Fanuc Europe will exhibit several all-electric Roboshot injection moulding machines (IMM) during Fakuma 2018 - in hall B3, on stand B3-3211. One of the main highlights is the new α-S450iA. Latest machine developments led to the 4500kN clamping force IMM the market has been expecting for years. Furthermore, a production cell, incorporating a 100-ton Roboshot, will produce technical parts in engineering grade plastics under "Variotherm" mould process. The system literally works hand-in-hand with a six-axis Fanuc LR Mate robot and a CR-7iA robot for parts assembly and handling. Roboshot machines fulfil strict user requirements aimed at low energy consumption and flawless injection moulding quality, combined with stable repeatability and maximum process security. In the so-called IOT corner Fanuc and TIG demonstrate Euromap 77 for plastics processing according to industry 4.0. Last, but not least, Robonano builds a bridge between injection moulding and mould manufacturing: the 5-axis CNC machining centre excels in ultraprecision five-axis machining in freeform surfaces with 0.1 nanometre command resolution. This machine tool demonstrates automated, predictable and repeatable optical-quality finishing of high-accuracy mould inserts.
Robonano α-NMiA demonstration
"Of course, injection moulding experts will come to the Fanuc booth to see the new 450-ton IMM", admits Gianluca Tristo, Fanuc’s Robonano expert, "however, I am sure that they will be also inspired by having their eyes on Robonano α-NMiA outstanding capabilities." This new ultraprecision machine tool has been developed by Fanuc specifically for five-axis diamond machining of freeform surfaces. This fits pretty well in the injection moulding industry since Fanuc can now offer a quite extended line-up of products, particularly for the polymer-based process chain. As a matter of fact, Fanuc Roboshot customers can now use tools where high quality mould inserts prepared by Robodrill and fine-finished by Robonano are assembled to precise components wire-cut by Robocut. To this specific industry, Robonano - with its 0.1 nanometre command resolution - offers a robust alternative to manual polishing of mould inserts. And of course, Fanuc Robots can also be exploited in order to automate processes even further. At the exhibition, Robonano α-NMiA will demonstrate real machining of a mould insert for the automotive industry, with a complex shape. Besides the demonstration, examples of different applications will be presented, such as surface texturing with holographic visual effects, finishing of high-precision optical-quality surfaces and processing of different materials, including mould steel.
