“Customers often call asking for dual vertical arm robots to run stack moulds, 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 moulders who are not stack mould 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.”

The standard WITTMANN high-speed robots can be mounted to run even the most complex stack mould 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.

WITTMANN USA, a manufacturer of injection moulding machines, robots and auxiliary equipment, has developed a custom robot solution targeting stack mould applications.

When looking at stack mould applications, moulders 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.

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 moulding automation. The robots can be programmed to work together or can run individually, when one robot can be used when standard two plate moulds are run in the same machine.

New fifth-generation injection molding machines (IMMs) from Haitian and Zhafir will be demonstrated by Absolute Haitian at NPE2024 in Orlando, FL, next month. And, the Haitian Group will introduce its CNC machine tool lines in their first-ever US trade show appearance.

Geoff Giordano is a tech journalist with more than 30 years’ experience in all facets of publishing. He has reported extensively on the gamut of plastics manufacturing technologies and issues, including 3D printing materials and methods; injection, blow, micro and rotomolding; additives, colorants and nanomodifiers; blown and cast films; packaging; thermoforming; tooling; ancillary equipment; and the circular economy. Contact him at [email protected].

Generation 5 Haitian and Zhafir IMMs use up to 20% less energy with shorter cycle times and smaller footprints. AI algorithms and sensors provide intelligent control to improve energy usage, accuracy, consistency, real-time monitoring, and diagnostics.

Haitian Jupiter 5 Servo-hydraulic two-platen IMM. A 731-ton machine that will demonstrate production of  PC/ABS automotive outer panel with a two-cavity mold and 60-second cycle time.

The Haitian servo-hydraulic IMMs feature an electric screw drive up to 120 mm to cut energy usage and improve process stability.

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.

Haitian Mars 5 Servo-hydraulic IMM. A 315-ton machine that will demonstrate production of a polypropylene consumer storage container with a single-cavity mold and 50-second cycle time.

Performance of these Gen 5 machines is enhanced by the improved integration of auxiliary/peripheral equipment. Each features a large KEBA control interface to access intelligent diagnostics.

By incorporating dual high-speed top entry robots, this type of cell allows for faster cycle times, lower payload requirements, and flexible process flow.

Zhafir Zeres 5 Electric IMM. A 214-ton machine that will demonstrate production of an ABS medical IV filter with an 8x8 cavity stack mold and 18-second cycle time.

Zhafir Venus 5 All-electric IMM. A 101-ton machine that will demonstrate production of a Tritan copolyester medical syringe barrel with a four-cavity mold and 18-second cycle time.