October 5th, 2006

FAKUMA 2006 (Friedrichshafen) - WITTMANN extends its offerings of a new generation of servo rotational axes for their middle robot range and the W732 and W743 model robots. For the first time WITTMANN will present the robot model W733 equipped with a Servo A/C-Axis, which will impressively demonstrate the additional rotational degrees of freedom. The new Servo A/C-rotational axes offer a cost advantage of over 20% compared to previous models.

The special feature of this newly developed Servo A/C-Axis is its compact mechanical construction minimizing unnecessary and time consuming mold open motions and therefore reducing cycle times. The use of highly dynamic servo motors and precise planetary gearboxes enables not only accurate, but also extremely fast movements with maximum load ratings.

Besides the mechanical advantages the new Servo A/C-Axis offers the following features:

• Servo A-Axis: Arbitrary rotation of end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT) and finished parts around the kick-stroke of the robot between -5° and 300°, programmable in increments of 0,1°. This allows the end-of-arm tooling to independently position the wrist flip, i.e. in the mold area, as well as in the placing area.
• Servo- C-Axis: Arbitrary rotation of the wrist flip around the horizontal axis of the robot between -5° and 185°, programmable in increments of 0,1°. This allows the removal of molded parts from the moving as well as fixed mold half or the arbitrary presentation to downstream equipment.

The additional servo rotational axes are controlled either via the CNC6.2 or R7 control in the well known Teach-In method of WITTMANN. Both controls support either dedicated, as well as parallel and synchronized axes motions. As the rotational axes are turning around the appropriate linear axes no requirement exists to select a different coordinate system which significantly simplifies the operation of the units and requires no additional training effort from the operator.

Wittmann is a global manufacturer offering plastic processors worldwide a complete range of innovative automation technology and auxiliary equipment - from autonomous work cells to centrally managed and controlled system solutions. Products include sprue pickers, robots, end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT), degators, and complete automation work cells; fully integrated materials handling systems with dryers, blenders, vacuum loading systems, rail car unloaders, silos, central filters, vacuum receivers, tilt tables and surge hoppers. Wittmann also offers beside-the-press and central granulators and water products including flow and mold temperature controllers, portable and central chillers.

With its entire line of peripheral equipment, Wittmann can cover all the needs of plastic processors. And, their worldwide presence through subsidiaries allows Wittmann to offer superb local service and sales support.

Further details from Wittmann UK. Tel. 01933 275 777