Robot Line Extended with Smallest, Most Energy Efficient Unit

At K 2022, Engel will introduce the new viper 4 small robot with low-voltage technology for automation that saves energy and space. For its newest and smallest viper model, Engel says it took a new approach, applying low-voltage drive technology to increase energy efficiency.

Available in eight sizes for payloads between 3 and 120 kg (7 and 265 lb), Engel’s viper linear robots can be applied to various injection molding operations. The new viper 4 is primarily intended for picking and placing small, molded parts, with the ability to manage weights of 7 lb downstream of the swivel axis. Targeting molding machines with a clamping force of up to 250 tons, Engel says the viper 4 achieves a dry cycle of 5.5 seconds, with a picking time of less than 1 second, in simple part picking and placing tasks.

In terms of energy savings, Engel says for a standard cycle of 6 seconds with full strokes and the maximum possible movement, energy consumption is just 200 Wh. For perspective, Engel says that’s the same amount of energy as a legacy CAD desktop computer consumes. The viper 4 achieves this using 48V drive technology and only needing a 230-V AC single-phase power supply.

For the first time, all vacuum circuits feature an energy-saving function as standard, so that vacuum is controlled by a flow program to reflect the job‘s requirements. Depending on the application, this can reduce required vacuum-circuit energy by up to 80%. Further benefits include reduced air filter contamination and quieter robot operation. Going forward,  Engel says all viper models will be equipped as standard with the energy-saving vacuum technology.

A version of the viper 4 with a shortened Y-stroke is available for horizontal part removal on Engel victory or Engel e-motion TL molding machines. Situated lower on the injection molding machine, the robots can handle more than 30% additional weight. Like the larger models, the new viper 4 features the iQ motion control smart assistance system and can be fully integrated into the machine‘s CC300 control unit. It is also available as a stand-alone solution.

The new viper 4 sees Engel supplement the lower end of its linear robot series while at the same time substantially improving energy efficiency in automation.