Extending its 20+ year partnership with KUKA, plastic injection molding machines and system supplier Engel has now become a KUKA Robotics System Partner. In this new relationship, Engel will not only continue to incorporate KUKA robots in its injection molding solutions, but also integrate and retrofit KUKA robotic products into existing plastic injection molding machines and systems.
Engel primarily uses KUKA’s high-payload Quantec, low-payload Cybertec and medium-payload Iontec robots, all of which feature 6-axis operation.
For manufacturers looking to expand their operations or who haven’t yet automated their processes, Engel said its integrated equipment enables companies to use the same controller for the machine and added automation to help shops increase efficiency and productivity with no robotic programming experience.
"The ability to fully integrate KUKA robots into the Engel machine controller has more advantages than optimal communication between injection molding machine and automation,” said Stefan Aberl, Engel’s vice president of automation. “It is easier and more convenient for operators to work with one controller, and the integration also allows remote access for troubleshooting of complete production cells via just one access device."
To commemorate this new relationship between KUKA and Engel, Engel is offering a special automation integration promotion for new and existing customers from May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025, that includes an additional 12-month warranty to bring the total warranty period to 24 months. In addition, Engel is offering free simulations to determine reach, cycle time and feasibility of automation projects using its equipment as well as a 20% discount on maintenance training.
