Component demolding is more energy-efficient and cost-effective with the digital vacuum monitoring of the new LRX small robot generation from KraussMaffei. The new vacuum control monitors the compressed air consumption actively and identifies leaking material early. The additional blow-off function makes it easier to store small components.
Like an automatic start-stop mechanism
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All new LRX small robots from KraussMaffei are equipped with the digital vacuum indicator integrated into the MC6. The optional vacuum monitoring controls the compressed air consumption actively. |
The new vacuum monitoring works completely digitally and contains the three functions of air saving, leak detection and blow-off. "The air saving function is comparable with the automatic start-stop mechanism of a state-of-the-art car. "Like a car that conserves energy by cutting the engine at a stoplight using an engine start-stop feature, in automation, only the amount of vacuum currently needed in the cycle is generated," says Thomas Marufke, Managing Director of KraussMaffei Automation. Altogether a savings of up to 95 percent of the compressed air requirement is reached. The control system shuts off vacuum generation after reaching a preset threshold value. If the vacuum level drops in the course of the hold time, the set value is restored through a short pulse.
The new digital vacuum monitoring is fully integrated in the standard models of the MC6 control system. All vacuum values are therefore stored program-specifically. This, in turn, makes the robot program change easier and makes extensive conversion at the digital pressure switch unnecessary.
Additional leak function and blow-off function
The additional function of leak monitoring records irregularities of the automatic start-stop mechanism and feeds them back directly to the MC6 control system. This signals leaky vacuum circuits or defective suction devices at an early stage. "For this reason the new vacuum monitoring functions as an additional early detection system and supports the proactive servicing of the system (predictive maintenance)," according to Marufke.
The second additional function, the blow-off function, makes the controlled storage of smaller components on the conveyor belt easier through specific blow-off. This, in turn, increases efficiency in the production cycle and optimizes the automation process. At the Fakuma trade show, a LRX 150 in combination with a CX 200-750 with a clamping force of 2000 kN assumes this task. Finishers for a game console in various design versions are created here in a multi-cavity mold. The LRX 150 extracts the components and throws them into a sachet downline of the sprue deposit. Supported through the blow-off function, this happens faster and more efficiently.
More modular and efficient: the new generation of LRX small robots
The new generation of the small linear robots from KraussMaffei features a new progressive design with decentralized control cabinet concept and freestanding X-axis. They offer high flexibility in processes such as simple retrofitting of sensors or expansion of media circuits. Rack-and-pinion drives used in place of toothed belts offer fast, high-precision movements in all axes. A revised thermal and protection concept for electronic components with a Class IP54 rounds out the new concept and offers high uptime and safety. The new LRX 50, LRX 100 and LRX 150 can be combined individually with all hydraulic and all-electric injection molding machines with clamping forces from 350 to 6500 kN.
About KraussMaffei
The KraussMaffei product brand is internationally recognized for its groundbreaking, multitechnology system and process solutions for injection and reaction molding technology and factory automation. With its standalone, modular or standardized machinery and systems, and a wide, customizable service offering, KraussMaffei is a full-system partner for customers in many industry sectors. KraussMaffei bundles many decades of engineering expertise in plastics machinery and is headquartered in Munich, Germany.
About the KraussMaffei Group
The KraussMaffei Group is among the world’s leading suppliers of machinery and systems for producing and processing plastics and rubber. Its products and services cover the whole spectrum of injection and reaction molding and extrusion technology, giving the company a unique position in the industry. The KraussMaffei Group is innovation-powered, supplying its products, processes and services as standard or custom solutions which deliver sustained added value along the customer’s value-adding chain. The company markets it’s offering under the KraussMaffei, KraussMaffei Berstorff and Netstal brands to customers in the automotive, packaging, medical, construction, electrical, electronics and home appliance industries.
