At PLAST 2023 in Milan, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Italia showcased the company’s own-label robotics series, alongside two energy-efficient and compact IntElect machines equipped with digital tools and remote monitoring.
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Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery (Italia) presented two state-of-the-art exhibits at PLAST 2023. With the core themes focused on sustainability and energy savings, two energy-efficient 130 ton IntElect models equipped with myConnect monitoring and remote diagnostics took centre stage on the corporate stand in Hall 24.
Showcasing itself as a ‘one-stop’ supplier of advanced and sustainable all-electric injection moulding systems, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag released its machine status systems to the Italian market. Connected to both the compact IntElect automotive exhibit, as well as the multi-component IntElect Multi machine, the modular myConnect platform provides the tools to constantly monitor machine parameters and production data, from anywhere.
Designed to minimise disruptions and maintain production schedules, the wide variety of different functionalities was demonstrated at company’s dedicated digitisation terminal. Visitors were able to see live data being captured from both IntElect production cells.
With the four-day event, General Manager Paolo Zirondoli highlighted the importance of the Italian market and sector opportunities. “Packaging and medical are continuing to perform strongly and consumer goods remains as important as ever. All of these industries are catered for by our all-electric IntElect machine series. Demand for these efficient machines remains high.”
Zirondoli added that customers were increasingly seeking complete production packages including machines and integrated robotics, citing that they wanted "everything from a single source". Corroborating the value of being able to now source robotics designed specifically for injection moulding machines, he added: “The SAM (Sumitomo (SHI) Demag. Automation. Machine) is our in-house robot series. Fully integrated into the production cell, customers now benefit from a small injection moulding footprint comprising robot and material handling technology.” This was the first presentation of SAM Automation to the Italian market.
With the industrial standardized “IO-Link” communication system, intelligent sensors and actuators can be connected to the automation system. This means the SAM series fully meets future Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing requirements. Additionally, the robots all incorporate the Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s myConnect web-based software solution. Giving customers direct access to a wide range of fully networked support services to help better manage inefficiencies, reduce costs, optimise total cost of ownership, troubleshoot errors and minimise downtime.
Featured on the PLAST booth was an IntElect 130/520-560 equipped with a SAM-C5 handle&place robot. Manufacturing an automotive gear stick cover, the cell features a synchronised conveyor belt. Every element of the injection moulding process is enclosed within the low height production cell that is up to 50 percent smaller than conventional fully-enclosed cells. “Coupled with total machine control, full mechanical and software integration, a protective flap to safeguard operators, plus extendable doors, the result is a compact production cell that is delivered fully CE-certified,” reported Italy’s General Manager.
The other exciting exhibit featured an IntElect Multi-component injection moulding machine. Demonstrating the company’s expertise in this market, the IntElect multi 130/520x520-450h-250v, features a second, vertically positioned injection unit, with an electric turntable. Processing the combination of hard and soft plastic - ABS and TPE – visitors could see an electronic joystick controller in production, reports Zirondoli. “Historically, multi-component machines used in the consumer goods market have been designed on a large footprint to accommodate the tool and turntable. By increasing the mould space on the IntElect Multi, the Sumitomo (SHI) Demag team has succeeded in engineering an energy-efficient, dynamic, multi-component machine that is even more compact.”
The IntElect’s servo technology and parallel function is critical for the smooth and fast rotation of the mould between the injection of the first and second material. As well as ensuring components are perfectly positioned to receive the second shot, this higher precision results in a far shorter cycle times compared to earlier multi-component moulding concepts.
