Smart Molding International 1-2023

molding outlook 23 www.smart-molding.com FANUC presented injection moulding solutions at K 2022 FANUC shined the spotlight on its credentials as a provider of sustainable production solutions for the plastics industry. In Dusseldorf the company showcased four automated pro- duction cells. For instance, a FANUC ROBOSHOT S220iB (220T capacity) injection moulding machine produced polypropylene parts from a 48-cavity mould manufactured by Foboha, with parts handling via a Sepro Success 33 linear robot and Gimatic gripper. Integrated file management allowed easy program transfer between machine and robot. In addition, fully inte- grated Regloplas water manifolds (via VNC – virtual network computing) ensured easy setting and adjustment using the ROBOSHOT HMI screen. For the mould, the system featured Priamus cavity pressure sensors with an E63 fill control interface. Fill control balanced the cavity by adjusting the hot-runner nozzle temperature. The latest EUROMAP 82.2/OPC 40082-2 control interface provided communication with a Gammaflux hot-runner tem- perature control system. Visitors from the medical sector benefited from taking a look at FANUC’s demonstration cell involving a ROBOSHOT S150iB (150T capacity) injection moulding machine with a TIM 8-cavity mould for 20ml polypropylene syringes. A FANUC M20iB/25C industrial 6-axis robot with Gimatic grip- per was set to provide the automation. The system featured integrated Regloplas water manifolds via VNC and an inte- grated FANUC servo unscrewing function for the mould. A plug and play FANUC iRVision visual detection system was checking for the correct demoulding of parts. Optimised for cleanroom environments, this standard medical package also demonstrates a PETEK laminar flow box for class 8 cleanroom use. Further features includes bush-less tie bars for enhanced cleanliness in the mould area (less lu- bricant requirement), FDA-approved grease, high-gloss paint for easy cleaning and rust-proof linear guides. To demonstrate FANUC’s compatibility with the latest sustainable and environmentally friendly bioplastic ma- terials, visitors to K 2022 were provided a chance to view a ROBOSHOT S100iB (100T capacity) injection mould- ing machine producing 8-cavity coffee capsules from a bio-compostable plastic. Fully configured to process this innovative material, the ROBOSHOT machine at the exhi- bition had an Inmex 26mm barrel with integrated heater featuring insulation and cooling for energy-efficient op- eration. The latest EUROMAP 82.1/OPC 40082-1 control interface was providing communication with an HB-Therm mould temperature controller. Full automation was courtesy of a FANUC LRMate 200iD/7L compact industrial robot, highlighting the benefit of FANUC QSSR (Quick & Simple Start-up of Robotization). QSSR makes it possible to connect the ROBOSHOT machine and robot using a single Ethernet cable. Users have the subsequent option to undertake G-code programming of the robot via the machine tool’s control. The robot was also showcasing a Zimmer tool-change system. The final demonstration cell was focussing on an LSR (liq- uid silicone rubber) application. Central to the system was a ROBOSHOT S150iB injection moulding machine support- ed by a FANUC M20iD/25 robot. This FANUC LSR package was producing LSR sealing components from a 64-cavity SEI WOO mould. Notable features included: a FANUC LSR plasticiser; integrated vacuum pump, mould heat circuits and control; standard enhanced software package for LSR moulding functionality; and LSR dosing equipment from ACH Hefner. ROBOSHOT S220iB by FANUC (picture: FANUC)