AGVs drive major automation leap in injection molding

ENGEL AUSTRIA is a globally recognized company specializing in the production of injection molding machines and technologies for the plastics industry. The Austrian specialist provides a full range of products including hydraulic, fully electric, and hybrid injection molding machines, along with automation solutions and customer-specific applications. With Stäubli by their side, ENGEL also succeeds in automating internal manufacturing processes thanks to Stäubli AGVs. 

ENGEL was looking to automate its cycle assembly and the associated painting process for its production of injection molding machines in Schwertberg, Austria. The challenge involved not only the required load capacity of 60 tons, but also the necessary custom-made products and the seamless connection to their ERP system to ensure a safe and stable process.

Stäubli has succeeded in supplying three platform AGVs from the PF80 series that meet Engel's requirements.

In addition to the vehicles, the scope of delivery also includes special racks for transporting the injection molding machines for assembly and painting processes. The assembly racks are supplied with external hydraulic units to ensure ergonomic working and maximum flexibility among the AGVs, as three different material tracks are covered by them.

On the software side, an infrastructure control system was developed that ensures maximum safety between the AGVs and humans, cranes or other stationary peripherals. The connection to the ERP system for ENGEL's material flow via a control system was also implemented, so that many manual activities could be automated.