With a clear focus on efficiency, flexibility and integration, Engel is presenting comprehensive automation solutions at K 2025. The showcase spans fully automated production cells and an Automation Expert Corner, illustrating how complex handling can be embedded directly into injection moulding. All components, from the injection moulding machine to peripheral equipment, are supplied from one source, harmonised and operated via the uniform CC300 control. The result is consistent operation, shorter set-up and higher reliability in daily production. Engel’s portfolio ranges from standard part removal to turnkey cells with deep networking. Close integration creates process transparency and simplifies scaling when requirements change or when new products are introduced. A key exhibit is the next generation of viper linear robots, redesigned with modular axis profiles that allow the working range to be extended without replacing the entire robot, helping to cut investment, compress delivery times and adapt production layouts to space constraints.
Modular viper linear robots extend reach and cut lead times
Based on specific customer requirements, the viper 20, 40 and 60 have been further developed with a modular design. Many applications increasingly prioritise reach over maximum payload. Instead of replacing the complete unit, individual axes can now be adapted as needed. New axis profiles permit flexible combinations of payloads and axis lengths, improving application fit while reducing investment costs and shortening delivery times.
The new generation also reduces overall height in tandem configurations thanks to a revised energy chain routing concept. Drive technology has been upgraded to decentralised controllers on the wrist axes operating at 48 V, which lowers cabling requirements and simplifies retrofitting. The new viper linear robots will be shown in action on two machine exhibits.
Expert corner cell, reinforced Z‑axis and integrated box transfer
In the Expert Corner, Engel is showing a compact cell with a next‑generation viper 20 equipped with a reinforced Z‑axis. The setup demonstrates the new modularity alongside high dynamic performance. The linear robot is supported by the iQ motion control digital assistance system, which optimises movement sequences for the shortest possible cycle time while reducing programming effort.
The same cell includes the premiere of a multi‑level box transfer system based on belt conveyor technology. It enables fast, low‑vibration box changes even with higher payloads. By using belts instead of rollers on the outfeed conveyor, shocks within the conveying system are avoided, a benefit for sensitive or dimensionally stable plastic parts. The box transfer system is modularly expandable in capacity, and its control is fully integrated into the CC300 machine control for user‑friendly operation.
Expert Corner with next-generation viper 20 and automatic box transfer: At K 2025, Engel demonstrates the flexibility of the new viper linear robots with extended working range and the low-vibration multi-level box transfer
The application uses two cavities mounted on a rotary table within a demo clamping unit. The viper linear robot covers a wide range of handling tasks, from placing parts into boxes and pallets to high‑speed part removal. For handling in confined spaces, it is equipped with a newly developed, ultra‑compact combination wrist axis. The cell demonstrates how high cycle rates, part diversity and space‑saving layouts can be combined in practice.
Six‑axis easix robots for complex workflows
Across several other stations, easix six‑axis robots carry out tasks from manipulating delicate components and transferring parts to testing systems to precisely loading assembly fixtures. Their manoeuvrability, compact design and deep integration into the machine control make them suitable for complex workflows and limited floor space. A wide selection of gripper systems and fully flexible programming expands the range of custom automation solutions.
easix robot in action: Engel’s easix six-axis robots stand out for their high flexibility and compact design – ideal for complex automation tasks in confined spaces.
Engel’s automation portfolio provides a fully integrated concept, from simple part removal to fully networked, highly integrated production cells. Benefits include improved system utilisation, reduced operating costs and production lines that can adapt quickly to changing demands. Engel will be present at K 2025 in Düsseldorf, hall 15, stands B42 and C58.
