I have left the Die Casting info below for reference. The Injection moulding process is similar in most respects but the products are manufactured in plastic and are often smaller and lighter. The injection moulding machines for smaller items are generally serviced by an integral robot mounted above the dies. For larger items like Auto bumpers, die cast type layout and trim are still appropriate. Injection moulder operates on shorter cycle times. Still hot but not always heavy.

See below!

--------------------------------------

Die Casting was one of the first applications to be considered by the designers of the original Unimate Industrial Robot, around 1961.

The job of unloading a die casting machine was ripe for automation. The work was 'hot and heavy' with an element of danger handling recently solidified molten metal, with the risk of strain and injury ever present in a dirty and unpleasant environment.

Die casting produces non ferrous products by pumping molten metal into dies or moulds. When the metal has solidified the dies are opened to reveal the finished part or parts if a multi cavity die is used.

The dies are lubricated before receiving the next shot of molten metal, and may also require cleaning after a casting has been removed.

The parts are routinely quenched after removal and also placed in a trim press to remove gates and flash.

A typical robot unload operation would include perhaps 1 die casting machine, a quench tank and a trim press. The relatively long cycle time of the die casting machine would enable the robot to complete ancilliary operations during the casting cycle.

Robots can also be programmed to check for missing parts, to confirm the die is clear for the next operation and also to spray the dies with lubricant. These additional elements are dependent on time available.

Some die casting products require hardened inserts to be inserted into the die, prior to casting. The robot can also be used to load inserts.

The Die casting machine and all ancilliary equipment will normally be fully enclosed by a safety fence with an interlocked access gate. Trim Press and Die Casting machine will be fully interlocked to assure that

If you would like to make a contribution contact us
Send us your copy, or a web address for any papers that you have published.