Manufacturing lines often need robots to perform repetitive movements quickly without sacrificing positioning control. A 5 axis robot adds additional movement flexibility to conventional pick-and-place automation, allowing the robot to approach components from different angles and handle more complex production tasks.
For injection molding and other automated processes, this flexibility can be useful when parts need to be removed, transferred, positioned, or handled within a restricted workspace. However, the right robot depends on the application, required movement, payload, cycle time, and integration requirements.
What Is a 5 Axis Robot?
A 5 axis robot is an industrial robot with five independently controlled axes of movement. Compared with simpler three-axis systems, the additional axes provide greater freedom to change the orientation of the robot arm and its end effector.
This matters when a production task requires more than straightforward linear movement. A robot may need to approach a molded component at an angle, move around an obstacle, or position a part precisely before transferring it to another station.
Samfacc’s high-speed robot category includes SFK, SFK-WD, and SFNK series models, with configurations that include five-axis servo systems. The company’s SFNK series, for example, is designed for injection molding automation and uses a single-arm, open-type configuration.
How Does a 5 Axis Robot Work?
The robot’s movements are coordinated through a control system that determines the position and motion of each axis. Servo motors provide controlled movement, while the robot’s programming determines how the arm travels between different positions.
In an injection molding application, the sequence may begin when the molding machine completes its cycle. The robot enters the required area, removes the finished part or runner, and then moves it to a designated location.
Depending on the production setup, the robot can also perform additional handling operations. The exact sequence depends on the robot configuration, mold design, part geometry, and automation requirements.
The additional axes are particularly useful when a straight-line approach is not sufficient. Tilting or rotating the end effector can help the robot reach parts from more suitable angles.
Why Use a 5 Axis Robot in Manufacturing?
The main advantage is flexibility. More axes provide greater control over the robot’s orientation, which can be valuable when handling complex parts or working around molds and other equipment.
A five-axis system can also support fast repetitive movements. Samfacc’s high-speed robot range is positioned for applications where short production cycles and rapid take-out operations are important. Its SFNK series is described for injection molding applications involving products such as thin-wall items and disposable food-service products.
However, additional axes are not automatically necessary for every production line. If a task only requires simple vertical and horizontal movement, a simpler robot may provide an adequate solution with less complexity.
Applications in Injection Molding
Injection molding is one of the most relevant applications for a 5 axis robot. Robots can automate the removal and transfer of molded components after the injection cycle.
Common tasks can include:
- Removing molded parts
- Removing runners
- Stacking components
- Transferring parts to conveyors
- Sorting products
- Handling parts between production stations
- Performing repetitive pick-and-place operations
The five-axis configuration becomes particularly useful when the robot needs to adjust the orientation of a component during handling.
Samfacc identifies plastics and injection molding among the applications for its high-speed robots, alongside automotive, electronics, and metalworking applications.
Speed and Precision Need to Work Together
High-speed automation is only useful when the robot can maintain controlled movement. Excessive speed without suitable positioning control can create handling problems, collisions, or inconsistent part placement.
Servo-driven systems are commonly used where manufacturers need controlled acceleration, positioning, and repeatable motion. Samfacc’s SFNK high-speed robot uses servo systems and is designed for production cycles in the short-cycle injection molding segment.
Actual cycle performance depends on several factors, including:
- Robot travel distance
- Part weight
- Mold configuration
- Injection molding cycle
- Robot programming
- Required movement
- End-of-arm tooling
- Safety requirements
For this reason, manufacturers should evaluate the complete automation cycle rather than choosing equipment based only on a maximum speed specification.
Choosing the Right 5 Axis Robot
Selecting a 5 axis robot should begin with the production task.
First, determine what the robot needs to pick, move, or position. Part dimensions and weight influence the required payload and tooling. The available space around the injection molding machine also affects the appropriate robot configuration.
Cycle time is another important consideration. If the molding machine operates rapidly, the robot must complete its required movements without becoming a bottleneck.
Manufacturers should also evaluate:
- Number of axes
- Payload requirements
- Reach
- Robot stroke
- Injection molding machine size
- Mold dimensions
- End-of-arm tooling
- Controller capabilities
- Safety systems
- Communication with the molding machine
- Available factory space
- Maintenance requirements
For high-volume production, the robot should be evaluated as part of the complete manufacturing cell rather than as an independent machine.
Automation and Production Integration
A robot delivers the most value when it works effectively with the rest of the production system. In injection molding, this may involve communication between the robot and molding machine, conveyors, sensors, part collection systems, or downstream packaging equipment.
Programming also matters. Operators need a practical way to configure movement sequences, positions, and production routines.
Samfacc states that its high-speed robot operating system uses touchscreen operation and includes mold memory and programmed routines on the SFNK series. The company also provides manuals and programming guidance for its equipment.
The exact controls and available functions vary by model, so buyers should confirm these details against the intended application.
Maintenance and Safe Operation
Like other industrial automation equipment, a five-axis robot requires regular inspection and maintenance. Manufacturers should follow the robot supplier’s maintenance schedule and check relevant mechanical, electrical, servo, and safety components.
The robot’s working area should remain clear of unnecessary obstacles. Operators should also follow appropriate machine guarding, emergency-stop procedures, and training requirements.
Routine maintenance should not be treated as a substitute for professional servicing. Technical repairs and adjustments should follow the manufacturer’s documentation and be performed by qualified personnel.
Final Thoughts
A 5 axis robot can provide a useful combination of speed, positioning flexibility, and movement control for automated manufacturing. Its additional axes become especially valuable when parts must be approached or transferred at different angles rather than along simple linear paths.
For injection molding operations, the right system depends on the molding machine, part characteristics, cycle time, tooling, workspace, and required automation sequence. Manufacturers evaluating high-speed automation should therefore assess the complete production process and select the robot configuration that matches the actual task rather than assuming that more axes are always better.
