KUKA Robotics Corporation Makes a Splash at Cast Expo 2008

Booth #2251 showcases world's first industrial robot with a 1000 kg payload and 4000 mm reach

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich., May 16 -- KUKA Robotics Corporation is making a splash with the North American die casting market at the upcoming Cast Expo 2008 from May 17-20 in Atlanta, Ga. in booth #2251. KUKA Robotics provides a high quality, robust product line of more than 40 foundry-specific robots.

"Integration of robotics into the die casting industry is vitally important to the success of the industry in North America. Foundries are the last bastion of where robotic automation hasn't been fully integrated," said Stu Shepherd, president, KUKA Robotics Corporation. "With the harsh environment and the fact that the average age for foundry workers is 57, this industry is ripe for automation. Automating processes also reduces cost and labor, making manufacturers more competitive."

Technology demonstrated

KUKA Robotics is introducing the KUKA KR 1000 Titan to the North American market at Cast Expo 2008. The KR 1000 Titan's heavyweight capabilities has earned an entry in the Guinness Book of Records and is the world's first industrial robot that can lift a payload of 1000 kilograms with a reach of 4000 mm. The Titan is ideally suited to handle heavy, large or bulky workpieces. The heavyweight champion was developed for sectors such as the building materials, automotive and foundry industries.

KUKA Robotics will have its KUKA Protection Plus IP 67 cell for foundry applications showcased in the booth. KUKA Robotics will demonstrate its Ingress Protection (IP) 67 rating for its foundry robots. Attendees can spray water within this robotic cell and the robot will continue to run since the seals of the robot won't allow water to penetrate the joints.

KUKA robots are used for the following applications in the casting and foundry industries -- dross skimming, sand core handling & assembly, cleaning room/furnace deck, melt deck, mold department, die spray and extraction and material handling from furnace to conveyor.

The company will also feature its KUKA KR 240 Robot so attendees can see the KUKA robot with its foundry package. The KR 240 has increased load-bearing capacity and can carry heavier tools.