THERMOFORMING

Automating the retrieval of parts from thermoforming machines is one of dds's latest undertakings.  To date we have developed a high-speed robotic gantry system for removing and stacking parts from thermoforming machines and a dedicated stacking system that interfaces directly with the thermoforming trim die for high-cavitation applications. 

Front-Entry (FE) Robot Systems are designed to integrate with trim-in-place thermoforming lines. After the form-and-trim cycle of a thermoformer, parts are retained in the upper half of the mould. The FE Robot enters the gap above the film web at speed, below the upper platen, and retrieves product via high-flow vacuum. A lightweight carbon-fibre robot End of Arm Tool (EoAT) guarantees minimal vibration, and the highest possible acceleration.

A secondary transfer device removes the product and builds stacks of parts onto individual lane conveyors. Stacks are singulated into a reorientation device, which positions the stacks horizontally for discharging into a single-file conveyor. At this stage, the product is ready for any secondary operations, such as counting and bagging.

One unique aspect of the dds FE Robot System is the cantilevered nature of the robot itself, which can be positioned automatically in a raised position (clamped with a pneumatic safety brake), for full, unimpeded access to the thermoforming machine at an instant.

Trim Press Interface (TPI) Systems

After the form-and-trim cycle of a thermoformer, parts are retained in the upper half of the mould. The FE Robot enters the gap above the film web at speed, below the upper platen, and retrieves product via high-flow vacuum. A lightweight carbon-fibre robot End of Arm Tool (EoAT) guarantees minimal vibration, and the highest possible acceleration.

A secondary transfer device removes the product and builds stacks of parts onto individual lane conveyors. Stacks are singulated into a reorientation device, which positions the stacks horizontally for discharging into a single-file conveyor. At this stage, the product is ready for any secondary operations, such as counting and bagging.