Turning Device
for Casting Molds
up to 8 Tons

The Task – Lifting, Turning, and Positioning Casting Molds

For the automated assembly of casting molds, the customer required a compact and precise handling solution. On an existing conveyor line, the upper mold part needed to be picked up, turned 180°, and then precisely placed onto the lower mold part.

A particular challenge was the confined space within the existing system. At the same time, the entire process needed to be carried out with minimal manual intervention.

With a weight of approximately 5,000 kg, the casting mold part to be handled also placed high demands on the special machine’s load capacity, drive technology, positioning accuracy, and safety.

The goal is a reliable and automated solution that enables the picking up, turning, positioning, and assembly of casting molds within a continuous process.

The Solution – Lift-Turn Device

ALZTEC developed a compact, automated handling module for picking up, turning, and precisely positioning casting molds.

Integrated sensors first determine the position and orientation of the upper casting mold part. Based on this data, the travel axis automatically moves the device into the required position and aligns the gripper parallel to the casting mold.

Subsequently, the two gripper jaws move independently inward and position themselves on the casting mold. The grippers stop upon reaching the defined resistance, thereby ensuring secure gripping of the workpiece.

After the gripping process, two synchronized lifting spindles raise the approximately 5,000 kg casting mold part. It is then turned 180° by two synchronized swivel drives.

During the further process, sensors determine the position and orientation of the lower casting mold part. The travel axis then precisely positions the turned upper part above the lower part and aligns it parallel.

The upper casting mold part is lowered in a controlled manner by the two synchronized lifting spindles until it rests on the lower casting mold part. As soon as the lifting spindles are relieved, the lifting process is automatically stopped, and the gripper jaws open.

Area scanners monitor the work area and ensure the necessary safety during automated handling.

This creates a compact and powerful special machine that fully automatically handles the picking up, turning, and assembly of approximately 5-ton casting molds – even in confined installation conditions.

The Facts