Mechanical arms are widely used in injection molding and other manufacturing sectors to achieve automated production, enhancing efficiency and the stability of product quality. However, many companies lack daily maintenance awareness and professional knowledge after introducing mechanical arms, leading to varying degrees of damage and increased operational costs.

Therefore, it is crucial for operators of injection molding machines to notice when the robotic arm requires maintenance. The editor will now introduce some maintenance points:

Overall operational status

During the operation of the robotic arm, some noise is inevitable due to the rotation of bearings or contact between parts. By simply listening and observing, we can detect the overall operational status of the arm. Generally, the sound is smooth and stable; however, if you hear clicks or sharp scraping noises, it's time to check for any jammed parts, etc.

2. Drive System

The robotic arm drive system is a crucial component of the entire system, making it highly meaningful to inspect the drive system. Generally, robotic arms are driven by a frame assembly and transmission gears, so it is important to ensure that the system does not vibrate. Specifically, check the clearance between the gears; excessive or insufficient clearance can cause vibration or binding. In such cases, you can adjust the gear clearance according to the manual.

Cable wear

When inspecting the surface of the robotic arm, we often find a lot of powder or particles. In such cases, it's advisable to check the wiring. This phenomenon usually occurs when the wiring is worn. If this is not observed, we can also inspect the wiring's interior and exterior, as well as the vicinity of power sources or transformers, as wear can occur during the continuous operation cycle.

4. Guides and Bearings

Guideways and bearings require proper lubrication and a clean environment. Therefore, in dusty conditions, we need to frequently clean the guideways to prevent excessive wear. If debris or powder is found, it may indicate poor lubrication. Add lubricant promptly to ensure the lubricating performance of the components.

5. Pneumatic System

The pneumatic system in injection molding robot arms is quite common, and paying close attention to the suction cups of the pneumatic hoses and pressure regulators within the system can easily reveal any issues. If the suction cups are discolored or contaminated, it indicates excessive moisture, and humidity should be removed promptly. If there is any damage to the pneumatic hoses, the system may leak. If a noticeable hissing sound is heard, it can help identify the location of the leak.

6. Inspection of Lubrication

The robotic arm is equipped with an automatic lubrication system, which generally provides lubrication to different parts as the arm moves. However, certain areas may require manual lubrication. If any part is found to have debris or is excessively dry, it should be lubricated (refer to the manual or the robot arm handbook for instructions).

7. Inspect Equipment

Mechanical arms typically operate on molding equipment, where vibrations during operation can potentially affect their normal functioning. Observing the equipment's operational status and minimizing vibrations and tremors can extend the lifespan of the mechanical arm.