Roboshot α-S450iA finally in Europe
Its debut was celebrated in Japan last year following the introduction into the U.S. market on the Milacron booth during NPE Orlando - the all-electric Fanuc Roboshot α-S450iA, 4500 kN clamping force precision injection moulding machine will start its European market success from Fakuma 2018. Higher cavity numbers and bigger moulds require larger platen sizes and tie bar distances which demand a larger/stronger machine with higher clamping forces. Beyond automotive, the medical / pharmaceutical device markets and other precision parts branches want more precise and fast output. "That is how the market works", agrees Wolfgang Haak, Fanuc's Product Manager ETS Europe Roboshot, "and Fanuc was aware of that - deciding to develop a bigger machine based on the same performance and reliability as the other six models between 150 and 3000 kN clamping force. Now we have 4500kN clamping force, a tie bar distance of 920 mm by 920 mm, a clamping stroke of 900 mm, a 1300 mm by 1300 mm platen size and a maximum die height of 1000 mm. Four different screw sizes for the two basic injection units achieve high flexibility." The α-S450iA on stand B3-3211 demonstrates the machine's productivity potential: connection pieces for infusion components are produced using a 32-cavity medical device mould provided by KEBO/Switzerland. Complex geometries, as produced in very large quantities in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries, require maximum precision - particularly pertaining to surface quality, contour accuracy, weight stability and reproducibility. State-of-the-art CNC technology in the Roboshot provides a unique electric moulding solution. The machine is equipped with efficient energy recovery control function, reliable torque plasticise control - Precise Metering Control (PMC) 2&3 - as well as backflow monitor and highly efficient AI mould / ejector protection. The results are high-end process performance and product quality.Hand in Hand with robots
Using the example of a compact production cell, Fanuc demonstrates a high-tech / high-batch production concept demanding clean machines, cleanroom environments and robotized activities, promoted today by e.g. the medical device and technical branches. Robotec Plasticmate and Fanuc Roboshot α-S100iA interact in a compact and flexible production cell. Demonstration of the integrated "Variotherm" function: in-cycle mould temperature changes improve the mechanical properties of the parts. The controlled cavity surface temperature does not only maintain low viscosity up to complete and immaculate mould filling it also allows special surface effects. Parts removal is carried out by a six-axis Fanuc LR Mate robot combined with a linear axis. Subsequently, the top and bottom parts are deposited in a trace buffer before they are assembled automatically. The cooperation between the LR Mate robot and the collaborative CR-7iA robot ends at the delivery station where visitors can receive the finished parts.Industry 4.0: Fanuc Roboshot LINKi & Euromap 77
In one section of stand B3-3211- called IOT corner - Fanuc shows the new Euromap 77 OPC UA interface in cooperation with the TIG "Authentig" MES system. Visitors can see real-time quality, machine and job status monitoring of all machines and the Robot cell in compliance with Industry 4.0 requirements. Fanuc Roboshot LINKi will be demonstrated.Source: Fanuc Europe Corporation S.A.
