Automation for IML and Stack Molds

CBW Automation is showing off its expertise in in-mold labeling by molding four IML rectangular containers in 3.9 sec using a Netstal Elion 3200 hybrid press.

CBW also is introducing two automation systems that allow users to change quickly from one product to another in as little as 10-30 min. CBW has changed the way the vacuum system is connected and added new programming that allows processors to store the recipe for each mold. These features are said to help users automate lower-volume applications and reuse automation for multiple applications. What’s more, the modular design of CBW’s Advantage A-Series and BeeLine B-Series side-entry robots enables delivery in eight weeks.

One system on display uses a BeeLine B-Series robot to demold parts from a 2 × 4 injection-compression stack mold running on a BMB press. The 220-m.t. machine will run a 4.5-sec cycle with a 0.6-sec robot intrusion time. The B-Series incorporates some features of a top-entry robot: a strip stroke with high-vacuum part removal and “part missing” vacuum sensing. The robot also has an adjustable centerline height to accommodate moving it to different molding machines. A universal “pick” allows the robot to pick parts from either the A-D or B-C face of the stack mold.

A second CBW system is operating at the KraussMaffei booth on a Netstal Elios 7500 machine running a 2 × 8 stack mold for 16-oz (409) deli containers in under 3 sec. The Advantage robot offers high-speed strip stroke with high vacuum.