Auxiliary Equipment (November 01, 2008)

Robot for small tonnage I/M machines

The new W801 robot from Wittmann is designed to expand the use of automation on smaller tonnage molding machines ranging from 25 to 120 tons clamping force.

The compact W801 robots have a 3-kg (6.6 lb.) payload and are optimized for size. Besides the small cross-section of the vertical arm, the construction of the wrist flip is suited to utilize the small mold opening stroke common to small machine sizes.

The W801 is equipped with a fixed kick-stroke reaching over the mold area in order to avoid collisions with machine hoppers and blenders on machines with short injection units. The linear bearings are designed for extended lubrication intervals and high dynamic load.

The W801 robots are available with a horizontal stroke of 1,250 and 1,500 mm (49.2″ and 59.1″). The robot offers vertical stroke lengths of 600 and 800 mm (23.6″ and 31.5″), a kick-stroke of 400mm (15.7″) with a reach of 515 mm (20.3″).

Wittmann Canada Inc. (Richmond Hill, Ont.);www.wittmann-canada.com; 888-466-8266

Anplast Inc. (Anjou, Que.); 1-800-387-4590

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Actuator for clean room environments

Designed for clean room environments, the new CGL15N/CGL20N Actuator from THK America, Inc. has a clean, corrosion resistant and long term maintenance-free design.

For low particle generation, the CGL15N/CGL20N features a seal mechanism and a full size cover. AFE-CA grease (designed for clean rooms) is also used to reduce dust. The CGL15N/CGL20N’s Ball Screw and LM Guide come THK AP-C treated for high corrosion resistance. The incorporation of THK Caged Technology results in long-term maintenance-free performance.

THK Caged Technology employs a synthetic resin cage with a patented curvature that cradles each ball and separates it from the next one. The spaces between the rolling elements retain grease and act as a lubrication system.

THK Canada (Mississauga, Ont.);www.thk.com; 905-820-7800; (Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Que.); 514-685-1046

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Coupling station services multiple machines

The standard version of Motan’s fully automatic coupling station, Metrolink, supplies up to 15 processing machines automatically with up to 16 material options.

Due to the modular construction, the capacity can easily be expanded and the compact, sophisticated design of the material distribution system enables space-saving integration into the process.

The Metrolink is only in action when the material is changed, and not whenever a conveying point needs material.

Additionally, the Metrolink produces little wear, resulting in the use of fixed pipe connections eliminating the need for flexible hoses.

Motan Inc. (Plainwell, Mich.);www.motan.com;800-991-9921

Dier International Plastics Inc. (Unionville, Ont.); 905-474-9874

D Cube (Montreal, Que.); 514-272-0500