Designed for easy changeovers, a new automation cell for in-mold labeling (IML) from Absolute Robot offers flexibility and cost-competitiveness.
Absolute Robot demonstrated the system, which was produced by Well-Lih Robots Technology Co., Ningbo, China, at NPE2018.
The high-speed, side-entry system shown at NPE2018 performs the functions of industry-leading competitors, but at a 20 percent to 30 percent lower cost, said Tim Lavigne, business unit manager of Absolute Robot. It's designed for use with injection molding machines [IMM] in operation in North America.
At NPE2018, the demonstration cell turned out four 18-gram sample cups per cycle.
One of the primary advantages of the Well-Lih IML system is its flexibility.
"The flexibility of our base allows it to be used on an IMM ranging from 160 to 420 tons," Lavigne said.
In addition, a quick-change end-of-arm-tooling system allows customers to rapidly change the IML configuration from working with one-cavity molds to molds with as many as six cavities or possibly more. Likewise, the label magazine can be quickly removed from the rear of the machine and reconfigured for a different number of cavities.
"What's great is the flexibility of the system," Lavigne said. "When you think of these systems, you usually build them for one mold, or one part or one project, and they are pretty locked in at that point."
For example, if a user were to buy a Well-Lih IML system for a two-cavity, 1-gallon container mold but later wanted to accommodate a six-cavity yogurt cup mold, the plant could make the switch in only two hours with the quick-change system.
The IML cell on display at NPE2018 had a cycle time of 3 seconds. It included a:
• High-speed, side-entry robot from Well-Lih;
• Zhafir VEII2300/430 "p" high-speed, all-electric molding machine with 259 tons of clamping force;
• Four-cavity yogurt cup mold from Push Mold Co. Ltd., Sichuan, China.
Well-Lih's new system, introduced in North America this year, is available in both side-entry and top-entry configurations.
Bruce Geiselman, senior staff reporter
Contact:
Absolute Robot Inc. Worcester, Mass., 508-792-4305,
About the Author
Bruce Geiselman
Senior Staff Reporter Bruce Geiselman covers extrusion, blow molding, additive manufacturing, automation and end markets including automotive and packaging. He also writes features, including In Other Words and Problem Solved, for Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing, Plastics Recycling and The Journal of Blow Molding. He has extensive experience in daily and magazine journalism.