Wittmann’s FlexCell adds automation and efficiency to injection molding systems
The Wittmann Group, headquartered in Kottingbrunn, Austria, is launching a new range of FlexCell automation cells. Designed to be extremely compact and flexible, the FlexCell is based on a standardised concept that is reported to bring together maximum efficiency and cost savings in the automation of injection molding systems.
The footprint of production equipment is an important efficiency key figure, explains Wittmann. As a supplier of turnkey injection molding systems, the company has harnessed this potential for space saving with the protective housing, linear robot, and conveyor belts all integrated into a single compact, safe unit.
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Modular and retrofittable
With its three different versions — Basis, Primus and Plus — the FlexCell is intended to cover the entire range of injection molding applications, from simple pick-and-place tasks to planned integration of downstream equipment, such as packaging stations for molded parts.
All versions share a modular design. The cells are compatible with injection molding machines of all brands and can be retrofitted to existing production equipment.
Since these cells are mounted directly onto the injection molding machine and allow production with the machine safety door open, the automation equipment can be positioned very close to the clamping unit. In the Primus and Plus models, the protective housing is mounted on the conveyor belt and thus requires no separate floor space.
Fast setup and safe production
The FlexCell automation cells are extendable by integrating additional modules. All automation components have their fixed place and are safely enclosed inside the FlexCell. In this way, the concept contributes to greater occupational safety as well as more efficient setup processes. Temperature controllers can also be integrated in a space-saving way. They are placed underneath the conveyor belt and thus take up no extra floor space.
Special emphasis was placed in product development on easy access to the mold space for manual interventions, servicing and maintenance work. Therefore, the conveyor belts with the protective housing can be moved very easily to one side in the Primus and Plus models.
