Robot and auxiliary equipment maker Wittmann Inc. has opened a subsidiary in Thailand, Wittmann Automation Co. Ltd. in Bangkok.
Wittmann already runs operations in China and Singapore.
The Thailand facility includes offices and a warehouse, and handles sales, product demonstrations, training, spare parts and service.
In technology news from the Plastics Encounter show in Cleveland, Wittmann:
* Introduced the option of a beam-mounted pin marker for date coding and other marking on molded parts, mounted via a bracket to its main robot beam. The marker communicates directly with the robot, which controls the entire automation work cell.
The robot's end-of-arm tooling holds the parts securely as the robot moves each one into position for marking. The technology eliminates the need for date wheels or other adjustments. Information can be updated automatically.
* Added an optional third shaft with breaker knives to its SJD series of low-speed, beside-the-press granulators. The additional shaft helps grind bulky parts such as nested runners and automotive bumpers and instrument panels. The third shaft uses four standard breaker knives that are keyed and offset, for greater efficiency.
* Added the Drymax P15, a new size, to its Drymax line of compressed-air dryers. The P15 handles up to 22 pounds an hour.