Standalone Servo-Driven Sprue Picker

After launching the WX90 servo-driven sprue removal device at Fakuma 2023, Wittmann presented a new standalone version of the robot at its 2024 Competence Days event. Wittmann says processors can now benefit from the WX90’s advantages regardless of the molding machine brands installed on their production floor.

Featuring servo-driven and freely programmable axes, the WX90 can perform simple part removal and handling tasks, using servo motors equipped with absolute encoders. To make the robot compatible with all injection molding machine brands, the WX90 has its own compact control cabinet, which is flanged directly onto the console of the WX90 so as not to take up any additional floor space. The system is operated by the R9 Teachbox control, featuring a 10.1" touchscreen. Wittmann says the controller enables significantly more programming than is possible with pneumatic pickers operating with mechanical end stops.

In contrast to the pneumatic sprue pickers from Wittmann, the operating range of the control system has been extended to include not only the servo axes but also numerous additional options. The freely programmable servo axes enable optimally coordinated movements to minimize intervention times. This includes high acceleration rates to shorten the WX90’s handling times.

Wittmann also notes that the low energy consumption of the WX90 servo motors, when compared to pneumatic cylinders, enables faster return on investment thanks to energy savings. With pneumatic sprue pickers, an average cost of about 5 cents/m³ of compressed air can be expected. By contrast, the WX90 has electricity consumption of just 0.18 kWh for the same application. Given that, Wittmann calculates payback in a three-shift operation would be no more than two years, approximately.

Offering flexible adjustment, the WX90 offers different configurations. The vertical axis is available in three lengths ranging from 500 to 1,000 mm, while the part removal axis has two lengths with a maximum stroke of 400 mm. The horizontal rotation axis comes with a pivoting range from 0 degrees to 100 degrees as standard, which enables parts to be deposited behind the fixed mold platen. As part of the standard package, the WX90 is also equipped with a gripper, with a vacuum unit or a gripper valve available for retrofitting as options. The WX90 is intended for use on injection molding machines with clamping forces from 35 to 150 tons.