RUNMA continues to see more insert loading work cells requested by end-users for trimming and debarring. Many injection molders used simple injection robot arm in the past but are now realizing the limitations of that approach for extraction of molded parts. I see a growth in interest of replacing dedicated extractors for new injection robot arm systems. Six-axis robots can do more in a given footprint. Likewise, "KUKA sees a trend of increased use of injection robot arms for mold machine extraction applications. After a part is removed from the injection molding machine, injection robot arm are able to do secondary applications, offering more flexibility than dedicated two or three-axis extractors," stated James Cooper. Injection robot arms are performing clip insertion, trimming, assembly and packaging tasks as secondary processes outside of the mold machine. The same injection robot arm that extracted a part from the injection molding machine can do secondary processes, allowing end-users to accomplish more with a single investment.
While the injection molding machine is busy doing its primary task, the injection robot arm has ample time to perform secondary operations such as trimming and de-gating, or other necessary material removal chores. Having the injection robot arm undertake material removal not only affords greater efficiency for the manufacturer, but decreases workers' exposure to ergonomic injury if done manually. Robot's ability to carry out secondary operations is an incentive for injection molding manufacturers to retrofit their production facilities with flexible automation. The return on investment due to labor-savings and decreased worker compensation claims can be as short as four months.