K-2013 Fanuc Robomachine Deutschland GmbH in Hall 15 Stand B25 (October 16 to 23, 2013)

FANUC-ROBOSHOT-S-2000i-100B

Fanuc Robomachine Deutschland GmbH will exhibit three of its electric Roboshot injection moulding machines at K-13. These machines fulfil current user requirements aimed at low energy consumption and flawless injection moulding quality, combined with stable repeatability and maximum process security. To achieve this, the Roboshot machines are equipped with energy recovery control, torque dependent dosing control – PMC 2 and 3 – as well as with the specific backflow monitor and, finally, with efficient AI mould protection. Importantly, Fanuc proves its economic and technological competence – in conjunction with its renowned systems partners – in the areas of two-component injection moulding and manufacturing cells with the highest possible flexibility. High precision granulate mixing and dosing is controlled by motan materials management equipment.

Medical Technical applications
With a Fanuc Roboshot S-2000i-100B (1000 kN clamping force) PP closure caps for syringes are produced using a specific 48-cavity medical device mould. Parts are removed by a linear robot with a positioning accuracy of 0.01 mm, especially developed for medical technology by Hekuma. With a shot weight of 32 grams polypropylene the Fanuc injection moulding machines achieves a cycle time of maximum 8.1 seconds.

Two-Component applications
Close cooperation with Otto Männer GmbH, Bahlingen, Germany, has resulted in space-saving and economic options for two-component applications in small and micro volumes. The Fanuc Roboshot S-2000i-150B has been enhanced with an integrated rotary drive and a flexible attachment option. It has therefore been equipped with a „duo-män“ bolt-on unit as second injection system. The fully electric „duo-män“ injection unit is mounted directly to the mould half of the nozzle side. Using the 8-cavity 2K mould provided by Schneider two-colour felt-tip pen caps are produced in PP (16.5 grams per component) in a 17 second cycle and deposited by handling unit.

Electric/Electronic applications
Filigree functional parts with many complex geometries, as produced in very large quantities in the electric and electronic industries, require maximum precision when it comes to surface finish, contour accuracy, weight and reproducibility. A well-known customer provided Fanuc with a complex mould for the manufacture of connectors. With a shot weight of 22 grams four functional components in PBT are produced simultaneously in a cycle time of 12 seconds. Part removal is handled by a three-axes linear robot – equipped with Fanuc servo drives and control – by systems partner Hi Tech Automation.

Fundamental energy saving
The Roboshot electric IMM operates with extremely low energy consumption. Its control monitor indicates the actual power consumption and regenerated power in a graphical and a numerical display. Also, the accumulated power over a specified period, the trend of power consumption and power demand are displayed. Energy savings are realized by the following features: Fanuc’s superior motion control technology for high efficiency and power recovery.

The feature of energy recovery – whereby the servo-drive motors in the Roboshot machines generate electrical energy as they decelerate, when closing and opening the mould after locking  – contributes a tremendous potential for reducing energy costs. “We utilize kinematic and turn it into regenerated power instead of discharging thermal energy into the air,” says Wolfgang Haak, Applications Engineer at Fanuc, and adds that “the amount of energy produced in this way depends on the machine and process, but it amounts to around 10 percent of power saved on average, on top of the 40-60 percent lower energy consumption of electric machines as opposed to hydraulic ones. Today, we must not forget the issue of CO2 emissions: the greater the energy requirements of a manufacturing plant, the higher are the CO2 emissions. With our Roboshot machines, less energy is required from the national power grid, which means lower emissions and the protection of our environment”.

Moving on to the control system used by the Roboshot IMMs, Wolfgang Haak points to the actual energy displayed in KWh on the control system screen. He added: “The customer doesn’t have to take a specific external energy measurement. The Fanuc system is the most effective transparency tool for customers with regard to their energy balance.”

Fanuc Roboshot highlight at a glance
Sustainable process capability – stable moulding through Backflow Monitor and Precise Metering Control PMC2&3: The behaviour of melt in the cylinder is detected and shown on the screen. The first feature is the Backflow Monitor which shows the backflow of material at the time of injection on a screen. This allows conclusions (feedback) regarding the stability of the injection, the closing characteristics of the non-return valve as well as its status. The second feature is the Precise Metering Control (PMC2&3). Residual pressure in the screw flights compensates volume displacements at the end of the dosing cycle. It guarantees a constant dosing volume and minimizes weight deviations of the parts to be moulded.

The AI mould protection and AI ejector functions of the Fanuc Roboshot series of IMMs are very effective in safeguarding a longer lifetime of the mould. The AI mould protection function stops the platen motion instantaneously as soon as it detects foreign parts or obstacles remaining in the mould – thus preventing damage to the mould. It also averts damage to the slide core and inserts when the mould is opened. Furthermore, the AI ejector function is very effective in preventing damage to the ejector when it moves forward or backwards. The machine reacts before damage can occur at the mould, as soon as an ejector’s movement starts to stiffen up.