Created date: June 25th, 2025

Robots: e-Series and UR-Series

*The e-Series IMMI is compatible with the following e-Series robot serial numbers, and higher.

UR3e 20205300377
UR5e 20205500828
UR10e 20205000796
UR16e 20205600055

If you have a serial number prior to the ones listed above, you will need to purchase a newer model SCB.

Introduction:

The IMMI “Injection Molding Machine Interface” is a peripheral device sold by Universal Robots to enable direct communication and control of IMMs “Injection Molding Machines”. The intention of the device is to allow a Universal Robot to control the sequence of operation of an IMM during full automatic production. It is a standardized communication protocol that IMM manufacturers follow, utilizing discrete I/O, with a dedicated bulkhead connection. The benefits of using the IMMI include direct control of mold movements (ejectors, cores, mold open/close), monitoring rejects from the IMM, and integrating safety devices between IMM and robot.

Universal Robots Supported IMM Protocols:

Euromap 67: The European Plastics and Rubber Machinery group standardized the IO pinout for extractor devices. All major IMM manufacturers adhere to these standards. The standard is available for free from their website.

SPI AN 146: Society of the Plastics Industry (since rebranded Plastics Industry Association) is the USA version of the Euromap 67. It is a copy of the free of charge Euromap 67 recommendation with a few notes added. SPI AN-146 is not free of charge.

It is crucial to understand which version of Euromap is installed on an IMM prior to attempting to integrate the IMMI. Universal Robots supports Euromap 67.

Part numbers for e-Series:

106900 IMMI Option includes everything needed to integrate to a Euromap 67 IMM - IMMI module, robot jumper plug, 6m Euromap 67 cable, and ribbon cable to connect IMMI to the robot’s controller

106910 IMMI Module and robot jumper only

106920 IMMI cable only

FAQ:

Q: I only need the robot to pull a part out of the mold, why do I need all the extra functionality of the IMMI?

A: The IMMI enables the robot to take full control of the IMM’'s sequence of operation. It utilizes redundant safety via dual channels for emergency stop and safety devices of the IMM defined by Euromap. Bypassing the standard communication protocol for IMMs may lead to having two simultaneous points of control of the IMM which can be an extreme hazard.

Q: Can more than one IMMI be used to control an IMM?

A: No, IMMs are configured so that only one extractor device (robot) is in control of mold movements. You only need one IMMI to enable this functionality. Additional robots can be integrated together via other fieldbus protocols.

Q: The robot goes into Safeguard Stop every time I open the IMM door. How do I prevent this?

A: Euromap standards indicate all automatic movement of equipment - robot and IMM - are disabled when safety doors of the IMM are opened.

Q: Can I run production in semi-automatic while still using the IMMI?

A: The IMMI is intended for full automatic production of the IMM. Semi-automatic is interrupted by opening and closing the operator door of the IMM, so inherently this will cause the robot to go into Safeguard Stop. It should not be the intention of utilizing semi-automatic mode to automate an IMM.

Q: Inside of Installation settings → Hardware there is the dropdown menu with Euromap 67 and SPI AN 146, how is it determined which to select?

A: It does not matter which option is selected, both Euromap 67 and SPI AN 146 functionally behave the same. The only difference in PolyScope are the labels of the signals. It is not recommended however to switch between Euromap 67 and SPI AN 146 after programs have been established as it will break these nodes and require adjustments. PolyScope will not fix these labels automatically.

Q: I have a Euromap 12 IMM that I want to integrate with the IMMI, how to I accomplish this?

A: A custom adapter must be constructed. Off the shelf adapters will vary in their wiring and functionality, so it is best to thoroughly understand Euromap 12 and 67 before choosing an adapter. SPI AN 146 is a paid document similar to Euromap 67, however it contains wiring diagrams for constructing an SPI AN 116 IMM to SPI AN 146 robot adapter. This involves using safety relays for the emergency stop and device safety channels.

Q: How do I distinguish what version of Euromap is installed on an IMM?

A: Reference the owner’s manual of the IMM. Or locate the jumper/dummy plug attached to the IMM and unplug it to reveal the connections. You physically have to disconnect the jumper to look at the configurations – Euromap 12 and Euromap 67 are indistinguishable from looking at the outer bulkhead housing. Euromap 12 has 32 total connections and uses 2 rows of pins/sockets per side. Euromap 67 has 50 total connections (not all are used) and has 3 rows of pins/sockets per side.

Q: We want to make the IMM stop the operator from crushing the robot arm in between the open mold when he or she manually “close mold”. Would we be using Mold Area Free light curtain?, if so, how to implement that in Polyscope?

A: Yes you would use the Mold Area Free electrical signal that is on the IMMI board. In Polyscope, there are no software settings to configure. The MAF signal is jumped by default from the factory, however you can remove that jumper (pictured below) and wire in your own 24V light curtain signal. When no 24V signal is sent to MAF, even if you permit mold close from the robot’s teach pendant, it will not send the permission to the IMM.

The MAF signal is not intended as a safety signal, rather it is a redundancy to prevent accidental machinery damage by not allowing the mold to close on the robot.