What are the differences between the application scenarios of three-axis and five-axis manipulator of injection molding robot?

In the automatic production of injection molding, the differences between the application scenarios of three-axis and five-axis manipulators are mainly reflected in the product action requirements, the complexity of mold structure and the extension of automation technology. The following are the specific scene differences:

I. Application Scenarios of Three-axis Manipulator (Basic Linear Pick-and-Place)

Three-axis manipulator is mainly driven by three servo axes: X, Y and Z. Its core advantage lies in its fast running speed and high cost performance. It is mainly suitable for scenes with relatively simple movements:

Simple straight-line picking and placing: it is suitable for conventional production scenes where the products are only taken out of the mold in a straight line and placed directly in the conveyor belt or packing box.

Thin-walled and short-cycle products: Because of its stable structure and extremely short in-mold take-out time (some high-speed models can reach 0.6 seconds), it is very suitable for thin-walled products (such as snack boxes and daily necessities) and high-speed injection molding machines with short injection molding cycle and high requirements on beat.

Conventional automatic combination: Although the action is single, the three-axis manipulator can also cooperate with other fixtures conveniently to complete relatively complicated operations such as basic in-mold labeling, automatic collection and packaging.

Second, the application scenario of five-axis manipulator (complex posture and multi-function)

On the basis of three axes, the five-axis manipulator increases the degrees of freedom such as rotation and turnover, and adopts full servo drive, which makes the action more flexible and accurate. It is mainly suitable for the following complex scenarios:

Scenes where the product posture needs to be adjusted: When the product is taken out of the mold, it needs to be rotated at a specific angle (such as 90-degree or 360-degree rotation at will) to avoid collision, or it needs to be turned over to complete stacking and packing, a five-axis manipulator must be used.

Complex mold and narrow space: For cold runner three-plate mold, overlapping mold, or complex mold with narrow mold opening space, the five-axis manipulator can safely complete demoulding and fetching in a limited space through flexible drawing arm and ultra-thin fixture.

Long or large-sized injection-molded parts: For long-sized and large-volume products such as car bumpers and washing machine household appliances shells, five-axis dual-arm manipulators (the main arm takes finished products, and the auxiliary arm holds water) can provide more stable clamping force and removal efficiency.

Deep in-mold automation: When the injection molding process requires the manipulator to complete more precise actions in the mold, such as in-mold embedded inserts, in-mold pins, in-mold shearing gates or shaping, the high positioning accuracy and flexibility of the five-axis manipulator can be perfectly competent.

summary

In short, if the injection products only need simple linear demoulding and placement, and pursue the ultimate high cost performance and high-speed beat, the three-axis manipulator is the best choice; If the product needs to be turned over and rotated after being taken out, or faced with complicated mold structure, narrow space, long and large pieces and in-mold inserts, it is necessary to choose a five-axis manipulator to provide additional freedom of movement and precise control.