Single Axis Robots - Linear Actuators and Applications

A single-axis robot is commonly referred to as a 1-axis or single-axis robot. In injection molding automation, this typically describes a swing-type or linear sprue picker — such as Yushin's N-HOP — which uses one servo or pneumatic axis to extract sprues and runners from the mold area without full 3-axis take-out capability.

The HOP Five uses pneumatic actuation with a 5-position swing arm, making it a low-cost, low-maintenance entry-level sprue picker. The N-HOP upgrades to a single AC servo axis, delivering programmable speed and position profiles, quieter operation, reduced compressed-air usage, and finer repeatability — ideal for cells outgrowing pneumatic automation but not yet requiring a full 3-axis take-out robot.

The V-HOP and V-HOP-II series are specifically engineered for vertical and rotary-table injection molding machines. They are designed around the gravity orientation and shuttle or rotary cycle of vertical presses. The V-HOP-II variant adds extended reach and faster swing to accommodate higher-cavity vertical tools, making them ideal for insert molding and encapsulation applications.

Yushin's single-axis robots cover a broad tonnage range. The HOP Five supports approximately 30–250 ton horizontal IMMs, the N-HOP covers up to 300 ton, and the V-HOP/V-HOP-II series supports approximately 20–200 ton vertical presses. This range makes them suitable for small to mid-size molding operations across a variety of part and runner configurations.

Yes. Yushin's single-axis swing-type robots support optional integration with sprue separators, runner conveyor handoffs, and regrind systems. The N-HOP also supports downstream regrind integration with consistent drop placement. These options allow molders to build more complete automated cells without investing in a full multi-axis take-out robot system.

Yushin offers the GIIB Controller with a large LCD icon-based interface, SD card backup, and storage for up to 30 mold recipes across up to 12 languages. The CH Controller provides a 2-line LCD display with storage for 15 mold recipes. The N-HOP uses a Yushin servo controller with recipe memory, and the V-HOP series uses a controller adapted specifically for vertical-press cycle interlocks.