Connecting an Avalon MoldWatcher™ system to a horizontal injection molding machine can be straightforward—especially when the machine has a fully operational EUROMAP 12 or EUROMAP 67 robot interface.
With the Avalon SPI QuickConnect, MoldWatcher can receive the machine signals needed to time its inspections and, when an inspection fails, inhibit selected machine actions to help prevent costly mold damage.
Connecting MoldWatcher With the Avalon SPI QuickConnect
When the molding machine and robot use a compatible EUROMAP 12 or EUROMAP 67 interface, the basic connection process can be as simple as:
- Stop the injection molding machine and home the robot.
- Disconnect the robot from the machine’s EUROMAP 12 or EUROMAP 67 interface.
- Connect the Avalon SPI QuickConnect between the robot and the molding machine.
The QuickConnect allows the MoldWatcher system to access the necessary machine signals while maintaining normal communication between the robot and the molding machine.
All connections should be completed by qualified personnel in accordance with the machine manufacturer’s instructions and the facility’s established electrical and safety procedures.
What Does the MoldWatcher Interface Do?
MoldWatcher uses signals from the injection molding machine to determine when an inspection should occur during the molding cycle.
Depending on the application and the machine’s on/off signal states, the system can inspect the mold for conditions such as:
- Presence or absence of molded parts
- Presence or absence of inserts
- Correct positioning of cores
- Correct positioning of lifters or other moving components
If an inspection fails, MoldWatcher can inhibit specific machine actions, such as mold closure or ejector extension. Stopping these actions before the next step in the cycle can help protect the mold from expensive damage and prevent unnecessary production downtime.
Benefits of the SPI QuickConnect
Using a compatible robot interface eliminates much of the signal identification and individual wiring that might otherwise be required between the press and the vision system. This can provide several practical benefits:
- Faster installation and system setup
- Simplified signal wiring
- Reduced interruption to production
- Continued communication between the robot and molding machine
- Easier relocation of the vision system to another compatible machine
The interface does not replace the robot connection. Instead, it connects between the robot and the molding machine so MoldWatcher can receive and transmit the signals required for the inspection process.
What If the Machine Does Not Have EUROMAP 12 or EUROMAP 67?
Not every injection molding machine has an available EUROMAP 12 or EUROMAP 67 robot interface. A different connection method may also be required when an Avalon vision system is used with another type of machine or manufacturing process.
In these applications, the necessary signals can be wired through an Avalon ENet I/O module.
The compact ENet I/O module provides:
- Eight digital inputs
- Eight digital outputs
- Local signal wiring inside the machine’s control cabinet
- Ethernet communication with the Avalon vision controller
Because the module can be installed inside the machine’s control cabinet, signals can be wired locally and then carried to the MoldWatcher controller through a standard Ethernet cable.
Confirm That the Robot Interface Is Fully Operational
A visible robot connector does not always mean the machine has a fully operational EUROMAP robot interface.
Some newer horizontal injection molding machines are sold with the robot integrated into the press as a complete package. These machines may appear to have a standard robot connector, but the connection might not function as an independent EUROMAP 12 or EUROMAP 67 interface because the robot communicates with the press through a different integrated system.
Before selecting the interface, confirm the machine’s capabilities by:
- Reviewing the press documentation
- Consulting the injection molding machine manufacturer
- Verifying that the available EUROMAP connector operates as a complete robot interface
This confirmation should occur during the project-definition stage rather than waiting until installation.
Why Interface Selection Matters
Selecting the correct interface early can reduce installation time, simplify system setup and limit production interruptions. It can also make it easier to move the MoldWatcher system to a different molding machine in the future.
The appropriate interface will depend on:
- The molding machine manufacturer and model
- The robot configuration
- Whether a functional EUROMAP 12 or EUROMAP 67 interface is available
- The signals required for the inspection sequence
- Whether the press and robot are independently connected or integrated as a single system
Evaluating these details before installation helps Avalon determine whether the application is best served by the SPI QuickConnect or an ENet I/O module.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does MoldWatcher connect to an injection molding machine?
If the machine has a fully operational EUROMAP 12 or EUROMAP 67 robot interface, an Avalon SPI QuickConnect can be installed between the robot and the molding machine. If a compatible interface is unavailable, the required signals can be wired through an Avalon ENet I/O module.
Does the SPI QuickConnect interrupt communication with the robot?
No. The SPI QuickConnect is designed to allow normal communication between the robot and the molding machine to continue while providing the signals required by the MoldWatcher system.
What happens when a MoldWatcher inspection fails?
Depending on the application and system configuration, MoldWatcher can inhibit actions such as mold closure or ejector extension. This helps prevent the machine from continuing the cycle when a part, insert, core or other monitored component is not in the expected condition.
Can MoldWatcher be moved to another molding machine?
Yes, but the connection requirements of the new machine must be evaluated. Selecting the appropriate interface during the original project-definition process can make future relocation faster and easier.
Does every EUROMAP connector work with the SPI QuickConnect?
Not necessarily. Machines with integrated robot-and-press packages may have a connector that resembles a standard robot interface but does not operate independently as one. Always confirm compatibility through the machine documentation or manufacturer.
Discuss Your MoldWatcher Interface Requirements With Avalon
Choosing the correct interface begins with understanding the molding machine, robot configuration and inspection sequence.
Avalon Vision Solutions can review your application and help determine whether the SPI QuickConnect or ENet I/O module is the appropriate connection method for your MoldWatcher system.
Contact Avalon Vision Solutions to discuss your application.