Plastic and Iron Oxide Mixture Injection Molding Automation using Kawasaki RS020N

Industry > Metal·PlasticsApplication > Injection·EjectionSector > Manufacturing

This application case features an automated injection molding solution utilizing the Kawasaki RS020N. The system is designed to extract products made from a mixture of recycled plastic and iron oxide. It includes a process to compress the parts for a set duration to prevent deformation caused by internal high heat, followed by the removal and separation of the runners.

Components

Robot	Robot: KAWASAKI RS020N 6-axis articulated industrial robot. Payload: 20kg. Horizontal Reach: 1,725mm. Weight: 230kg. Repeatability: ±0.04mm.

Workflow

STEP 1.	Extraction: Extract the molded product from the injection molding machine.
STEP 2.	Compression: Insert the product into the compressor and extract it after the designated time.
STEP 3.	Cutting: Feed the product into the cutting machine.
STEP 4.	Separation: Separate the runners and discharge the finished product.

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Features

Integrated Control System: A robot-only control method that manages the compressor and cutter collectively.
High-Temperature Handling: Extracts 7kg high-heat products using vacuum pads for subsequent compression and cutting.
Automated Sorting: Extracted runners are separated and stacked in a dedicated discharge area.

Results

ROI Period	1.5 years
Key Benefits	Safety Enhancement: Eliminates risk of burns and contusions associated with manual handling of high-temperature heavy loads. Quality Control: Solves product deformation issues caused by internal heat through an automated compression process. Workflow Simplification: Reduces worker workload by automatically separating and processing runners and products.
Client Feedback	"Handling 7kg products at nearly 100°C used to cause frequent minor and major burns to our workers' hands and arms, but that risk has been completely eliminated. We also struggled with products swelling due to residual heat after extraction, but the automated compression process solved the deformation issue. Eliminating manual runner separation has simplified the workflow, leading to high satisfaction on the shop floor."