Sepro: New pick-and-place robot 'Success 22’ with longer strokes and higher payloads

Success 22, the first model out of the new series of cartesian robots. Photo: Sepro.

At Fakuma 2011, the international plastics-processing tradeshow, Sepro Robotique will introduce the new “Success 22” robot, the first in a new line of faster, stronger pick-and-place robots for mid-size injection-molding machines. The new Success line of robots takes advantage of the same platform manufacturing concept that was perfected in the Sepro high-tech S5 Line robots originally introduced at Fakuma in 2009. Common subassemblies help achieve economies of scale while maintaining design flexibility and reducing manufacturing lead times. When complete, the Success range will include four units designed to serve molding machines from 20 to 700 tons. The new Success 22 is expected to be available for delivery around the middle of 2012.

Stronger pick-and-place robot for machines with up to 450 tons
Designed for plastics injection-molding machines with 150 to 450 tons of clamp, the new Success 22 is faster and can handle bigger, heavier parts than previous-generation Sepro Axess robots in the same size range. The standard payload of 10 kg (22 lb) represents an increase of 25% compared to the existing Axess 22. The 700-mm (27.5-inch) demolding or strip stroke is 8% longer than the maximum available on the current Axess unit. This means the Success 22 can handle heavier parts with deeper draw.

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Even faster with higher payload
Even with this increased level of performance, speeds on all axes have been increased. Speed on the horizontal (X) and demolding (Y) axes is pegged at 2 m/sec (6.5 ft/sec), an increase of 67% on the demolding stroke and 18% on the horizontal stroke, compared to the Axess 22. Vertical (Z) axis maximum speed is 20% higher at 3 m/sec (9.8 ft/sec). Other important specifications include a 1500- to 6000-mm (60- to 240-inch) horizontal stroke and a 1400-mm (55-inch) vertical stroke that can be configured using an optional telescoping arm for application where ceiling height is limited.

Sepro Touch-2-controls will be standard on all Success robots. They use simple icon-driven instructions so that even an inexperienced operator can create basic pick-and-place robot cycles. Easy-to-follow on-screen prompts lead the user through the execution of the robot cycle, including the teaching of all relevant robot positions.

Other standard features include:
• Simultaneous motion on all three axes;
• ‘Y-free’ function, for easier to program ejection tracking and saving on gripper costs thanks to its simple design;
• Multiple vacuum and pressure circuits to allow degating, selective part placement and other functions;
• Quick disconnects for fast end of arm tooling changeovers;
• Optional pneumatic R2 wrist rotation (parallel to the demolding axis) to allow three positions during the cycle – 0º, 90º and 180º;
• Sepro exclusive elastic-mount option, which protects the gripper and mold during part gripping and softens the contact between the gripper and the molded part.

“Our new Success robots build on the legacy of the Sepro Axess Series,” explains Jean-Michel Renaudeau, Managing Director of Sepro Robotique, La Roche sur Yon, France. “Like our Axess robots, this new line makes 3-axis servo speed and precision available to molders who have applications that require simple pick-and-place functionality and simple downstream operations. Now, a new approach to design and production allows us to make a truly affordable robot with enhanced capabilities, with all of the quality and reliability for which Sepro is well-known.”

S5 line also at Fakuma 2011
In addition to the new Success 22, Sepro will also display its complete S5 robot range – Sepro’s fifth generation of robots for more complex automation applications, along with the Visual 2, Sepro’s most advanced robot controller, and high-capacity Generation 4 robots designed for injection-molding machines as large as 5,000 tons.

Sepro will also highlight its partnership with Sumitomo-Demag and other well-known injection-molding-machine manufacturers. These OEM agreements make it possible for customers to get Sepro performance and reliability as part of a package that integrates robot control and machine control.

About Sepro
Founded in 1973 and now headquartered in La Roche-sur-Yon (western France, ca. 70km south of Nantes), Sepro Robotique is said to be one of the first companies in the world to develop cartesian beam robots for injection-molding machines. Today, Sepro sees itself as the largest independent seller of cartesian robots in Europe and as the largest robot supplier of the automotive industry in Europe and America, who has equipped more than 20,000 injection-molding machines worldwide. Customers around the world are supported by numerous direct sales and service offices as well as independent business partners that extend Sepro’s global network to over 40 other countries.
Sepro’s German subsidiary, Sepro Robotique GmbH, which is headquartered in Rödermark near Frankfurt (Main), accounts for 20% of the company’s global turnover of approximately 45 million Euro.

More Information: www.sepro-robotique.com

Fakuma 2011, Friedrichshafen, 18.-22.10.2011, hall A1, booth 1203

Sepro Robotique , La Roche-sur-Yon (France) and Rödermark (Germany)

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