In 1973, German manufacturer KUKA introduced the FAMULUS industrial robot in response to a direct request by the automotive industry who were looking for powerful, reliable and repeatable solutions to its requirements for various handling and manipulation processes.

Over the next 40 years the rate of product development by KUKA means that today the company has a large range of robots specifically designed for use in the plastics sector. This product development has allowed advances in technology to ensure that robots are simple to operate and, equally importantly, are a cost efficient solution for the plastics industry. Industrial robots can also perform a variety of tasks that more basic traditional automation solutions cannot be considered for.

Six-axis industrial robots can be mounted on top of injection moulding machines or alongside them for removal of parts from the mould tool. Historically simple beam axis robots have been used for this process. However, the lack of flexibility of these types of machines means that they are limited to very simple processes. A KUKA industrial robot can be used for removal of parts and can also be deployed to undertake secondary processes such as flash removal, sprue removal, clip insertion, dispensing of glues and sealers, in-mould labelling and so forth.

The use of a KUKA industrial robot means that it’s possible to combine primary and secondary operations bringing operational benefits to any facility. The reduction of non-value added operations can reduce work in progress. Combining processes also means that floor space can be reduced, again bringing commercial benefits to manufacturers.

KUKA Robotics UK moved to its current Wednesbury facility late in 2011 where sales and customer support are centred. A new training facility with six robots was installed in June 2013.

KUKA’s range of industrial robots offers models for a wide range of applications to suit a variety of production tasks. These include small robots – from the speedy four-axis SCARAs to the flexible six-axis jointed arm robots; low payloads (5-16kg); medium payloads (30-60kg); high payloads (90-300kg); heavy duty (300-1,300kg); and special models for specific requirements as shelf mounted, palletising or press-to-press robots, as well as a version for foundry applications.

KUKA Robotics  www.kuka.com
T: +49 821 797 50