Flexible and compact IML system

Wittmann's latest W837 IML system features packaging lids and camera control.  

 

The new W837 IML system is the culmination of WITTMANN’s latest high-speed thinking for compact IML systems. The WITTMANN IML range is being continuously optimized with regard to factory footprint, as well as enabling production flexibility, reliability, and low energy useage.

 

The system’s requirement profile, based on many years of WITTMANN design and production experience – allows for the extensive consideration and inclusion of these factors – essential to profitable manufacturing practice.

The basic concept of the W837 IML system is rooted in the application of a highly dynamic horizontal axis that allows for the fastest insertion and removal movements, and for the highest control accuracy. In addition, new concepts of product handling and placing of finished parts leads to the maximum possible compactness. The new W837 IML systems are geared to high productivity and optimal use of energy, contributing significantly to sustainable production in plastics processing.

 

The W837 IML system was shown at the K show together with an injection molding machine from WITTMANN BATTENFELD – the EcoPower Xpress 400/1000+. The production cell made polypropylene (PP) lids at a cycle time of 4.7 seconds, using an 8-cavity-mold from Greiner Packaging (Austria).

 

The W837 IML system inserted the IML foils into the mold, and simultaneously removed the finished decorated lids.

 

The system allows for a concentrated delivery of the parts onto a synchonized conveyor belt. The finished parts are then guided through the integrated camera station in perfect alignment. The camera examines every single lid; checking the positioning of the label on the molded part, and also the decoration on the label itself. The positively checked parts are then stacked on the output belt. Parts that did not meet the production criteria are further conveyed by the synchronized conveyor belt, and are finally dropped into the reject parts bin.

 

Parts that are needed for the quality inspection routine are ejected through a separate outlet from within the working cell on request.

 

 

All system travel drives are extreme high-performance servo drives. It is therefore possible to coordinate the most dynamic movements in an optimal way, resulting in the shortest running-in and cycle times. Using these drives leads, moreover, to very low energy consumption.

 

In addition, the integrated vacuum pump system reduces the entire system’s need for compressed air to a few ltr./min.The new system also allows the production of lids that are of different dimensions. It can be adjusted in this way with a few simple hand movements.