A KUKA robot has been chosen by Rosti Technical Plastics for a demoulding task on the largest moulding machine in the company’s global operations.
The KUKA KR150 L110 is being used to transfer rear console components from a 1,500 tonne Engel Duo system, which was recently installed at Rosti’s factory in Larkhall as a result of new business from an automotive Tier One supplier in the UK.
The six-axis robot’s compact footprint and its long reach of 3100mm were important factors in the selection of the automation equipment for the moulding machine, part of a £1million-plus investment programme in new moulding systems at Rosti’s Scottish plant.
An average cycle time of around 50 seconds, together with the robot’s quick and easy tool changeover capabilities, have impressed the plant’s engineering team.
“We’re confident that this new machine, the largest in the plant and the group’s international network, will provide an opportunity to further expand our business not only within the automotive industry, but also into other key areas,” explained Kenny McIntosh, Rosti’s engineering manager.
Rosti undertook the significant project to reorganise its factory when it purchased 7 Engel machines at the end of 2007 after securing new contracts from customers in the automotive, electronics and medical sectors.
KUKA Automation + Robotics, based in Halesowen, West Midlands, has extensive expertise in the plastics industry with a range of specially designed robots, high tech grippers and sensors that are suitable for a wide variety of injection and blow moulding applications.
“Automation offers a raft of value-added benefits including higher productivity rates, improved product quality and better working environments,” commented Mike Barnett, robot sales specialist at KUKA.
“All these factors add up to important opportunities to improve competitiveness in the marketplace. Robots can efficiently and reliably automate a vast array of processes at a time when manufacturers are under growing pressure to find alternative solutions to stay one step ahead of their competitors,” he added.
Information packs on robotic automation solutions for the plastics industry are available from KUKA Automation + Robotics via email, sales@kuka.co.uk, or online at www.kuka.co.uk.