Answering plastic processors calls for a compact automation series designed specifically for injection moulding machines, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has launched its own range of cartesian robots engineered in-house. To support the roll out to the British market from the start of 2022, the UK company has appointed Richard Nicholson as their new automation specialist to assist with commissioning and installation.
Offering fully-integrated deployment from a single supplier, the new SAM-C (Sumitomo. Automation. Machine) proprietary robot series succeeds in delivering the smallest injection moulding footprint comprising robot and material handling technology. Enabling plastic manufacturers to deploy UKCA conforming automation solutions into production lines faster, more intelligently, ready to perform the application specific tasks and address labour shortages without any time-consuming customisations.
Responding to increasing demands from the medical, healthcare, aerospace, automotive, electronics and packaging sectors, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has intentionally focused its efforts on developing scalable units with more automation functional elements. Already available in four payload sizes – three, five, ten and 20 kg – the ‘handle & place’ SAM-C robots are designed specifically for injection moulding machines with clamping force sizes between 50 and 500 tons, and for standard applications with cycle times of 10 seconds and higher. Further robot kinematics and functional elements will roll out in the next couple of years.
Customers benefit from process and system technology from a single supplier source, complete with hardware and software control integration of robot technology into the injection moulding unit and production-optimised robotic mechanics fully customised to Sumitomo (SHI) Demag machines. All at a very attractive price to performance ratio.
Aside from robotics, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has paid specific attention to the conveyor belts and safety features. What’s more, the company has applied pragmatic manufacturing solutions tailored to the injection moulding process, including handling, storage and buffer systems.
Robots to relieve workforce pressures
Highlighting the importance of value, MD Nigel Flowers expands: “For many of our customers, automation is helping them to address the skills and recruitment challenges. Acute staffing shortages continues to be a real pain point. Even smaller UK firms are now recognising the possibilities and how robots can help keep the wheels of the sector turning, with minimal human intervention.”
As a scalable solution, the new SAM series fills an important gap offering a good return on investment through increased output, enhanced quality, repeatable precision and reduced waste.
With the industrial standardized “IO-Link” communication system, intelligent sensors and actuators can be connected to the automation system. This means the SAM series fully meets future Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing requirements. Additionally, the robots all incorporate the Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s “myConnect” web-based software solution. Giving customers direct access to a wide range of fully networked support services to help better manage inefficiencies, reduce costs, optimise total cost of ownership, troubleshoot errors and minimise downtime.
Customers that may have previously ruled out robots in the past, Nigel’s advice is to re-examine the value to performance benefits afresh. “The addition of SAM into the Sumitomo Robotics portfolio offers customers an altogether different proposition. And now within the UK we have Richard on hand to provide local engineering guidance and on-site support.”
