Staubli robots provide the ideal solution for injection moulding specialist

Citation

(2000), "Staubli robots provide the ideal solution for injection moulding specialist", Industrial Robot, Vol. 27 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2000.04927faf.009

Staubli robots provide the ideal solution for injection moulding specialist

Keywords: Robots, Injection moulding

The integration of multi-axis robots within the trade injection moulding sector is gaining pace as moulders increasingly realise the benefits of automation. Frequently, an initial reluctance to adopt multi-axis robot solutions stems from partial appreciation of the cost/benefit profile achievable by using the latest automation equipment.

One of the first injection moulding companies to appreciate the advantages of using multi-axis robots was W.H. Smith & Sons, of Minworth in the West Midlands, UK (see Plate 7). W.H. Smith & Sons installed their first robot ten years ago (and it remains in regular use today) while they now boast a complement of nine Stäubli robots with plans currently being reviewed for further additions in the coming months.

Plate 7 Applications for Stäubli RX robots include demoulding, trimming, insert loading and paletising

Initially, there was some scepticism regarding the use of multi-axis robots. W.H. Smith & Sons were conversant with simple pick and place robots which they built themselves and used extensively alongside the moulding machines, but the more complex industrial robot was regarded as possibly too advanced, complex and difficult to justify. Working closely with Stäubli engineers and having the opportunity to evaluate an ex-display model in their own works convinced W.H. Smith & Sons that multi-axis robots provided the ideal solution to a number of manufacturing cell problem areas and could readily be integrated into their systems at a realistic cost.

From the start W.H. Smith & Sons selected Stäubli Unimation as their robot supplier, being impressed not only with the adaptability and ease of use of their range of robots but also with the level and quality of customer service. As Greg Boden, W.H. Smith & Sons engineering manager, commented: "Stäubli from the outset understood our needs and helped at every stage to smooth the introduction of robot technology into our existing working practices. This set them apart from the other suppliers we contacted, Stäubli made it easy."

The RX range of robots is particularly suited to these types of applications. The compact footprint allows installation in the confined spaces often encountered in moulding cells, directly alongside the moulding machines. The ability to run supply lines through the arm's centre was an added bonus making it easier to rig in tight areas. As Greg Boden put it : "The Stäubli RX robot with its clean compact lines looks the part, it is rigid, solid and reliable."

RX robots feature high speed and acceleration and are capable of following complex trajectories even at high speeds. Joint speed ranges up to 1,125° per second. The high degree of accuracy and repeatability make the RX ideal for the performance of detailed, meticulous tasks. At the heart of each RX robot is the patented, unique, JCS gearbox providing zero backlash and consistent performance, in essence the embodiment of Swiss precision and reliability. They are compact having a minimal footprint and are suitable for floor, wall or ceiling mounting. The range includes models with load capacities from 1.5kg to 60kg with a reach at the wrist from 665mm to 2,135mm. The movement in six axes provides an extremely large work envelope. User friendly software permits easy programming as well as re-programming to bring the added degree of flexibility often of benefit in automated systems.

The robots are engaged at W.H. Smith & Sons on a variety of tasks in the moulding cells from insert loading and packing of commutator parts for Black & Decker electric motors to demoulding, trimming and palletising of automotive components. The introduction of robot handling into the manufacturing line for car heater control knobs significantly improved quality by avoiding rejections caused by surface damage.

The response from the shopfloor has been equally positive, with demand coming from operators to install automation to improve utilisation and efficiency and place the tedious repetitive jobs under robot control.

W.H. Smith & Sons, which is still a privately owned business, has grown dramatically since its foundation in 1933. The company now supplies a complete service from technical support in the initial product design leading on to tool design and manufacture, injection moulding, assembly and decoration, to a wide range of multi-national companies, in a variety of market sectors. From its Minworth site in the West Midlands, employing over 400 people, W.H. Smith & Sons will achieve a sales turnover of £24 million this year, with well-known names like Black & Decker, Toyota, Mars Electronic and TRW heading the customer list.

Unusually, W.H. Smith & Sons have an in-house engineering team, who design, develop and build the manufacturing systems required, incorporating robotics where necessary. This team is also able to re-engineer systems allowing the reuse of robots for new jobs – some of the robots currently in use are on their third application. One example is a robot initially used for demoulding which was reprogrammed to work on packaging and is now glue laying on Honda timing belt covers. This design and development facility has been instrumental in moving W.H. Smith & Sons into an ever-increasing range of secondary and ancillary operations, including the manufacture of their own printed circuit boards as well as crafting leather covers on to a range of top quality automotive fittings.

Future installations being considered by WHS involve the creation of flexible moulding cells incorporating Stäubli RX robots, which will be capable of switching production easily between a number of applications as the demand requires and also be easily reprogrammed to accommodate new components as the business develops. Boden and his team are confident that they now have the knowledge and experience to develop their use of robots in this way. They are also aware that should they need it, there is a wealth of help and assistance immediately available from the Stäubli team at Telford.

For additional information contact: Mr Simon Whitton, UK Sales Manager – Industrial Robotics, Stäubli Unimation Ltd, Stafford Park 17, Telford, Shropshire TF3 3DG, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1952 290276; Fax: +44 (0) 1952 290057; Web site: www.staubli.com