Smart Molding International 2-2024

24 smart_molding international 2/2024 machinery Servo-driven sprue removal for more flexibility One special feature of the new WITTMANN production cells only becomes obvious when taking a closer look. The two WX90 sprue removal systems bear the serial numbers 0001 and 0002. WITTMANN first presented this novelty at the Fakuma trade fair in October 2023. For KB Kunststofftechnik, this innovation was precisely what they had been waiting for. “We deliberately chose the servo-controlled sprue removal device, because it features very smooth, precise movements and yet responds faster than a pneumatic sprue picker,” says Daniel Kaufmann, responsible for initial sampling and maintenance work at KB Kunststofftechnik. “With its fluid movements, this parts removal device is also suitable for simple parts handling tasks.” A great additional advantage is its control system. Similar to linear robots from WITTMANN, WX90 sprue removal systems also come with an R9 control system. Consequently, the data from the sprue removal process are fully integrated into the production cell. This means that the injection molding machine and the robot have an ultra-fast data exchange system at their disposal to co-ordinate their movements with optimal efficiency. What is more, with the import of the mold data set, not only the parameters for the machine are set automatically, but also the process sequence of the sprue removal device. This accelerates the set-up process. Minimizing changeover times “We produce just in time and have many tool changes”, Kaufmann explains, which is why set-up efficiency plays an important part. Eight changeovers per day are normal practice, sometimes there are even significantly more. Added to this are frequent barrel changes. Thanks to the new B8X generation of control systems, the SmartPower injection molding machines still reach very high uptimes. “The injection unit is coded via a sum plug, so that the machine’s control system knows immediately which screw model it is working with”, explains Daniel Müller. “This enables us to plug and produce. The maximum time needed for a barrel change is 20 minutes.” With the introduction of the B8X control system, WITTMANN has included the sum plug in the standard equipment package of the SmartPower series. “The WITTMANN machines offer many practical features especially for machine setters and re-toolers to make processes simpler and more efficient”, Daniel Kaufmann emphasizes. “People at WITTMANN always have an open ear for us users, and we notice that they really listen to our feedback”. “We always seek ways to analyze and evaluate processes”, Iris Langenberg adds. Transparency is the key to continuously optimizing the processes in the interest of higher and higher overall efficiency. Here, the main focus lies on energy demand and material consumption, which both make up a large proportion of the unit costs. “Whenever we accept an order, we must always know where the real cost levers can be found”, says Langenberg. “After all, we want to continue our competitive production in Germany in future as well.” The Production Manager Christian Cassierer appreciates the many practical features of the WITTMANN machines, which simplify processes and make them more efficient