CHICAGO (July 7, 2:30 p.m. EDT) — Star Automation Inc. has developed several new robots that offer extended reach and room for large, end-of-arm tools.
The smallest of the bunch is the T-400FMIII, adaptable to injection molding machines with 15-30 tons of clamping force, said Jack Jensen Jr., sales engineer assistant manager.
It is designed to not interfere with the hopper, has a lighter mounting plate and provides the option of adding a cutter on the end of the robot´s arm, he said.
The LW-1400 FMIII servo robot works with 400-600 ton presses and has a smaller frame but offers more flexibility in the arm, Jensen said.
"It has extended strokes so you get a longer reach outside of the mold," he added.
The largest of Star´s new releases, the MHY-1800 FMIII-3, accommodates for every inch of its additional height and girth.
"It enables you to put large, end-of-arm tools on it because there´s no restriction," by the carriage, Jensen said. Usually, the carriage would come in contact with the tooling as it is moved in various positions but the carriage on this robot is designed so the two do not collide, he said.
The MHY-1800 works with presses ranging from 850-1,600 tons.
Aside from the additional robotics, the ultrasonic cutter also is new to the Star product line.
The four-axis AC servo motor cutter quickly can cut intricate designs out of laminated plastics, among other materials.
With all the new products, Star decided to cut costs on at least one existing machine by $6,000 by having it assembled at its plant in China. The NP-800FIII formerly was assembled at its headquarters in Japan, Jensen said.
Star Automation, based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., is owned by Star Seiki Co. Ltd.