Tool changers bring multiple connections in one

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 15, 2006

The MPS gripper changing mechanism significantly improves productivity on automated plastic injection moulding cells.

Staubli's MPS gripper changing mechanism significantly improves productivity on automated plastic injection moulding cells.

The range and complexity of products being produced by plastic injection moulding continues to increase.

This, in turn, is creating additional demands on the flexibility and adaptability of any automation integrated into the production cell.

When a range of products are being moulded on the same machine a change of gripper on the robot arm if often required.

This gripper change can significantly extend both set up and cycle times.

Staubli's MPS range of automatic tool and gripper changers offer significant advantages even when just a combination of compressed air lines and electrical or signal connections are required.

They can automatically and simultaneously connect or disconnect all fluid lines (eg compressed air, gases and liquids); signal connections such as required for actuators, sensors, bus systems or fibre optics and energy connections (eg electricity and hydraulics).

One example of the use of MPS tool changers is at SAR-DAT Automation in Germany, a leading integrator of automation and mechanical handling systems for the plastics industry.

Staubli has worked alongside SAR-DAT to develop a design of tool changer specifically for injection moulding applications.

The tool changer provides automatic connections for up to 15 compressed air lines as well as two electrical connectors, all within a very compact unit.

SAR-DAT incorporates MPS tool changers in many of the automation systems being integrated into injection moulding cells.

The MPS changer is directly mountable on the robot flange and provides secure locking and unlocking, operated by compressed air.

The locking unit is failsafe in case of power loss.

Fluid connections are made using Staubli clean break, nonspill, flush faced couplings.

Electrical, signal and optical connections use Multi Contact products - a sister company in the Staubli group, giving Staubli the unique facility of having both mechanical and electrical connection expertise in house.

The modular construction allows the connectors used to be selected specifically for each application.

The tool changer operates with high positional accuracy and has in built compensation for any floating.

Staubli produce a wide range of MPS tool changers from small, compact units with a handling capability of 30/40kg, right up to those used for spot welding in the automotive sector with a tool handling capability up to 500kg and high pressure model variants for stud welding, self pierce riveting and metal clinching applications.

Dramatic advancements in productivity can be achieved by using automated tool changers to minimise cell down time.

Operator safety is also significantly improved by eliminating any need to enter the cell to change tools.

Major benefits in a manufacturing sector that is becoming increasingly competitive.