Automated elastomer processing

07.11.2016

At the International Rubber Conference (IRC) 2015 Arburg will present in Hall 12, Stand 202, a compact production cell producing removal suction cups with a brass bush. The system is based on a vertical Allrounder 275 V, which overmoulds the brass inserts with EPDM elastomer. Part handling is performed by an Agilus six-axis robot. The finished moulded parts are forwarded to a camera inspection and are then set down on a conveyor belt.

At the International Rubber Conference (IRC) 2015 Arburg will present in Hall 12, Stand 202, a compact production cell producing removal suction cups with a brass bush. The system is based on a vertical Allrounder 275 V, which overmoulds the brass inserts with EPDM elastomer. Part handling is performed by an Agilus six-axis robot. The finished moulded parts are forwarded to a camera inspection and are then set down on a conveyor belt.

With the application presented at the IRC 2015, Arburg emphasises its competence in the processing of special materials and its expertise in project systems. The vertical machine features a minimal footprint, the high degree of freedom of the robotic equipment offers high flexibility.

Compact production cell
A vertical Allrounder 275 V with elastomer equipment, a clamping force of 250 kN and a size 70 injection unit is used. Firstly, a threaded brass bush is inserted into the single-cavity mould from EDEGS, which is then evacuated via a vacuum system integrated in the Selogica machine control system. The insert is overmoulded with EPDM in a cycle time of around 60 seconds. Injection takes place via a pneumatic cold runner system with needle-type shut-off nozzle, integrated into the mould. Two P 160 S temperature control units from Regloplas, fully integrated into the Selogica control system, regulate the temperatures of the cold runner and cylinder module.
An Agilus six-axis robot removes the finished moulded part, forwards it to a camera inspection and sets the good part down on a conveyor belt. The robot then takes the next threaded bush supplied by a spiral conveyor and inserts it in the mould.

Elastomer equipment package for Allrounders
The Arburg product range features a special equipment package for elastomer processing. The package includes a precision-adapted cylinder module. In order to prevent premature vulcanisation, a precisely defined and constant temperature profile must be maintained. For this purpose, the elastomer cylinder module is liquid temperature controlled via heating/cooling jackets.

Open nozzles are employed as standard for elastomer processing. The simple geometry and low shearing in this nozzle system reduce the risk of premature cross-linking. The elastomer equipment continues to include an injection unit with automatic band feed and a special conveyor screw for processing the strip material.

Special Selogica features
Mould heating takes place using adaptive temperature control circuits which can be directly programmed and regulated via the machine's Selogica control system. Furthermore, up to six temperature control units can be operated directly by the control system via the interface. Vulcanisation times and dosing delays can also be entered and venting and injection compression can be controlled.
Elastomer parts are frequently ejected using brush or demoulding devices. These are also integrated into the Selogica control system via a flexible interface. Thus, all of the typical elastomer processing sequences can be easily implemented by the machine operator without costly special programs.

Extensive range of vertical machines
The vertical Allrounder V series consists of three machine sizes and a clamping force range from 125 to 500 kN. All the machines feature a fixed, vertical clamping unit, designed as a free-space system. This closes from above, so that the inserts are prevented from slipping on the fixed mould half. Like all Arburg machines, the Allrounder V models are also of a modular design and enable various combinations in terms of clamping force and injection unit. Because the injection units can be arranged vertically or horizontally, injection can take place either centrally or into the parting line. Thanks to the free-space system and the low table heights, these Allrounders are suitable for both manual and automated insertion and removal of moulded parts. Vertical machines can also be generally equipped with rotary or shuttle tables and are therefore also suitable for integration in complete production lines.