Arburg presents cost-effective automation solutions
Compact production cell with integrated assembly steps / Six-axis robotic system with simple programming thanks to Selogica

Lossburg. The 52nd International Engineering Fair MSV with over 1,500 exhibitors will take place in Brno in the Czech Republic from 13 to 17 September 2010. At Arburg, the focus will be on automated injection moulding. Exhibits on Stand 33 in Hall G1 will include a complex production cell consisting of a vertical Allrounder 375 V and a six-axis robotic system. This example of automation will demonstrate injection moulding of inserts with downstream assembly to trade Characters: 45 Lines: 123 Date: 28.07.10 bk visitors from around the world. The simple programming of a six-axis robotic system using the Selogica user interface will be demonstrated on a separate clamping unit. Also on show, will be the Allrounder 720 S Golden Edition hydraulic injection moulding machine. In combination with the linear Multilift Select robotic system, it offers a production unit that demonstrates the particu- larly cost-effective, automated production of a beer tankard.
The compact production cell based on the vertical Allrounder 375 V demonstrates the flexible use of the Kuka six-axis robotic system with Selogica user interface.
"In order to make their production even more econo- mical, plastics processors are increasingly looking for automated injection moulding solutions," says Jaroslav Novak, Subsidiary Manager in the Czech Republic. Arburg's offering includes simple integra- tion of linear as well as six-axis robotic systems and extends to highly complex production cells with extensive peripherals. "With the Selogica control system, we offer a central interface between man and machine that now also integrates the complex movement sequences of a Kuka six-axis robotic system, so that machines and robots can be programmed and centrally controlled via a standardised user interface."


Allrounder 375 V: Automated complex production cell with six-axis robotic system
The first exhibit, a vertical Allrounder 375 V with a clamping force of 500 kN and a size 170 injection unit, is integrated in a complex production cell. This cell is set up to produce a toy buggy weighing 18 grams. All four components are produced in one cycle lasting 30 seconds. A six-axis robotic system inserts the two metal axles, removes the sprue and the moulded components and then assembles them. The implementation of the Selogica user interface in the robotic control system brings the user decisive advantages: after just one brief training session, he can independently program and modify robotic sequences. Moreover, the significantly reduced set- up complexity results in shorter set-up times and, above all, permits effective reduction of the appli- cation’s cycle times through synchronisation of robot and machine movements.

Hands-on programming of six-axis robotic systems
"Never before has it been so easy to program a six- axis robotic system; even complex sequences can be represented with ease," stresses Jaroslav Novak. "The installation technician defines the movements of the six-axis robotic system within his familiar operating environment quickly, easily and, above all without external help, using the graphical sequence." To demonstrate this, the trade visitors can gain hands-on experience on a model consisting of a clamping unit and a six-axis robotic system and test the programming.

The entire robotic sequence is first entered in a similar manner to the machine sequence using a separate operating unit. Those who are familiar with Selogica will have no problems with production preparation of the robotic system. The intuitive programming work makes it easier to effectively regulate the machine, robotic system and the plant. This not only makes the process of production preparation faster, but also much more cost- effective.


Projects and applications: individually tailored to the tasks in hand
With a total of ten exhibits, including numerous complex production cells, Arburg will present its broad spectrum of application-based, energy-efficient injection moulding solutions. Accordingly, the trade fair stand is dominated by hybrid and electric machines from the Hidrive and Alldrive series, all of which bear the Arburg energy-efficiency label. These exhibits are used to present high-speed packaging applications from the fields of in-mould labelling, multi-component injection moulding, including liquid silicon and thermo plastics, the production of a medical technology part and micro-injection moulding with the new micro-injection module from Arburg, which combines an 8 mm injection screw with a second screw for melting the material.

Allrounder 720 S with Multilift robotic system
A further exhibit that stands for economy in the production of moulded parts is the Allrounder 720 S Golden Edition. With technologically superior standard equipment, this injection moulding machine offers a particularly attractive price/performance ratio. The exhibit, with a clamping force of 3,000 kN and a size 1300 injection unit, produces a beer tankard weighing 184 grams in a cycle time of 50 seconds. The Multilift Select servo-electric robotic system then removes the tankard, performs a quality inspection and then places it on a conveyor belt.

Comprehensive range of products and services from Arburg
"Complex production cells with integrated upstream and downstream operations are becoming increa- singly important, especially with regard to economy and quality," says Jaroslav Novak and adds: "with our competence in this area, we offer our customers all the advantages of the Arburg modular component system." The Arburg project department designs, constructs and commissions individual customer and sector-specific automation solutions as a main contractor. The project team from the German headquarters in Lossburg will be supported in the Czech Republic by their own project engineer. Efficiency in injection moulding production can be further improved through advice on applications engineering and preventive maintenance of the machine fleet.