The Customer:

Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik GmbH, a long-established company, produces plastic components with high-quality galvanized surfaces at its plant in Lüdenscheid (D). Typical products are radiator grilles and decor strips for bumpers and boot flaps.

The Task:

Gerhardi operates 13 injection moulding machines from different manufacturers. The company invested in robot-based automation solutions for two of the machines, with the proviso that the robots could be used flexibly with any brand of machine.

The Challenge:

To avoid damage to the component surface on the way to the galvanizing line. The mould parting line is often not in the visible area of the component surface. This means that some components are heavily undercut, so that a combination of several simultaneous robot movements is necessary in order to demould it without damage.

The Solution:

Work cell automation based on high-calibre LR-S linear robots from KraussMaffei Automation. The LR-S Series is a range of standalone robots, each with its own control system and capable of interfacing with injection moulding machines from third-party manufacturers. The robot's control system communicates via standardized interfaces with the machine's control system. With servomotors on each axis, LR-S robots can perform time-saving parallel movements.

The Outcome:

LR-S robots have no problem demoulding parts with complex geometries. These robust, high-performing robots support the long-term productivity of a production cell. LR-S robots are easy to teach, program and operate, thanks to efficiently structured software and clear process visualization. Intensive efforts have gone into making the robots extremely operator-friendly and error-resistant. Enthusiastic about the initial concept, Gerhardi is planning further investment in LR-S robots.