The robot control is fully integrated into the Milacron machine controls, utilising the Sepro Visual control platform developed by Sepro specifically for the injection moulding industry. With a common control for all robots – including 3- and 5-axis – Cartesian beam robots operation is simplified and even inexperienced users can learn to create a pick-and-place program in matter of minutes.
The agreement is similar to the one Sepro made with Milacron in North America in 2010, which has seen Sepro robots successfully sold under the Milacron brand in North America.
"This agreement creates new options for moulders who may prefer to deal with a single supplier for their injection moulding machine and automation requirements," stated Jean-Michel Renaudeau, CEO of Sepro Group. "It opens new market opportunities for both, Milacron and Sepro."
Renaudeau believes alliances such as these are critical to the implementation of Industry 4.0.
"Integration and collaboration are essential in making the industry more efficient and productive," he stated. "Our partnership with Milacron in Europe is key. Of course, several moulding-machine manufacturers have sold IMM/robot packages for years and they are quite popular, especially in countries like Germany and for global companies buying equipment for plants in other parts of the world. Others prefer to buy their injection moulding machine from one company and their robot from another and we offer them our support too. So, today, we offer moulders new choices."
Denis Poelman, Managing Director of Milacron’s Injection Moulding Machinery business in Europe added: "Sepro robotic systems are ideally suited for all of Milacron’s machine series and perfectly adapt to our customer’s needs. All platforms are offered under the name of Milacron Standard Linear Robot for Pick and Place Applications and Milacron Performance Linear Robot for High End Applications. The new robot portfolio can handle weights from 3 to 60 kg."
With this agreement for strategic cooperation, Milacron is expanding its supplier portfolio in the area of linear robots. The new offer includes complete automation systems for all of Europe and beyond. Milacron will act as single source while combining all platform suppliers to provide turnkey solutions in combination with their injection molding machines, hot runner technology and process control systems.
All robots are marketed under the Milacron brand, with Milacron handling aftermarket service with support from Sepro.
The robots are immediately available, with more than 15 robots sold under the agreement to customers in Germany, Portugal and elsewhere already.
