Robots designed for machine tending and handling tasks in the injection moulding and die casting industries can be mounted either upside down or sideways on a rapid linear long distance unit.KUKA Automation + Robotics has launched a new generation of robots which are specially designed for machine tending and handling tasks in the injection moulding and die casting industries. The new KUKA Jet 6-axis robots can be mounted either upside down or sideways on a rapid linear unit for applications where a long distance needs to be covered, for example between an unloading station and set down point. KUKA says the combination of a flexible jointed-arm robot with the latest linear technology not only means shorter cycle times but also better manoeuvrability.
It ensures machines can be tended through narrower openings and workpieces can be more accurately positioned.
The new robots are able to remove components in a horizontal direction, making it possible to serve a series of machines for optimum material flow.
In addition, up to two robots can be controlled on one linear axis.
'New plastics injection moulding equipment and die technologies such as turnover plate machines with two components call for both the speed of a linear axis and the flexibility of a jointed-arm robot,' explained Paul Richards, KUKA's general sales manager.
'Highly complex removal operations and completely new, space-saving machine shop concepts are now possible even for bulky components.
The speed (3.2m/s) and versatility of these robotic systems will bring substantial productivity benefits for businesses in the injection moulding and die casting sectors,' he added.
The robots are capable of handling payloads ranging from 30kg up to 60kg and are available in four variants with a choice of reaches and working ranges.
They are programmed via a single KUKA controller and compatible with Euromap interfaces 12 and 67.