Tag Archive for: WEMO
HAHN Group presents digitized plant systems at FAKUMA as part of its extensive product portfolio
As part of the FAKUMA trade fair, the HAHN Group will be presenting solutions for the plastics industry from its subsidiaries WEMO Automation, Waldorf Technik and GeKu at its stand B3-3115. The highlight of the exhibition is a trade fair system from Waldorf Technik and Sumitomo Demag, which has been expanded to include digital monitoring systems from HAHN Digital.
The HAHN Group booth B3-3115 combines the exhibits of the companies WEMO Automation, Waldorf Technik and GeKu automation systems at the FAKUMA trade fair. An exciting detail of the exhibition this year is the MOBILE.EXPO truck, which carries selected automation and robot systems from the entire HAHN Group company network. This includes digital systems that you can touch and try out such as “EVE Support” as a remote maintenance system from HAHN Digital or the options for “Virtual Commissioning”, i.e. the virtual commissioning of systems before they are built. As part of the HAHN Group MOBILE.EXPO, over 13 locations in 5 European countries will be visited by December 17, 2021 in order to present the competencies of the company network to customers, local partners and employees.
With Vario TIP®, Waldorf Technik presents the patented and world-leading system concept for the manufacture of medical and diagnostic consumer products. The Vario TIP® system is characterized by its unsurpassed degree of freedom for different tool configurations and packaging units, with an extremely space-saving design and complete cavity sorting. With Vario TIP®, high numbers of cavities of up to 128 are possible, with cycle times with peak values of 3.8 seconds. The automation system takes on all basic functions such as removal, transfer, screening, buffering and filling. In addition, the system includes a large number of unique functionalities that can be used customer-specifically. This includes camera inspections, cavity-sorted replacement of bad / missing parts, filter assembly and customized packaging of the finished parts.
At the Sumitomo Demag stand (B1-1105), the HAHN Group’s digitization and interface expertise will also be demonstrated. An Intelect S 100 / 460-250 was combined with an automation system from Waldorf Technik, which is based on the Vario Tip® FSS system. This creates a fully automated production cell for the manufacture of caps for insulin syringes on a 16-cavity mold in a total cycle time of six seconds. The use of vacuum sensors on the removal gripper sends data on product quality and the gripper position. A camera system provides additional optical information on the structure, quality and number of the finished parts for automated quality management. The data generated enable the products to be traced, as each test result can be assigned to the mold cavity and the time of production. This allows a well-founded analysis and observation of the quality in order to be able to react in a targeted manner to deviations in good time, such as deselecting cavities as a measure.
The further development of the Vario TIP® FSS with a particularly narrow structure opens up the market for MedTec injection moulders in new performance classes without requiring more clean room space. FSS stands for Floor Space Saving and offers an extremely reduced space requirement compared to the Vario TIP® standard model. By cleverly arranging the buffer areas required for separating the cavities, Waldorf Technik has succeeded in reducing the area by half compared to the basic system. The functionality and variability of the Vario TIP® standard are of course retained.
With the use of EVE Analytics: Connect from the HAHN Digital portfolio, Waldorf Technik enables continuous monitoring of the automation system in real time. With the information obtained in this way, operators can react immediately to anomalies and enable higher efficiency and output. With its EVE Suite portfolio, HAHN Digital offers further solutions for digitization in the manufacturing industry, with maximum data security and close cooperation with the experts from the HAHN Group corporate network. As part of the MOBILE.EXPO exhibition, further digital products and technologies for modern automation systems will be exhibited. This includes EVE support as a remote maintenance system from HAHN Digital or virtual commissioning applications. Visitors have the opportunity to try out the various products directly in the exhibition truck and experience them up close.
WEMO Automation presents a wide range of innovations and concepts for cost-efficient and fast handling, including among other things injection molding machines in cooperation with ABB Robotics. WEMO is known on the European market as a supplier of 3-5-axis linear robots. Together with ABB Robotics, WEMO is now expanding its portfolio around the adaptation of the wide range of six-axis industrial robots from ABB. Effective immediately, WEMO will support the market as an ABB value provider for customers worldwide. With many years of experience in the integration of ABB robots, WEMO offers solutions and support at the highest level.
The offer ranges from flexible configurations to standalone concepts and SGM concepts. This covers most of the applications in the plastics industry, taking into account the respective individual requirements. The advantages of the different configurations and concepts lie in the use for different tasks as well as the simple installation and commissioning. As always, WEMO offers standard solutions and options such as interface EOAT adapters, protective devices and much more.
The “ABB + WEMO hand-in-hand concepts” are space-saving and flexible solutions for using robots in the plastics industry. The WEMO robots are mounted on the injection molding machine with an integrated ABB robot for further downstream operations. The advantages here are commissioning for both devices at the same time as well as the simple addition of communication solutions and other functions.
With the new management by Johannes Kjellgren as CEO and Håkan Larsson as COO, WEMO Automation will strengthen the Robotics Division within the HAHN Group in the future. This bundles the know-how in the areas of linear, collaborative and mobile robotics and makes it even easier for customers to access. In addition, the respective sales and partner networks complement each other very well in order to further increase customer proximity. Through the group network, WEMO is also to be developed even more strongly as a regional hub in Scandinavia in the future.
GeKu, with the exhibition cell for automated contact provision, is part of the mobile exhibition belonging to the truck. For the automotive and electronics industries, GeKu developed a specialized system for providing contacts that can be used as part of the automated production of connectors and sensor housings. The system uses a bending cutting tool with a punching system driven by a servo motor. The force used is approx. 30 kN, but it can also be supplied as a larger version with higher forces and is adapted to the required tools. For each contact group, individual contacts can be made available within approx. 4 seconds. The system uses a KUKA robot whose parallel gripper is equipped with a spreading stroke for the individual contacts. The processes within this automation system can be customized for customers and their requirements and can also be delivered as part of complete automation cells.
WEMO Automation is positioning itself for the future with new management and a broader portfolio
The founders of WEMO Automation Sven, Olof and Bengt Ståhl are handing over the management of the company to Johannes Kjellgren (CEO) and Håkan Larsson (COO). As part of this, WEMO will move to the Robotics Division within the HAHN Group in order to offer its customers an even broader portfolio of solutions and products with mobile and collaborative robotics. This complements the focus on the plastics market with technological competencies.
After more than 30 years of building, developing and managing WEMO Automation, the Ståhl brothers are handing over the management of the company to new hands. Already in 2015, the HAHN Group took over the majority of the company’s shares, and finally all of them. Now also the leadership will be handed over to Johannes Kjellgren, who took over management of the company in October 2021. Johannes Kjellgren has many years of experience in customer-centric sales and general management. With his deep knowledge of international markets, he will continue to expand the sales network and customer service for WEMO in order to be even closer to the customers. At his side, Håkan Larsson will be responsible for operational management as COO, starting in spring 2022. As a proven expert in technical development and the plastics industry and with his many years of experience, he stands for the continuity with regard to the reliability and technological excellence of the WEMO products.
“It is not easy to successfully shape a succession situation in which the founders have built and managed their company with so much dedication and passion. Therefore we are very happy that in Johannes and Håkan we have found two very experienced entrepreneurs who can not only preserve what has been achieved, but also want to add new things at the same time,” says Philipp Unterhalt, CEO of the HAHN Group. “Our thanks go to Sven, Olof and Bengt. For the trusting cooperation of the last few years, the friendly interaction and also for the fact that they continue to support us in an advisory capacity – also beyond WEMO within the HAHN Group.”
The previous CEO, Sven Ståhl, adds: “With the takeover by the HAHN Group, we were able to set the course for a stable and secure future for WEMO as early as 2015. With Johannes and Håkan, the HAHN Group remains true to its culture of continuing to run the business with highly professional and very value-based people. “
“I am looking forward to the new task of further positioning the team and the potential of WEMO in the plastics market and also inspiring existing and new customers with further automation and robotics solutions from the HAHN Group”, comments Johannes Kjellgren.
“I have spent most of my career in the plastics industry and got to know WEMO as a very professional and innovative company”, adds Håkan Larsson, new COO of WEMO. “Therefore I am delighted to further develop the technology according to our customers’ requirements and needs.”
As part of the succession, WEMO Automation will strengthen the Robotics division within the HAHN Group in the future. This bundles the know-how in the areas of linear, collaborative and mobile robotics and makes it even easier for customers to access. In addition, own sales and partner networks complement each other very well in order to further increase customer proximity. Through the HAHN Group network, WEMO is also to be developed even more strongly as a regional hub in Scandinavia in the future.
Thomas Marufke strengthens HAHN Group Material Handling Division
Thomas Marufke is expanding the management of the Material Handling Division as of August 2021. He takes on the role of Bernhard Rupke, who will retire at the end of the year. Together with COO Gregor Kessler, Thomas Marufke will continue to unify the division and expand its leading position in automation solutions surrounding injection molding machines.
As managing director, Thomas Marufke controls the expertise of the HAHN Group in automation systems for plastics production and processing. In his role, he will be responsible for the customer-oriented areas of sales and service as well as the oversight of topics relating to project management and technology. Together with Gregor Kessler, COO of the Material Handling Division, he will take care of the strategic development of the division. Both also take over the management of Waldorf Technik.
Through his career, Thomas Marufke earned many years of experience in the plastics industry. After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Darmstadt, Marufke last worked for KraussMaffei Automation GmbH for over 20 years, of which he spent nine in the position as managing director.
The Material Handling Division includes the brands Waldorf Technik, GeKu Automatisierungssysteme and WEMO Automation with locations in Germany, Sweden, the USA and Turkey. A presence in Asia is also currently being established. These companies will benefit from Marufke’s profound expert knowledge of automation and robot technology for all aspects of injection molding production.
“I am delighted that we were able to win Thomas, a proven expert and great character, for the HAHN Group,” explains Philipp Unterhalt, CEO of the HAHN Group. “With his skills and many years of experience as managing director, he will support our companies in the plastics processing market segment in offering an even more extensive range of services for our customers and partners.”
“The companies Waldorf Technik, GeKu Automatisierungssysteme and WEMO Automation are powerful brands that stand for the highest quality and precision,” states Thomas Marufke regarding his new tasks. “I am looking forward to working with a strong team to further expand our customers’ satisfaction, to grow internationally and to deliver economical solutions for injection molding automation worldwide.”
In his role, Thomas Marufke takes over the duties of the previous managing director and division director Bernhard Rupke, who is retiring. After a transition period, he will continue to support the HAHN Group in an advisory capacity. “We would like to thank Bernhard very much for his work over the past few years,” explains Philipp Unterhalt. “With his support, we brought the companies in the division closer together and mastered the Covid period superbly. We wish Bernhard the best health and satisfaction.”
The HAHN Group review of K 2019
This year the HAHN Group participated at K 2019. The largest international plastics fair takes place every three years in Dusseldorf, Germany, and brings the most important companies of the plastics industry together.
This way manufacturers of plastics granules, injection-molding machines and packaging machines have their place on the fair. The HAHN Group was present at the fair with its subsidiaries GeKu, HAHN Digital, HAHN Robotics, HAHN RobShare, Rethink Robotics, Waldorf Technik, and Wemo.
The company and product portfolio of HAHN Group fits like a glove to one of the main topics of this year’s K fair: Digitalization and industry 4.0 were of enormous relevance, as well as products around the connectivity of devices, along with digital monitoring and the remote control of production systems and processes. The HAHN Group’s expertise covers exactly these topics:
- Jointly Waldorf Technik and HAHN Digital presented a system that combines digital printing and digital service, leading to higher productivity in the production of medical devices.
- With their new WIPS 4.0 software, Wemo contributes to a more user-friendly programming of robots and allows improved product quality through intelligent automation.
“Contrary to the general mood in the run-up to the fair, we had a successful trade show. This particularly applies to the individual firms Waldorf Technik and Wemo,” explains Bernhard Rupke, Director of the HAHN Group’s Material Handling division, which is made up of the companies GeKu, Wemo and Waldorf Technik. He continues: “But as a whole group with a very wide range of automation technology, we have received a lot of feedback from many customers and visitors.”
We are happy about the high number of visitors and the considerable interest, which was shown for our products and companies. In the coming weeks our teams will build on the numerous ideas, contacts and successes, which were made at K and are already looking forward to K 2022!
Smart automation – boost your productivity
Värnamo, Sweden – Wemo presents a wide range of robotics and will show several robot applications for automation in plastics manufacturing at K 2019. As a highlight, Wemo provides industrial logistics solutions for material handling. Trade show visitors are invited to experience how to boost product quality with smart automation at booth E61 in hall 10.
Wemo launches WIPS 4.0 software for a user experience in the programming of robots as one of the highlights at K 2019. The new WIPS 4.0 software platform is based on experiences from the successful dialogue programming, which was implemented in thousands of Wemo robots in the last decade. The new ergonomic and lightweight handheld controller W-Hp12, in combination with a 10.1” landscape full color screen, gives operators and programmers a better overview of the status and program structure. The handheld is equipped with three levels of safety buttons (dead-man-grip). Furthermore, the customer experience continues with hardware buttons for the most-used functions like the activation of axes movement and main operational buttons like start, stop, and reset. In addition to an integrated touch pen the screen is now equipped with swipe functionality for an intuitive usability. This improves the speed of daily use, makes the process more efficient and results in better monitoring for the user with fewer jumps to different pages. The WIPS 4.0 user friendliness is rounded off with a customized start screen.
The new software and handheld will be demonstrated at the Wemo stand at booth E61 in hall 10.
Wemo offers 21 different models for adaption to injection molding machines, of which three are displayed at K:
- Wemo 3-5 Linear Picker: The compact, servo-driven linear robot with a handling capability up to 2.3 kg is used for sprue and part handling. The Wemo 3-5 Linear Picker can be mounted either within the machine’s protected area or above the gate to the machine safety area as a conventional linear robot. The installation is extremely compact, while the adaptation of external protections around the machine becomes significantly easier. This solution solves limits in flexibility of additional operations, as well as higher cost, due to CE regulations for approved machine protection.
- Wemo 8-5 sDesign: The high speed linear robot for thin-wall parts in the packaging industry is best in class for packaging parts and medical applications on two-platen and stack moulds. The sDesign series is especially suited for the removal of packaging parts. The high-speed handling units are optimised for ultimate efficiency and speed. They have a cycle time of less than 2.7 seconds and may be used both for side-entry and top removal. A Wemo 8-5 sDesign application with a handling weight of up to 3 kg for machine sizes from 750 up to 3,000 kN can be seen at the Wemo booth in operation along with a servo driven stacking unit, which helps to achieve the faste cycle times.
- Wemo 120 xLine Tandem: The Wemo tandem robot concept mounts two robots on the same Z-axis, resulting in a more cost-effective production. Often additional operations are added outside the injection molding machine, such as assembly, inspection or packing of pattern layouts in boxes. With the tandem concept, required operation processes are divided without installing two separate robots in the cell. Using this method, valuable floor space is released in comparison to previous solutions. At K 2019, Wemo will demonstrate a Wemo 120 xLine Tandem for industrial parts.
Wemo Handling Automation offers efficient industrial logistics solutions for handling parts and boxes to and from pallets. The product range of user friendly and flexible linear robots is based on the handling concept, which comes with additional modulized conveyors, End-Of-Arm tooling and safety guarding. At K 2019, visitors can discover the following solutions: The Wemo xPacker packing line consists of the Wemo xPacker mini robot to fill boxes and the larger Wemo xPacker midi robot to pack boxes on pallets.
- Wemo xPacker mini: The fast Pick-and-Place robot for filling boxes is a speedy robot type for handling parts up to 5 kg. With its small footprint it can be used inside existing automation lines or directly after the out coming conveyor from the molding machine.
- Wemo xPacker midi: The compact robot for palletizing boxes with 20 kg handling weight is a complete robotics unit. With an incoming conveyor and integrated safety guarding, Wemo xPacker midi is ready for easy plug-in. It is placed directly after the molding machine’s out coming conveyor belt or in a centralized logistics department. All types of boxes or packages can be handled with a unique vacuum gripper which can detect the object size and use the vacuum channels according to the needed surfaces. In combination with the intuitive programming WIPS handling software, less knowledge is required to operate this unit in an efficient way.
