An integrated automation solution
For an application within the plastics industry, Zest developed an integrated automation solution around an injection moulding machine. The challenge: automatically supplying different inserts, correctly orienting them and preparing them with high precision for two different end products.
The installation processes three types of inserts, each with its own supply method. Two variants are supplied and oriented using vision-guided vibratory bowl feeders. A third variant is processed directly from trays, with the supply and discharge of these trays also part of the automation.
SCARA robot & EOAT
At the heart of the installation is a FANUC SCARA robot. Using a custom-developed EOAT by Zest, this robot positions the different inserts precisely in the correct configuration. From that point, the automation connects directly to the injection moulding process: the injection moulding machine's robot takes over the inserts and places them into the mould.
The solution does not stop at handling before the injection moulding process. Zest also developed the specific EOAT solutions for the injection moulding machine's robot. For both end products a dedicated gripper was designed, which places the inserts into the mould and after injection moulding extracts the end product and discharges it via the conveyor belt.
Complete solution
By approaching the different process steps as one whole, a fully integrated automation solution around the injection moulding machine is created. From smart supply and precise positioning to product handling and discharge: every step is aligned.
The result is a reliable and efficient production process with minimal manual handling and maximum control over the positioning of the inserts.
