Sumitomo (SHI) Demag will use K 2025 to showcase a comprehensive portfolio of integrated automation and robot solutions designed to increase efficiency, raise machine availability and reduce operating costs. Across the exhibit, eight fully electric injection moulding machines will demonstrate modular digital solutions enabling full connectivity. The automation scope spans compact top-entry systems for parts removal, fully autonomous 24-hour production and customised cells with industrial robots. All five exhibits at the company’s own stand, Hall 15, Stand D22, are configured for ease of use and optimised production cycles, and can be flexibly adapted to a wide range of tasks. Additional demonstrations with partners across the fair will underline sector-specific applications and the role of open, interoperable data platforms in achieving consistent integration.
New production advantages of SAM-C
As an example of the next evolutionary stage of the SAM-C series, a SAM-C5 with the latest features will be presented at the company’s booth. The mechanics of the SAM-C series have been further optimised to make the best possible use of the available space in the production environment. This means that the SAM-C3 and SAM-C5 can now also perform in production environments with particularly low ceiling heights. Thanks to a new and more compact vertical axis, in combination with an IntElect 50 or 75, a total system height of less than 3 m can now be achieved without technical restrictions, for example in terms of gripper, reports Jürgen Schulze, Director of Business Development Automation.
“The mechanics also offer all the advantages in terms of cleanliness and robustness, combined with high system availability. These advantages are rounded off by software optimised for the injection moulding process, which is very popular with users thanks to its low-code programming,” explains the automation specialist. To demonstrate its performance, the robot is shown in a typical work cycle. With a cycle time of approximately 6 seconds, the removal and deposition process is demonstrated with a realistic gripper of 5 kg. The robot achieves this in the standard version without any restrictions on the maximum permissible load.
Another SAM-C robot, SAM-C20, equipped with servo hand axes, is used on the IntElect Multi R. “The R-position of the second injection unit enables the use of top-entry robots for automation solutions and results in additional cost savings,” explains Schulze. “Automation areas next to the injection moulding machine remain accessible, and the system footprint is maintained.”
Energy efficiency with ECO mode
SAM-C robots operate in an energy-efficient manner as standard with the latest ECO vacuum technology. “This functionality is achieved through sensor-guided vacuum monitoring, which significantly reduces energy consumption.” This is complemented by the SAM software with its extensive pneumatic function library and smart user interface, for example for parameter configuration.
Industry-specific applications
At the Sumitomo (SHI) Demag stand, a 420 t PAC-E in a medical application demonstrates the removal and stacking of 48 medical cups of 30 ml every three seconds. The complete solution was implemented with Otto Hofstetter AG and Zubler Handling AG.
Another PAC-E 420 t with state-of-the-art inline printing targets high-efficiency closure cap production. The CAPrint system from IMD Vista increases processing capacity by 46 percent and enables the customisation of 2,100 printed closures per minute. Each closure is checked by a high-speed vision system. The automatic carton packaging system is also from IMD Vista.
In Hall 12, Stand B53, Nexus manufactures medical valves on an IntElect 130 t LSR. A six-axis robot removes 16 parts, transports them to the slitting station and holds them in position during the slitting process, running parallel to the next injection cycle.
Also in Hall 12, Stand A36, automation partner Sepro is presenting its new S-Line robot series on an IntElect S 130 t. According to Sepro, the modular series has been specially developed for injection moulding machines and is characterised by higher speed, larger strokes and higher load capacity.
In Hall 10, Stand H23, Technotrans will demonstrate the production of reusable and resealable lids on an IntElect S 75 t equipped with a SAM-C5 robot in a "handle&place" configuration.
Digital connectivity and modularity
Digital connectivity is gaining strategic importance as open platforms enable seamless data exchange between machines, devices and systems from different manufacturers. However, successful integration requires consistent digital synergy. At K 2025, all machines at the main stand will be networked via myAssist, emphasises Thomas Schilling, Product Manager Digital Solutions. “Thanks to this high level of data transparency, deviations can be detected at an early stage, data from all OPC UA sources can be merged and changes in the production process can be addressed immediately.” Visitors can compare live data with historical data and select different time intervals. “To ensure smooth communication across all machines and robots, all elements, from sensors to process data, must speak the same language,” explains Schilling. To support customers with different requirements, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag will demonstrate how OPC UA will enable modular extensions in the future that can be adapted to specific process requirements. “There are numerous loops to consider in every integration. For processors with limited resources, we are introducing modules that significantly simplify the collection and analysis of quality-relevant information in the process,” says Schilling.
