Viper™ AS 206 SE Cell Stacks the Unstackable!

The Problem

When asked to provide a solution to a continuing problem, Ventax rose to our customers' challenge.

"How can we retrieve and reliably stack unstable lids and containers for thin-walled applications?"

At the time, parts were molded and dropped, reoriented and then consolidated using traditional technology. This method had issues with static, reliability and capacity when considering the volume requirements for new stack molds and high-speed presses. In addition, automation footprint was a major concern due to the tight plant layout and machine configurations.

The Ventax Solution

Ventax's engineering team came up with a reliable transfer and stacking system featuring well proven high-speed Viper AS 206 SE robots, for part retrieval and loading, as well as an integrated Stack-Rite system (Patent Pending).

As shown above, parts are retrieved from a 2x8 stack mold run on a high-speed Husky machine. The 16 parts are then loaded simultaneously into servo transfer plates utilizing the programmable strip stroke of the Viper arms. This step repeats until several sets of parts are accumulated into the transfer nests. The plates move down into position in front of the 4 accumulation tracks. The parts are then pushed into the tracks forming continuous stacks. The transfer plate's then drop one position to stack the parts from the next set of nests. This process continues until all parts are placed into the accumulation tracks and the transfer plates move back up to retrieve the next group of parts from the Viper arms. As the parts accumulate sensors are triggered in the accumulation tracks to indicate full stacks are available. A servo separator arm pulls the full stack from each of the identified tracks (programmable quantities) to an end position for operator inspection and packaging. The system is also designed to incorporate an optional automated box loading station.

The Viper™ AS 206 SE Stack-Rite Advantages

• Revolutionary Viper - The unique synchro-link side-entry arm design and integrated strip stroke provides intrusion times as low as 0.5 seconds.
   
• Stack-Rite System - Full system servo capability and positive parts transfer, at all stages of the material handling process, minimizes the effects of static and ensures swift reliable performance. The system stacks parts that cannot be stacked by traditional down-stacking automation.
   
• Designed for Speed - Capable of 5 seconds or lower cycles depending on cavitation.
   
• Minimized Footprint - The system as shown operates inline and completely within 1.12 meters (44") of the press gate.
   
• True Flexibility - Suitable for single or stack mold, the Stack-Rite system has interchangeable End-of-Arm-Tooling and nests based on similar mold pitch, plus a floating rail system allowing for multiple part production. Similar diameter lids and containers can even be run on the same system!
   
• Ease of Use - Ventax's proven high-performance integrated servo control system runs all primary and secondary equipment. Up to 25 online programs with instant recall are available for multi-part production.
   
• Expandable - Additional packaging equipment such as box staging and loading systems can be added as required.

Check out our product section for more detailed information and specifications on our 
new line of Viper robots.