Molding Equipment Features More Connectivity With Robots, Auxiliaries, Industry 4.0

Wittmann USA, a manufacturer of injection molding machines, robots, auxiliary equipment and more, is showcasing five injection molding machine work cells, integrated with robots and auxiliaries, featuring 4.0 technologies in every cell. These machines include plug and produce, Wittmann Digital, control room, remote access, OPC UA communication and data collection, and more.

Moreover, in keeping on track with a circular economy mindset, sustainability is integrated throughout Wittmann’s booth including:

• The KERS energy recover system in all SmartPower and EcoPower molding machines.
• Process technology, such as HiQ flow, that helps minimize scrap and improve the customer’s part quality.
• Feedmax clean material separation loader designed for recycled plastic, removing 80% of dust and fines.
• On every machine in the booth, an energy measurement will be carried out using the Wittmann Digital proprietary software, IMAGOxt.
• Complete line of auxiliaries including dryer, conveyers, blenders, temperature controllers and granulators to help customers enable a closed loop process.

Wittman breaks down the work cells and technology being featured: The MacroPower large tonnage servo-hydraulic machine with electric metering motor features the Wittmann HiQ flow with regrind technology and is molding a sunroof bezel from Axiom, using hybrid-grade recycled content polypropylene (PP) from TotalEnergies. Also running is a Wittmann WX153 Robot.

Auxiliaries (including granulator for regrind) contain the G-max XL granulator, Gravimax G34 blender and Feedmax B series loaders. The conveying is operated from the M8 central conveying controller. The Feedmax clean conveys material from the G-max XL to the G34 blender, while removing the dust content during conveying. Also included is the Tempro plus D L250 and Coolmax 20-ton, air-cooled chiller.

The Wittmann WX153 robot, in partnership with Keyence, is showing how the robot and automation can print QR codes and other important data directly onto the part.

The SmartPower servo-hydraulic 400 three-shot machine features Cellmould on the outer layer of a cup and molds the one-cavity “family mold” cup and lid from Haidlmair, with PP and color from Borealis. Also running is a WX142 robot.

Auxiliaries featured are the Aton plus 120 VS with a three-hopper Silmax compact cart. This displays Wittmann’s Net5 conveying platform, designed for controlling material conveying within a workcell. Also included is:

• The Tempro plus D 250 TCU
• WFC120 water manifold for realizing and controlling flow through individual cooling channels on the mold
• Coolmax 15-ton, air-cooled chiller
• Dosimax color feeders

SmartPower 120 showcases liquid silicone rubber (LSR) technology and molds beverage caps and covers from Nexus, featuring a four-cavity family mold and LSR material from Momentive. Also running is the W918 robot. Auxiliaries include Coolmax 5-ton, air-cooled chiller and Tempro plus D L250 TCU.

The MicroPower 15 two-shot features micro molding with LSR, where it molds a speaker membrane from Starlim Spritzguss GmbH, using polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and LSR material. Auxiliaries include Micro dryer and Micro plus D TCU.

The SmartPower 4.0 demo cell features Wittmann 4.0 on the latest generation SmartPower servo-hydraulic machine, with a Wittmann-developed B8X controller, and new multiconnector for screw and barrel assemblies. Also featured is a W918 robot, two Tempro plus D TCUs, one G14 blender and one Aton plus dryer.

Material Handling

The material handling section of the Wittmann booth showcases the Tempro plus D 390. This brings Wittmann’s water TCU offering up to 392°F, from the previous maximum temperature of 360°F. Wittmann’s goal is to be able to shift more customers away from oil as a process medium, and into water.

Other highlights include:

• FeedMax clean — this is Wittmann’s first dust/fines separator.
• Drymax plus — this brings the Drymax lineup of portable dryers into the world of Wittmann 4.0.
• Wittmann is showcasing and demonstrating the material traceability, material lot control, and error-proofing software options for the M8 central conveying control

 

Robot Cells

There are also two robot cells, both showcasing the Wittmann Control room. The Control room can be used to view and control several Wittmann auxiliary products within its work cell. This can operate on the R9 pendant as well as a PC.

The Sonic 131 shows off its acceleration and speed with exclusive demos. A robot control demo WX142 with R9 — a WX142 robot is used to demonstrate the latest QuickNew teach program generator. While the R8 control is the QuickNew’s heritage, the R9 control takes this beyond its predecessor. Wittmann maintains that programming complex IMM work cells has never been quicker or easier.