Robots come with gripper kit as standard

Sandretto UK is now offering top of the range Platinum Robot systems from Dal Maschio.

Sandretto UK is now offering top of the range Platinum robot systems from Dal Maschio.

The move follows an extremely successful Plast 06 exhibition for Dal Maschio earlier this year in Milan where the company's full range of automation expertise was shown to the visiting trade, including demonstrated expertise at in-mould labelling (IML), high speed packaging applications and a full preview of the new Platinum robots.

Chris Whitlam, National Sales Manager for Sandretto UK Automation and Ancillaries says: "The new Platinum range from Dal Maschio expands on and delivers even more of the features that are so popular with the Dal Maschio Gold range".

For example, the new Platinum control now offers two possible programming methods.

In the first case, a simple preset mode dispenses with the need for any knowledge of programming.

"It simply streamlines and uses all the same functionality that our existing customers know and benefit from", says Whitlam.

The second option, however, offers a new line by line programming function.

"The Platinum robot can be programmed line by line to whatever sequence you require - or, alternatively, it can combine macros (preset block of sequences) with a custom sequence".

"The benefit that this feature offers is that in the future if you should get an application that is not catered for within the existing preset sequences you can write your own; thus saving time and money", says Whitlam.

Once programmed the Platinum robot can be driven, step-by-step, through all the sequences at a settable override speed.

This over ride speed is also used when first putting the robot into automatic mode.

All the new Platinum controls are mounted within the robot and the Operator's touchscreen pendant plugs directly into the onboard control.

"The moulder therefore gets a clear benefit in that no additional floor area is taken and fewer connections are needed - thus ensuring long trouble free operation".

The Platinum range of robots also has a range of new mechanical option.

Whitlam says: "Dal Maschio recognises that robot applications vary considerably - as do moulding machine sizes and shot weights".

"At Sandretto UK we therefore give the customer plenty of options, taking into account various stroke configurations, payload capabilities and so forth".

Additional input/output modules can be added to enable the robot controller to interface with downstream equipment.

The Sandretto UK automation business has grown from strength to strength since its beginnings some three years ago, and many injection moulding customers use the company to supply all their needs - in injection moulding machines, robots, materials handling equipment and much other technology involved in plastics production.

The same high standard of custom-based care and service applies to automation sales as the injection moulding machinery.

"With every Sandretto UK robot sold", notes Whitlam, "we include as standard our kit of gripper parts that enable our customers to make their own grippers according to particular needs".

"The gripper kit is very versatile and quick-to-assemble; using a standard quick-change manifold as a base".

The Sandretto UK kit includes sprung vacuum stems and a range of vacuum cups and tubes together with a number of blocks to connect the tube together.

"The system", says Whitlam, "has been adopted as a standard system by many of our customers using it not only for Dal Maschio robots but also for other makes of robots".

For more advanced applications Sandretto UK also offers a complete gripper design and manufacturing service.

"This has an orderbook turnaround of 24 hours", says Whitlam, "and is mostly used by trade moulding processors".

In-mould labelling is another area of automation growth for Sandretto UK, reports Whitlam.

"Dal Maschio, as evidenced at Plast 06, continues to develop sophisticated IML systems for both packaging and a wide range of other plastic components".

"We now have an extensive track record of working closely with leading UK IML manufacturers and with static charge equipment suppliers in order to ensure we can give our clients a complete solution - ranging from advice on product and tool design to the configuration, processing and application of the label itself".

Back to top