Damaged cables on the robot control unit or loose cables as tripping hazards – many, operators of injection molding systems are familiar with these everyday challenges. This is why ENGEL and Sumcab have now deepened their partnership, addressing this very interface: For current ENGEL robot systems, the MTPReel retraction system has already been an established solution. Following joint validation and final approval by ENGEL, it can now also be used without issue for retrofitting existing machines. For production managers and maintenance teams, this means an easy-to-implement improvement in terms of safety, reliability, and user convenience.
The company ENGEL, based in Schwertberg, Austria, is a global market leader for injection molding solutions. In addition to injection molding machines, the company also supplies matching automation solutions as a full-service provider, such as the proven Viper linear robots with Cartesian axes for part removal. These robots are programmed via a handheld device, which also allows manual robot operation. The latest generation is already equipped with the MTPReel retraction system from Sumcab. If older systems are not fitted with such solutions, the result is cable clutter at the handheld unit or cables lying on the floor in front of the machine.
When the Cable Becomes a Risk
A cable that is not properly stored is more than just an optical nuisance. In practice, it creates real production risks. If the programming unit’s cable is not stored correctly after use, the resulting tripping hazard can tear the handheld unit from its holder. Falling to the floor can cause damage or trigger the emergency stop button unintentionally. In
addition, cables lying around can lead to premature wear or failures and, not least, pose a serious safety risk for operators due to tripping hazards. A defective operating cable or handheld programming device often results in unplanned machine downtime and thus production losses. Accidents in production also represent a non-negligible cost factor.
The MTPReel solves these problems through a controlled retraction mechanism. The cable always remains extended to a defined length and is automatically rewound as soon as it is no longer needed. Thanks to the integrated brake, this happens without snapping back abruptly, which could endanger devices or people. Inside, a rotating contact system ensures continuous and interference-free data transmission. This way, MTPReel combines mechanical protection with electrical safety and provides a long-term solution for order, ease of operation, and process stability.
Figure 1: Tripping hazard caused by connection cables lying on the floor
Validation by ENGEL – Tested, Approved, and Safe
Before retrofitting was approved for existing machines, the MTPReel underwent extensive testing at ENGEL’s in-house development center in Dietach. The focus was primarily on safety-related functions.
Data communication via the FSoE channel (Failsafe over EtherCAT) was tested under realistic conditions, even during retraction mechanism movement. Safety-critical signals, particularly emergency stop and enabling switch, were specifically tested for transmission reliability. The results showed: signal transmission remained consistently stable. Even after numerous motion cycles, no signal losses or mechanical wear were detected.
The test results confirmed: the system operates reliably without compromising safety. Based on this, approval was granted by ENGEL.
“User-friendliness and safety are essential components of our automation solutions.
This makes the MTPReel the perfect addition.”
– Rainer Beutl, Head of Business & Digitalization, Customer Service Division at ENGEL Austria GmbH
New Partnership, New Paths: Sumcab Works Directly with ENGEL Customers
As part of the extended product partnership, Sumcab is now authorized to work directly with ENGEL and customers. This makes retrofitting the MTPReel particularly straightforward. Customers with older Viper robot controllers receive a tailored solution adapted to their specific machine generation. Consultations, design, and delivery are carried out by ENGEL’s official product partner, Sumcab. Customers thus benefit from a validated retrofit solution with support from the robotics cable expert – without their own development effort or safety risks.
“Through the extended product partnership, we can offer ENGEL customers a tailored solution and significantly improve both system lifetime and workplace safety.”
Lothar Schütz, Managing Director at Sumcab Robotics GmbH
Figure 2: The automatic cable retraction system MTPReel™ from Sumcab in use with the ENGEL handheld operating device C70
Safety, Order, and Comfort for Existing Systems
What may appear at first glance to be just a detail has a major impact in everyday production. Through the close cooperation of ENGEL and Sumcab, production managers now have the opportunity to retrofit their existing robot systems with a safety-tested, durable, and user-friendly retraction solution – without compromising functionality.
For those seeking greater order, reduced downtime, and improved workplace safety, the Sumcab retrofit solution offers a simple, practical measure with significant effect.
