Automated elastomer processing

  • Compact:Production cell based on vertical Allrounder 275 V
  • Flexible:Inserts overmoulded with EPDM
  • Automated:Agilus six-axis robot performs part handling

Lossburg.At the International Rubber Conference (IRC) 2015Arburg will present in Hall 12, Stand 202, a compact production cell producing removal suction cups with a brass bush.The system is based on a vertical Allrounder 275 V, which overmoulds the brass inserts with EPDM elastomer.Part handling is performed by an Agilus six-axis robot.The finished moulded parts are forwarded to a camera inspection and are then set down on a conveyor belt.

With the application presented at the IRC 2015, Arburg emphasises its competence in the processing of special materials and its expertise in project systems.The vertical machine features a minimal footprint, the high degree of freedom of the robotic equipment offers high flexibility.

Compact production cell

A vertical Allrounder 275 V with elastomer equipment, a clamping force of 250 kN and a size 70 injection unit is used. Firstly, a threaded brass bush is inserted into the single-cavity mould from EDEGS, which is then evacuated via a vacuum system integrated in the Selogica machine control system.The insert is overmoulded with EPDM in a cycle time of around 60 seconds.Injection takes place via a pneumatic cold runner system with needle-type shut-off nozzle, integrated into the mould.Two P 160 S temperature control unitsfrom Regloplas, fully integrated into the Selogica control system,regulate the temperatures of the cold runner and cylinder module.

An Agilus six-axis robot removes the finished moulded part, forwards it to a camera inspection and sets the good part down on a conveyor belt. The robot then takes the next threaded bush supplied by a spiral conveyor and inserts it in the mould.

Elastomer equipment package for Allrounders

The Arburg product range features a special equipment package for elastomer processing.The package includes a precision-adapted cylinder module.In order to prevent premature vulcanisation, a precisely defined and constant temperature profile must be maintained.For this purpose, the elastomer cylinder module is liquid temperature controlled via heating/cooling jackets.

Open nozzles are employed as standard for elastomer processing.The simple geometry and low shearing in this nozzle system reduce the risk of premature cross-linking.The elastomer equipment continues to include an injection unit with automatic band feed and a special conveyor screw for processing the strip material.

Special Selogicafeatures

Mould heating takes place using adaptive temperature control circuits which can be directly programmed and regulated via the machine's Selogica control system.Furthermore, up to six temperature control units can be operated directly by the control system via the interface.Vulcanisation times and dosing delays can also be entered and venting and injection compression can be controlled.

Elastomer parts are frequently ejected using brush or demoulding devices.These are also integrated into the Selogica control system via a flexible interface.Thus, all of the typical elastomer processing sequences can be easily implemented by the machine operator without costly special programs.

Extensive range of vertical machines

The vertical Allrounder V series consists of three machine sizes and a clamping force range from 125 to 500 kN.All the machines feature a fixed, vertical clamping unit, designed as a free-space system.This closes from above, so that the inserts are prevented from slipping on the fixed mould half.Like all Arburg machines, the Allrounder V models are also of a modular design and enable various combinations in terms of clamping force and injection unit.Because the injection units can be arranged vertically or horizontally, injection can take place either centrally or into the parting line.Thanks to the free-space system and the low table heights, these Allrounders are suitable for both manual and automated insertion and removal of moulded parts.Vertical machines can also be generally equipped with rotary or shuttle tables and are therefore also suitable for integration in complete production lines.

Images

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At the IRC 2015, Arburg will present the processing of elastomers on a vertical Allrounder 275 V.During the production of a removal suction cup, a brass insert is overmoulded with EPDM.

ARBURG_39134-01_suction_cups.jpg

At the IRC 2015 Arburg will present a compact production cell producing removal suction cups with a brass bush.

Photos:ARBURG

About Arburg

German machine manufacturer Arburg is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of injection moulding machines with clamping forces between 125 and 5,000 kN.This is complemented by robotic systems, customer- and sector-specific turnkey solutions and further peripherals.An innovative additive manufacturing system developed in-house was added to the plastic processing range in 2013.

In keeping with its motto “Arburg for efficient injection moulding”, the company places the topic of production efficiency at the centre of all its activities, taking into account the entire value-added chain.The objective is to enable the Arburg customers to manufacture their plastic products, whether one-off parts or high-volume production, in optimal quality and at minimum unit costs – e.g. for the automotive and packaging industries, communication and entertainment electronics, medical technology, or the white goods sector.

An international sales and service network guarantees first-class, local customer support.Arburg is represented by its own organisations at 32 locations in 24 countries and by trading partners in more than 50 countries.The machines are produced exclusively at the parent factory in Lossburg, Germany.From a total of around 2,400 employees, around 2,000 work in Germany. About 400 further employees work in Arburg’s organisations around the world.In 2012, Arburg became one of the first companies to gain triple certification:to ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environment) and ISO 50001 (Energy).

Further information about Arburg can be found at

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