Press release submitted on behalf of WITTMANN.
WITTMANN has developed the gold standard approach for stack mold applications: dual high-speed top entry robots.
WITTMANN USA, Torrington, Connecticut, a manufacturer of injection molding machines, robots, auxiliary equipment and more, has developed a leading-edge custom robot solution targeting stack mold 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 mold applications, molders 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 molds, 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 molders who are not stack mold 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 Mold and High-Speed Stack Mold Robot Applications
The standard WITTMANN high-speed robots can be mounted to run even the most complex stack mold 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 molding automation. The robots can be programmed to work together or can run individually, when one robot can be used when standard two plate molds 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.
About WITTMANN
The WITTMANN Group is a globally leading manufacturer of injection molding machines, robots and auxiliary equipment for processing a great variety of plasticizable materials – both plastic and non-plastic. The group of companies has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria and consists of two main divisions: WITTMANN BATTENFELD and WITTMANN. Following the principles of environmental protection, conservation of resources and circular economy, the WITTMANN Group engages in state-of-the-art process technology for maximum energy efficiency in injection molding, and in processing standard materials and materials with a high content of recyclates and renewable raw materials. The products of the WITTMANN Group are designed for horizontal and vertical integration into a Smart Factory and can be interlinked to form an intelligent production cell.
The companies of the group jointly operate ten production plants in six countries, and the additional sales companies at their 37 different locations are present in all major industrial markets around the world.
WITTMANN BATTENFELD pursues the continued strengthening of its market position as a manufacturer of injection molding machines and supplier of comprehensive modern machine technology in modular design. The product range of WITTMANN includes robots and automation systems, material handling systems, dryers, gravimetric and volumetric blenders, granulators, temperature controllers and chillers. The combination of the individual areas under the umbrella of the WITTMANN Group enables perfect integration – to the advantage of injection molding processors with an increasing demand for seamless interlocking of processing machines, automation and auxiliaries.
More information: www.wittmann-group.com/en/usa
