Automation maker Kuka, Shelby Township, Mich., has announced a partnership with Engel, paving the way for the Schwertberg, Austria, injection molding machine (IMM) manufacturer to integrate and retrofit Kuka’s equipment into existing IMMs.
Having used hundreds of new Kuka robots in upstream and downstream automation, Engel will continue to incorporate the company’s robots as standard components in its IMMs. It relies primarily on Kuka's six-axis all-purpose, high-payload Quantec robots; high-powered, low-payload Cybertec robots; and versatile medium-payload Iontec robots.
“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, VP of automation for Engel. “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 celebrate the partnership, Engel is offering a special automation integration promotion for new and existing customers from May 1 to April 30, 2025, that includes an additional 12-month warranty that brings the total warranty period to 24 months, free simulations to determine reach, cycle time and feasibility, and a 20 percent discount on maintenance training.
