

Model R16 cylindrical format arm system up to five axes plus linear track is suitable for small parts-handling, pharmaceuticals, and quality control.

Cost-effective Model R17 five-axis articulated arm with a reach of 30-in. and payload to 6 lb for applications, which include trimming, finishing, paint and glue spraying, flame polishing and parts-handling.

All robots come complete with a controller, which is expandable with analog inputs, digital inputs and outputs. The controller, with a teachpad, is programmed with a PC via a serial port and holds programs in battery-backed memory.

SAS AUTOMATION, LLC

Supplier of robotic end-of-arm tooling. Designs and builds custom grippers and offers off-the-shelf modular gripper components for do-it-yourself applications. Offers special automation equipment to work in production cells with end-of-arm tooling.

SENCORP INC.

Manufactures robotic equipment for automated finished part removal, including AB stacking capabilities. Company's expertise includes build-to-print, custom engineering, value engineering and reverse engineering in addition to customized robotic applications for integration with thermoforming equipment and applications.

STAR AUTOMATION INC.

U.S. subsidiary of Japanese firm offering automated traverse robot and sprue pickers for injection molding. Included are automated guided vehicles, automated palletizers, and precision assembly robots.

Patented two-stage, synchronized, belt-driven product-removal arm is manufactured with an a-c servo-electric motor and pneumatic cylinders. Robot uses a microprocessor controller to remove, stack, and box parts. Precise and flexible end-of-arm-tool (EOAT) is attached to the lower portion of the arm to remove parts and degate runners from the parts. EOAT may comprise air nippers, cylinders and suction assemblies; and can be adapted for difficult part-removal jobs.

STAUBLI CORP.

RXplastics series robots feature small footprints, minimal setting times that reduce overall cycle time, SPI equipped and fully integrated for direct communication with molding machine, high-speed movement that minimizes cycle and die interrupt times, pre-wiring for immediate connection, and intuitive V-CellPlastics software. Units can be side- or top-mounted with multitasking capabilities in secondary applications and can be re-programmed to perform other tasks. RXplastics series of five- and six-axis robots offer speed, precision and dexterity.

STERLING DETROIT CO.

Robotarms, adaptable with other production equipment or secondary tooling, available in three styles for use with horizontal injection molding presses from 75 to 3000 tons.

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

Model WRT high-speed, swivel-type unit mounts directly on the machine's stationary platen and 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. Can be equipped with optional rotating wrist and trimming appliances.

Model SM, similar to Model WRT, but with a linear (square matrix) configuration, which allows the unit to shuttle laterally with a square or linear motion. Unit can be mounted to the press plate or free-standing Robotarm and Topper.

All Topper units equipped with standard hydraulic or air-operated grippers, and with optional vacuum systems or "spring fingers." Units utilize standard electrical PLC controller and JIC machine-tool components.

Custom designs robotic SMC charge loaders, insert loaders, and parts unloaders for both horizontal and vertical compression molding presses.

STERLING

Complete line of part- and sprue-removal robots for injection molding machines from 25 to over 6000 tons. Traverse-type robots can also be integrated with assembly, decorating and packaging operations. Flexible downstream automation cells offer workcell solutions.

Newly offering full line of Harmo servo and pneumatic robots (including side-entry models) and sprue pickers from Japan. HRX series of all-servo top-entry models is available with top-of-the-line PC-based iController: It boasts four times the processing speed of the nearest competitor, a large I/O capacity, full user-programmability, simple-to-use touchscreen with plain-English messages, ability to enter user comments, and DeviceNet communications with a wide range of peripherals.

SA series traverse robots feature 3-D servo-driven axes for accuracy and fast cycle times for machines from 50 to over 6000 tons. Overall cycle times from five sec and up with takeout times of less than two sec. Units designed and built with heavy-duty linear bearings on all axes and high-strength modular beam construction for versatility and flexibility. All robots include quick-change end-of-arm tooling for easy changeover. Standard programming setup and operation handled via a programming and SPI interface.

SB series robots have three-axis brushless servo motors that can be synchronized to move to a designated point at the same time with [+ or -] 0.1 mm accuracy. Robots allow for stacking and palletizing functions.

SC series robots are easy to program, making them suitable for parts-removal, stacking, inserting and inspection. Handheld controller with one-key, one-function design has 14 spare input and output terminals that allow the robot to be integrated with other auxiliary equipment.

SR-YS and SR-ST series sprue pickers for removal of parts/sprues on machines from 25 to 700 tons. Hand-held control pendant offers easy setup with diagnostics and preset sequence selections and features teach capability for custom sequences.

Services include custom end-of-arm tooling, laser degation, secondary automation, on-site installation, start-up, training, and 24-hr service support.

Also offers ABB articulating-arm five- and six-axis robots for sophisticated multifunctional applications involving complex insert loading, parts removal, and/or secondary operations.

TOKICO (USA) INC.

Armstar robots for spray painting, finishing, blowoff/cleaning, and seam-sealing applications for automotive, electronics, appliances.

Supplies turnkey finishing systems with both hydraulic and electric-powered manipulators and microprocessor control, ancillary painting and sealing equipment, application engineering, installation, training, start-up, and spare-parts inventory.

VENTAX ROBOT INC.

Manufactures custom engineered automation systems and robots for applications that include equipment and complete turnkey work cells to orient, handle and package; assemble and decorate; stack and unstack; mark and label; test and inspect; and insert load horizontal and vertical machines. Complete line of downstream equipment include pick-and-place units, parts up-and-down stackers, and transfer equipment. Standard line of top and side-entry robots and sprue pickers suitable for injection molding machines from 30 tons and up. Units available with various drive options including pneumatic, electric, servo or combinations.

New products include Panel Master for degating and flame treating rocker panels and bumpers; PET preform take-out and cooling systems; and automated thin-film insertion, automated coil housing processing system, and dashboard assembly system, all for the automotive market.

WITTMANN, INC.

Robot systems for injection molding presses from 30 to 5000 tons. Secondary equipment for turnkey start-ups or automated integration of existing operations available. Design assistance, end-of-arm tooling, field training and service available for large multimachine facilities and small custom-molding operations. Vertical- and side-entry robots for every tonnage machine; choice of electric and pneumatic drives; easy-to-use controls with built-in diagnostics; and advanced teach programmable controls.

Model W670 machine-mounted robot for large injection or structural foam presses can handle parts to 220 lb. All CNC-equipped robots feature handheld pendants with teach-in programming and storage on 3.5-in. floppy discs and can be off-line programmed on IBM compatible PCs.

YK INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Custom built sprue pickers or part-removal robots for presses from I0 to 2000 tons include designing and manufacturing end-of-arm tooling for company's robots, as well as for other brands.

YUSHIN AMERICA, INC.

HOPIII-G robots are three-axis, air-drive sprue pickers for 20- to 500-ton machines. Units are virtually maintenance-free. An optional servo-driven kick axis is available to allow for adjustment of the kick axis through the teach pendent for faster and safer setups. Also useful for rack molds. The G-type hand-held controller has accessible motion patterns and modes that allow the operator to choose part-gripping methods, part/runner release positions, downstream equipment, signals, part/runner verification methods, ejector control and reject discharge programs. Controller has three interchangeable languages: English, Japanese and Chinese.

RA-a/RAII-a robots are three- to five-axis, servo driven traverse-type units for 20- to 5000-ton machines and are virtually maintenance-free. RA-a units have a servo-drive, main arm axis, and RAII-a units include a servo-drive compound main arm axis used to extract parts off the mold and lift them from the platen area for high-speed part removal and to conserve overhead clearance. Units are controlled by a Windows XP-based touchscreen with a graphical, interactive-operator interface that is flexible and expandable. They are camera-phone ready to enable remote technical and software support.