Jiangsu Tianqixing Robot will introduce to you: How do we choose a multi-axis injection manipulator according to the product?

How to select multi-axis injection molding manipulator according to products

In injection molding production, multi-axis injection manipulator is the core equipment to realize automatic picking, handling and sorting, and the rationality of its selection directly affects production efficiency, product quality and production cost. The product types of multi-axis manipulators with different structures are significantly different. Enterprises need to accurately match the number of axes, load capacity and functional configuration of the manipulator around the core dimensions such as product size and weight, molding process, precision requirements and production scenarios. The following is a detailed explanation from the selection logic and practical points.

From the classification of axis number, multi-axis injection molding manipulator mainly covers 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis and 6-axis models, and the freedom of movement and working range of different axis numbers determine the type of products it adapts to. 3-axis manipulator, also known as cartesian manipulator, has a linear motion of its X, Y and Z axes, and is simple in structure and low in cost. It is mainly suitable for small injection molding products with regular structure and single picking path. For example, mobile phone housings, stationery accessories, small electronic connectors, etc., these products are mostly flat or regular geometric bodies, and there is no need for complex attitude adjustment. The 3-axis manipulator can quickly complete the basic action of taking parts from the mold and placing them on the conveyor belt, meeting the rhythm requirements of mass standardized production, and its running trajectory is fixed, which can effectively avoid interference with the mold and peripheral equipment.

The 4-axis manipulator adds a rotating shaft on the basis of the 3-axis, which can realize the 180-degree turning or rotation of the product and adapt to the injection parts that need simple attitude adjustment. Products such as automobile interior buckles, household appliances knobs, medical catheters, etc. often need to be separated or turned over after taking the parts. The rotation function of the 4-axis manipulator can integrate this process, reducing the manual secondary operation. For example, in the production of automobile buckles, the mechanical hand turns the product over through the rotating shaft after picking up the parts, cooperates with the pneumatic scissors to finish the nozzle cutting, and then accurately puts it into the storage box, which not only improves the automation degree, but also avoids the product deformation caused by manual cutting.

5-axis and 6-axis manipulators have higher motion flexibility, and the articulated structure of 6-axis manipulator can realize multi-dimensional free rotation, which is suitable for medium and large injection products with complex shapes and high precision requirements. For products such as automobile bumper, dashboard skeleton and large household appliance shell, the opening and closing space of the mold is limited and the products have special-shaped surfaces. The 5-axis manipulator can swing in multiple directions to avoid the mold inserts, while the 6-axis manipulator can complete more complicated actions of picking, positioning and assembling. For example, in the production of automobile bumper, the 6-axis manipulator can accurately extend into the mold cavity to grab the product in a multi-angle posture, and at the same time, with the fine adjustment function of the end fixture, the product can be prevented from being scratched due to uneven stress, and the product can be directly transferred to the subsequent polishing and film pasting stations to realize seamless connection of processes.

In addition to the number of shafts, the size and weight of products are the core parameters of selection. Small lightweight products (weight < ＜1kg, size < ＜30cm) can choose 3-axis or 4-axis manipulator with load less than 5kg, which has fast running speed and low energy consumption. Medium-sized products (weight 1-5kg, size 30-80cm) need to be matched with a 5-axis manipulator with a load of 10-20kg to ensure motion stability; For large and heavy products (weight > 5 kg, size > ＞80cm), a 6-axis manipulator with a load of more than 20kg should be selected, and attention should be paid to the arm span length of the manipulator to ensure that the mold opening and closing range and material turnover area are covered.

The molding process and quality requirements of products should also be taken into consideration. For precision injection-molded parts such as optical lenses and medical syringes, it is necessary to choose a multi-axis manipulator equipped with a servo drive system, and its repeated positioning accuracy can reach ±0.1mm to avoid product scratches or dimensional deviations during the process of taking parts; For injection molding products that need to be embedded with metal inserts, the manipulator should have the integrated function of loading the inserts, and some 5-axis manipulators can be equipped with a visual positioning system to realize accurate grasping of the inserts and placement in the mold. In addition, if the production of products needs to adapt to multi-cavity molds, the manipulator should have multi-station sorting function, and through the design of multi-fixture at the end, multiple products can be grabbed synchronously and placed in categories, thus improving production efficiency.

To sum up, the selection of multi-axis injection molding manipulator needs to focus on product characteristics, combine production scale and process requirements, and balance the flexibility, accuracy and cost of equipment, so as to realize automatic upgrading and quality control of injection molding production.